New Worshiping Communities
What is a New Worshiping Community (NWC)?
A New Worshiping Community is … A Fresh expression of the church defined by our mission. They are new in that they are seeking to make and form new disciples of Jesus Christ and they are taking on varied forms of church for our changing culture. They are worshiping in that they are gathered by the Spirit to meet Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament and sent by the Spirit to join God’s mission for the transformation of the world. They are a community in that they are practicing mutual care and accountability and developing sustainability in leadership and finances. For a more detailed definition click here.
To view the complete video series of NCP New Worshiping Communities visit our YouTube Channel
Why is the PCUSA creating so much space and funds for NWC’s?
In June 2012, the 220th General Assembly declared a commitment to a churchwide movement that results in the creation of 1,001 worshiping communities over the next 10 years. At a grassroots level, hundreds of diverse new worshiping communities have already formed across the nation. The Presbyterian Mission Agency is coming alongside to fan the flames of this movement, to inspire and equip the wider church to participate in the creation of 1,001 new worshiping communities in the next 10 years. The PCUSA believes this is a movement that will bring about new and varied ways of doing Church for a changing and diverse culture.
What is the role of NCP in starting and maintaining a NWC?
The role of NCP in starting and maintaining a NWC is to be a supportive and guiding presence. NCP will help someone navigate the 1001 New Worshipping Community process smoothly, help them form partnerships with congregations already established within the NCP, be able to provide up-to-date information, peer cohorts, trainings, and funding when appropriate. NCP’s goal is to help churches grow and they believe through the 1001 movement, growth will happen both for NWC’s and already established congregations. Here is a more detailed statement on NCP’s role in connecting your NWC with a partner church.
If you would like to learn more about the process of becoming a 1001 NWC click Here.
Contact info for 1001:
Assessments: michael.gehrling@pcusa.org
Apprenticeships/ Residencies/Cohorts: sara.hayden@pcusa.org
Coaching: jeff.eddings@pcusa.org
Training: sean.chow@pcusa.org
Funding: jon.moore@pcusa.org tim.mccallister@pcusa.org
Contact the 1001 New Worshiping Communities Coordinator, nikki.collins@pcusa.org
Questions? Contact Eva Slayton, administrative assistant, at eva.slayton@pcusa.org or 800-728-7228, ext. 5244
The NCP New Things Team
Rev. Casey Thompson, Chair
Rev. Adele Crawford
Rev. Layne Brubaker
Rev. Derek Longbrake
Elder Yaw Obeng
Rev. Alice Tewell
Rev. Elizabeth Brookens-Sturman
NCP Staff Resources: Rev. John Molina-Moore and New Things Admin., Tempest Davis