Starting New Christian Communities

Starting new Christian communities is generally considered one of the most effective means of connecting new people, new people groups, and new residents to Christian exploration, community and discipleship. They give us opportunity to engage with people who we are unlikely to reach through our existing churches. Starting new Christian communities makes it easier for us to change our narrative from "come and join us" to "let's journey together", to explore life in all its fullness in new forms moulded in trusting relationships. Starting something new and unique can be energising, but also isolating, frustrating, lonely and disconcerting. Your district is ready to support you on this journey.

The district team is available to help you start from the very beginning. Together we can listen, discern and trust God to show us the way. Facilitating the development of many new Christian communities (also known as "New Places for New People") is a core component of the Connexional God for All strategy for evangelism and growth.

Our long established congregations can and do undertake all manner of excellent outreach to successfully extend invitation to new people. However new Christian communities are intentionally new independent congregations that will become recognised as "churches" in their own right as part of the Methodist family, rather then being a stepping stone into a congregation which already exists.

The Connexional Evangelism & Growth Team have prepared many helpful materials to how to go about the process. Again, you do not need to do this alone. Speak to your district Evangelism and Community Engagement Enabler and they will be able to help you get started.

Starting new Christian communities: A practical guide.