New Start Initiative
The New Start Initiative is part of the conference’s Vital Church Project. We believe that in order to grow healthy vital congregations that change lives and transform communities we need to start new faith communities, revitalize existing congregations, and establish life long learning practices.
During the last 20 years Oregon’s population has increased by approximately 35% while our church membership has declined by 27%. Studies have shown that most churches grow in the first 20 years of their life cycle yet the majority of churches in our conference are over 90 years old. At the same time our need for spiritual connection and guidance is greater than ever.
As people of faith we are called to create new forms of church to reach the increasing numbers of people who cannot or will not go to church as it exists now. Our new start initiatives speak directly to this by creating a supportive environment where creativity is unleashed in innovative ways to reach new people groups.
Our objective is to train 20 high potential leaders and start 5-8 new faith communities by June 2013.
Our New Start Intiative Team, formerly known as CDT is ready to support you with Leadership Training and Planting Support Resources. If God is calling you to start something new give us a call too!