ABOUT

Community definitions

Based on numerous conversations with PC(USA) seminary leaders and with colleagues in Evangelism and Church Growth, Theology, Worship and Education, and Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries, here is what we believe a new worshiping community is. We have also incorporated comments from Presbyterian Mission Agency members and mid council leaders. Our hope is that this working definition will provide both clarity and inspiration for this 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement.  
 
A New Worshiping Community is . . .
 
Brief Definition
• New

• Taking on varied forms of church for our changing culture

• Seeking to make and form new disciples of Jesus Christ

• Worshiping

• Gathered by the Spirit to meet Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament
• Sent by the Spirit to join God’s mission for the transformation of the world

• Community

• Practicing mutual care and accountability
• Developing sustainability in leadership and finances

Long Definition

• New

• Taking on varied forms of church for our changing culture

Living out the gospel demands ministry that engages today’s cultures (John 1:14). New ways of joining Christians together for contextual ministry will use current and historic ways of “being church” as springboards for creative innovation (Matt. 9:17).

• Seeking to make and form new disciples of Jesus Christ

NWCs witness in word and deed (1 John 3:18), continuing Jesus’ own mission of discipling, feeding, teaching, healing, welcoming, crossing boundaries, and proclaiming God’s coming realm. Those with new and renewed faith join the Spirit’s transforming work in the world.
 
• Worshiping

• Gathered by the Spirit to meet Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament

We seek to hear, come to believe, and are equipped to live the promises of God revealed in the Old and New Testaments. NWCs welcome new members of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27) through Baptism  and are nourished by Christ’s spiritual presence in the Lord’s Supper.

• Sent by the Spirit to join God’s mission for the transformation of the world

The Spirit impels us outward, so that worshipers participate in the redemption of the world in Christ (Col. 1:20). Therefore, the primary beneficiaries of the NWC are not its own members but rather its community and world.
 
• Community

• Practicing mutual care and accountability

We commit ourselves to love one another (John 13:34) in relationships of mutual care and accountability, as faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Entrusting ourselves and the church to the Holy Spirit, we seek to grow to maturity in faith and life.

• Developing sustainability in leadership and finances

As distinct yet connected expressions of the body of Christ, NWCs have local leadership arising from their own community of faith (Exod. 18:21). Pastoral leadership, facilities, and programs are all appropriately structured in order to demonstrate good and faithful stewardship.