Starting new churches is one of the key ways we reach new people of all ages and life circumstance and connect them with the body of Christ. The Minnesota Conference’s Office of Congregational Development is currently supporting 12 new faith communities and 10 congregations moving toward sustainability. New faith communities must be context-specific growth benchmarks in order to receive continued funding, and the goal is for each of them to become self-sustaining.
Here’s a look at the three stages of a new faith community’s life cycle and where each of the projects is now:
Description: Demonstrates potential for ministry; is a promising forum for United Methodist work and witness
New faith communities in this stage:
Description: Gaining traction and momentum; has evidence of indigenous energy and engagement beyond denominational leadership and resources
New faith communities in this stage:
Description: Has demonstrated signs of self-sufficiency; ministry model is capable of long-term, independent functioning beyond grant cycle
New faith communities in this stage:
There are many types of new church starts. They include:
Each year, the Minnesota Conference hosts a discernment retreat for clergy and laity who have gifts for and/or interest in church planting. The idea is to help people discern whether they are called to help plant new churches while cultivating a pool of well-equipped leaders prepared to reach people in new mission fields across the state. If you’re interested in learning more or attending the next retreat, e-mail Congregational Development Associate Gail Johnson.
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-0058