New Church Ministry is a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada that trains, equips, assists, and multiplies emerging and affiliating congregations and leaders from the DisciplesNEXT methodology, which focuses on contemplative action, prophetic advocacy, and faith-rooted organizing. Disciples Church Extension Fund is home to New Church Ministry.
Here are just some of the ways that we support pastors, movement initiators, and others:
Training
Leadership Academy
This interactive experience brings together clergy, laity, core teams, and undergraduate and seminary students (regardless of their denominational affiliation), to address missional transformation, dive into DisciplesNEXT, and explore finances, branding and marketing, and capital campaigns, alongside a cohort at the same stage in the church launch process. Join us online for our asynchronous course!
Equipping
IMPACT
This new webinar series focuses on storytelling and deep mutual learning, featuring guests from a wide range of religious backgrounds sharing their personal narratives and experiences. By exploring the challenges, triumphs, and transformative moments of these visionary leaders, attendees gain invaluable inspiration and direction for their own ventures. View our latest episode, Sacred Resistance: Moving Disciples from the Sanctuary to the Streets. Host and Minister of New Church Strategies Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez interviewed guests Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and Rev. Tanya Lopez about the violence in Minneapolis, Chicago, and other cities in the United States, and what our responses could be as Disciples of Christ.
Assisting
Coaching
Coaching is a one-on-one process of imparting to a leader the encouragement and skills they need to succeed in a task. New Church Ministry coaches walk alongside new/affiliating pastors and leaders to help them remain on track and accountable for the goals they have set for themselves and their faith communities.
Multiplying
For New Church teams
Is your region lacking a new church team or commission? Maybe it has one, but it’s struggling to get on its feet? If so, we’ve created and compiled resources just for you! This page on our website has a checklist for emerging congregations, a church covenant, and more.