The New Church Ministry team met Rev. Debbie Griffin, the Senior Minister of Downtown Disciples, last summer at General Assembly (GA). Since the pastor’s congregation is based in Des Moines, IA, it offered worship services, hosted pre-assembly activities for general ministries, prepared a meal for regional ministers, and chaired the local GA mission committee. All of that as a … Continue reading Doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly together in Des Moines
“We walk with our community:” How new church planters are doing ministry
UrbanMission, a joint congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC) and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), lies at the intersection of White Avenue and Ninth Street in Pomona, CA. The city sits just north of a men's prison, and is one of the areas in which formerly incarcerated individuals are released. South Pomona struggles with … Continue reading “We walk with our community:” How new church planters are doing ministry
The LabOratory Church provides a safe space for health, healing, and hope in Indianapolis
Rev. Amie Vanderford has experienced trauma. She knows what it’s like to distrust others; how damaging isolation can be to recovery. That’s why she and her husband, Thaddeus Shelton, launched The LabOratory Church. This new Indianapolis church offers safe space for those with mental illness to worship, cultivate strong connections and seek healing. New Church Ministry spoke with Pastor … Continue reading The LabOratory Church provides a safe space for health, healing, and hope in Indianapolis
Why I am grateful for pastors
During the month of October, we have an opportunity to honor the ones we so often take for granted. The ones that we desperately seek out for advice before making a major decision; the ones we long to see in times of sorrow, bereavement or illness; the ones who encourage us and/or correct us with … Continue reading Why I am grateful for pastors
What it means to be free: a conversation with womanist preachers
Women’s Equality Day was observed in the US on August 26 to commemorate the passing of the 19th amendment, which prohibits states from denying the right to vote to any citizen based on sex. In honor of this day, Nadine Compton conducted an interview on behalf of New Church Ministry with Rev. Dr. Irie Session and Rev. Kamilah Hall Sharp, … Continue reading What it means to be free: a conversation with womanist preachers