What is this initiative all about?
1001 new worshiping communities is movement happening in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Across the PC(USA), God is raising up leaders in churches and presbyteries who are creating new worshiping communities. They are taking on new and varied forms of church for our changing culture. Primarily they are seeking to make and form new disciples of Jesus Christ, to change and transform the world.
How does my community get on the map?
We would love to get to know you a little. Once you give us your information, we will put you on the map. You’ll need to identify a leader for the community, let us know your contact info and list a website, facebook page or online presence if you have any.
Who is behind this website?
In June 2012, the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) declared a commitment to a churchwide movement that results in the creation of 1,001 worshiping communities in the next 10 years. At a grassroots level, new worshiping communities are joining this site to create a presence and connect with one another. The Presbyterian Mission Agency is coming alongside to fan the flames of this movement, to inspire and equip the wider church to participate in the creation of 1,001 new worshiping communities in the next 10 years.
Why are you doing this? Why is it necessary?
New worshiping communities will help the PC(USA) make the shift from an inward-focused, membership-maintenance model of church to a more outward, creative, and disciple-making expression of church.
What are some of the core assumptions?
There is nothing more transformative than the people of God gathered together to worship the risen Christ and sent out to serve the world in Christ’s name. God’s Spirit is moving throughout the church, whispering the same things and inspiring new models, fresh vision, and an awareness that is bringing God’s people to understand and embrace again the truth that “It’s all about congregations.” The most effective evangelism tool is to start new communities of faith. These new worshiping communities are the most strategic way to reach new generations, new residents, and new populations that established churches are not reaching. Worshiping communities are defined by Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”