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
Celebrating 1,000 New Churches… and Counting!
In 2001 the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada embraced a bold vision: to start 1,000 new churches in 1,000 different ways by the year 2020. And we did it! We started 1,000 new churches... and counting! Today, we have welcomed more than 1,034 new faith communities into the Church. The … Continue reading Celebrating 1,000 New Churches… and Counting!
What does it mean to “love your neighbor” in the midst of a pandemic?
Faith leaders have their hands full trying to figure out new ways of being church together in this season of social distancing. Congregations may also be looking for safe, innovative ways to respond to unprecedented needs in the community. Create and Continue Community Connection from your Couch This episode of New Church Hacks offers suggestions … Continue reading What does it mean to “love your neighbor” in the midst of a pandemic?
If you were to imagine the Church in ten years, what would you describe?
The religious landscape of North America is changing rapidly, with church membership and attendance on an accelerated decline. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of adults in the United States who self-identify as Christian has fallen by more than 10% during the last decade, and in Canada, that trend has followed the same … Continue reading If you were to imagine the Church in ten years, what would you describe?
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