Centro Familiar Cristiano UMC in Melvindale was recently awarded the inaugural Resilient Church Award at SCD 2026, recognizing churches that persevere through adversity.
FAITH GREEN TIMMONS
Michigan Conference Communications
Throughout a local church’s life cycle, there may be moments when a door seems to close, leaving a congregation facing what feels like a final ending, only to find beauty in the ashes. Stories like this remind us of the importance of holding on to our hope in the promise of resurrection and revival rather than settling for nominal survival. Such decisions often arise in seasons or even in brief moments when planned trajectories and envisioned futures appear to fracture.
The journey of Centro Familiar Cristiano (CFC) UMC in Melvindale, just outside Detroit, exemplifies the broader theme of church resilience. Last week, at a vibrant gathering in Columbus, Ohio, this United Methodist congregation was named the inaugural recipient of the SCD 2026 Resilient Church Award, which recognizes churches that demonstrate extraordinary perseverance, adaptability, and lasting impact — qualities that resonate with faith leaders seeking renewal and perseverance in their communities.
The path to this recognition was forged through a challenging ten-year journey of transformation amid trials. Roughly a decade ago, the future of this Hispanic community-focused ministry was in doubt. Many members believed the most likely outcome was permanent closure. In 2015, the church building closed, and a new chapter began, only for the congregation to be forced to relocate again in 2018 due to the construction of a new bridge. That upheaval was followed almost immediately by the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Throughout the pandemic, CFC’s membership did not decline. They did not lose a single member, shared church pastor Rev. Patricia Gandarilla. “However, immigration challenges also changed the environment in which many of our families were living,” she said. “People needed more than a place to worship. They needed encouragement, community, food, spiritual support, and a place where they could feel that they belonged. These challenges taught us that the church must remain flexible and willing to go where the people are, even when we lose members due to immigration challenges. God continues to work.”
Reflecting on that pivotal period, Rev. Gandarilla recounted the immense faith required to make the difficult decision to let go of the past. By relinquishing familiar traditions and trusting in God’s providence, the congregation realigned their mission to serve the Hispanic and Latiné community throughout Southeast Michigan. This practical adaptability demonstrated extraordinary resilience that SCD leaders believe other churches can emulate. Humbly, she adds, “Our congregation has demonstrated that when we remain faithful to God’s call, challenges can become opportunities for new ministry.”
However, the most recent hurdle to surmount has been the impact of the immigration crackdown and the fear that this has caused. Once seen as sanctuaries, Hispanic and ethnic churches today are finding it increasingly challenging to remain the soul-serving, “sensitive locations” of protection that they once were. CFC is one of thousands of ministries across the nation that struggle to balance spiritual missions with the practical and emotional impact of immigration enforcement on vulnerable communities, including mixed-status families. Despite that, they continue to grow and thrive, which their pastor attributes to God and to the assistance of others, such as retired Michigan Conference elder Rev. Dirk Elliott.
CFC’s growth is deeply connected to the work of Rev. Elliott, whose guidance Pastor Gandarilla credits as a key factor in the success of her new church start. Elliott’s Vital Merger strategy offers a structured, step-by-step model for creating vibrant ministries by intentionally joining congregations together. Diverging from traditional mergers that focus primarily on survival, the Vital Merger approach is designed to amplify missional impact and effectively reach new communities.
Walking through CFC’s doors today makes it clear that resilience is a way of life. The congregation’s impact is tangible through programs such as its food pantry, which serves 500 neighbors each week, and sewing classes that empower community members with dignity and skills.
One of the most cherished initiatives is the Sugar Crash summer program, an EngageMI project. This month-long July outreach provides a safe, nurturing space where local and immigrant children engage with Bible stories, recreation, and critical academic support in math and reading, with support from the Michigan Conference.
Beyond youth work, the church hosts the Consulado Sobre Ruedas (Mexican Consulate on Wheels), which provides primary document services to neighbors, and the Por un invierno acogedor fuera de casa (A Warm Winter Away from Home) clothing drive.
Perhaps the most telling sign of the spirit is the meal shared after worship every week — a simple, profound act of hospitality that fosters a genuine sense of belonging and community.
SCD, the annual gathering sponsored by Discipleship Ministries and formerly called the School of Congregational Development, is pursuing a notable shift toward a broader, deeper commitment to providing guidance globally, centered on three major principles: Seeing, Creating, and Discipling, known as the See, Create, Disciple pathway. Learn more about SCD.
The worthy goal is to encourage churches to:
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- observe where the Spirit is moving,
- innovate new ways to serve, and
- disciple believers to transform their communities.
Rev. Dirk Elliott also attended the SCD event and captured the spirit of the present shift in this statement: “I was excited to lead a workshop on church partnerships and mergers . . . and I was also blessed as the conference gave the 2026 Resilient Church Award to Pastor Patricia and Centro Familiar Cristiano. It showcases the cultivation of our awareness and understanding of the diversity of cultures, inspiring us all to listen and respond to God’s call in our unique contexts.”
West Ohio Conference Officer of Congregational Development Brad Aycock had the benefit of witnessing the event in his own backyard, describing the annual gatherings as the “Super Bowl” of United Methodist meetings, where attendees participate to learn, grow, and connect without tension or debate.
As the future unfolds with the conference theme “RISE UP: Love, Serve, and Lead” and the launch of the SCD Connect digital platform, the story of Centro Familiar Cristiano remains a powerful witness and a “feather in the cap” for Michigan United Methodists, reminding us all that endings are not the final word when a congregation is willing to listen, adapt, and trust that new life is breathed into being as we heed the Holy Spirit’s movement in our midst.
The publication of this article was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on August 18, 2026