This years Annual Conference we passed a sweeping emphasis on establishing new congregations in Virginia. The goal is to plant 250 new congregations in the next 30 year, about eight churches a year. These churches, however, do not have to be traditional plants (brand new congregations with new pastors), but can be, and here is the exciting part, any of the following also (from the part of the pasted motion)
o Progeny Congregation: A new faith community which has a separate
and independent administrative and ministry structure from the Anchor
congregation.
o Satellite Congregation: A new faith community whose administrative
and ministry structure is connected to the Anchor congregation.
o Church Within a Church: When a new, and separate, worship service and
discipleship system is created in order to meet the needs of a radically
different population than the existing church currently serves (e.g.,
Korean, Hispanic, youth, recovery, etc.)
o Partnered Congregations: Two or more churches partnering in a new
expression of worship and disciple making ministries that do not
currently exist.
o House Church: A community of disciples multiplied by intentional small
group focus in multiple settings. These communities meet weekly
with leaders who are trained, supervised and nurtured by a pastor.
Communities have a stated purpose of multiplying and engaging in
mission individually and/or as a group. The sacramental life of the
community is provided by an appointed pastor.
o Virtual Congregation: An on-line (e.g., “Second Life Faith Community”)
that is an extension of a sponsoring congregation. This community
of disciples meets virtually with members who covenant to receive
sacraments and engage in mission of a local sponsoring congregation.
This just one of a multitude of ideas to expand outreach to the unchurched in our communities. I find it very interesting and exciting...our 6/16/10 (see below post) is very much a part of this push by our Annual Conference!!