Missional Incubator

Missional

Loving people.
Engaging community on their terms and their turf.

Incubator

Space to dream. Growing dreams into reality. Unless it is the LORD who builds the house, the builders’ work is pointless. (Psalm 127:1)

What is the Missional Incubator?

The Missional Incubator is a nine-to-twelve-month program designed to equip and empower missional leaders and entrepreneurs to launch innovative, mixed-economy worshiping communities. These are new expressions of the one Church, contextually informed, mission-hearted ministries that integrate spiritual and practical impact. Led by Brian Clark, former pastor of Riverside, the Missional Incubator provides space, resources, and expert guidance to develop both the ministry vision and the business framework that will sustain it.

Who is this for?

The Missional Incubator is for pastors, church planters, community leaders, and faith-driven entrepreneurs who feel called to start new worshiping communities or fresh expressions of existing churches. Ideal participants are those ready to think creatively, engage their local context, and explore ministry models that reach people not drawn to traditional church.

Why are we doing this?

The National Capital Presbytery recognizes a pressing need for a proactive, intentional approach to starting new ministries. Declining church membership, the increasing number of church closures, and the widening cultural gap between the Church and emerging generations demand new strategies. A mixed-economy approach, offering multiple ways to be church alongside traditional expressions, provides both financial sustainability and broader community engagement.

How does it work?

Participants in the Missional Incubator will:

  • Develop a mission plan and business plan, identifying funding sources and potential investors.
  • Partner with outside experts in ministry, entrepreneurship, and community development.
  • Build connections in the local community through strategic introductions and relationship-building.
  • Design a ministry-business model that both funds the mission and creates new entry points for people to encounter the Gospel.

By the end of the program, the hope is for leaders will be equipped with a clear, actionable, and sustainable plan to launch a new expression of church that thrives in today’s ever-changing cultural landscape.

What if I'm interested but not associated with National Capital?

We are exploring options for other presbyteries to run a nine month pilot. If interested contact us. 

Get in Touch

Contact: Rev. Brian Clark

Upcoming Events

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Resources

Video Summary of Past Events

The “Who” Event lead guide Shannon Kiser, Director of Fresh Expressions North America, September 19

The “Why” Event lead guide John Molina Moore, General Presbyter National Capital Presbytery, October 21

Past Event Resources

Webinars and Podcasts

A conversation with Brian Clark (Director of the Missional Incubator), Amanda Holz (founding Director of Ridgetop Coffee and Tea) and Shannon Kiser (Director Fresh Expressions US)

Websites Links

Several helpful resources related to social enterprise including:

  • Good Futures Accelerator from our partnership with Rooted Good for PCUSA related NWCs and Congregations and Mid Councils at reduced PCUSA rate.  This is a self-administered, gamified discernment process all about helping a team develop clarity, consensus, and courage to develop thoughtful social enterprise.  You may already know about it.
  • How to Develop Well – for housing/mixed economy development on church property–related enterprises.
  • How to Rent Well – for mutually beneficial partnerships involved in leasing/renting
  • What About Taxes? – when mid councils, NWCs, congregations generate revenue beyond donations, a guide to structuring taxes to protect 501c3 status AND generate revenue broadly.

The Hatch Deck:
This deck contains over 100 beautifully designed profiles of faith-friendly social enterprises that innovators like you have “Hatched!” The profile cards represent industries as diverse as fishing, geo-mapping, real estate investment, and tattoo parlors! Each card features a different social enterprise, how it was founded, what it does, and how it engages with larger social issues and faith.

Articles

Books to Consider:

We Aren’t Broke

Mark Eldson

How Social Acquisitions Will Change the Face of Business

Just like Family Collaborative

When Not to Build

Ray Bowman and Eddy Hall

The Steward Investor

Donald E. Simmons, CFP

Win Win Capitalism

Just like Family Collaborative

Palaces for the People

Eric Klinenberg