Along the way of developing Ecclesia I’ve had several people ask me in one way or another “Didn’t you spend 5 years doing research on networks before Ecclesia started?”  This is then usually followed by a next obvious question, “When are you going to share what you discovered?”

While, it is true that I spent 5 years researching how God was moving in the development of a new kind of connectional church, it is a bit off the mark that I did this before Ecclesia began.  I had done a great of research and interviewing before we officially began Ecclesia and those early discoveries were extremely helpful in the initial formation of our network.  However, a great deal of the investigation has continued over the last several years and though less intense than it once was, still continues today.  I’ve not tried to share before what I discovered (except for the few people that were willing to read my long doctoral dissertation), but now seems like a good time to do so (mostly so that people will get off my back about my lack of blogging/writing ).

So, over the next year I’ll try to lay out a number of the things I discovered during those five years (and some subsequent observations and conclusions as well).  While Ecclesia has certainly not delved into all these waters, in some way they have formed who we are becoming today.  I’m going to start by doing a series of posts on the Core Practices of new church networks and for the purposes of our own network, this most easily translates into the “work” that we do.

What is essential to understand in these series of posts is that often I will alternate back and forth between talking about a “network” and “denomination”.  While you could press down on the differences between these two things (and there are certainly some) – what they both have at their core is the essential DNA of being a trans-local, covenanted community focused on collaborative gospel work together.  The ways and patterns of organization, the type of hierarchy, the theological dispositions, etc certainly all change, and in different seasons of history, some have made greater sense than others (and the lack of change could be part of their struggles today).In the wider scope of “ecclesiology” they belong in the same family.

I certainly consider Ecclesia more of a network than a denomination, though we would share much of the same DNA has some denominations (particularly those that are congregationally focused and are more accurately an “association” of churches instead of a “denomination).  Another way of saying this is that for some churches in Ecclesia, our network connects to their congregational life just as a denomination would for some other church.  For others, Ecclesia is really a network they are part of in addition to a denomination and they connect to Ecclesia for some slightly different reasons.  Of course, if we currently have 30 churches involved and another 10 in process they are all somewhere slightly different on that spectrum and THAT is one of the marks of what makes us a network and not a denomination.

The goal of the Ecclesia Northeast Region is to provide spaces and opportunities to interact formally and informally for connection, support, equipping and training in the Northeast region of the U.S. One of those spaces/opportunities for connection is through meet-ups – spaces to connect with others who are a part of Ecclesia (pastors, elders and lay-leaders) and others who may not be a part of the network, but who would benefit from connection among other missional-minded people who love the church and want to see the kingdom flourish in the Northeast.

We will be having our Ecclesia NE regional winter meet-up on Thursday February 2nd at 10 am in the upstairs cafe at Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

This is free of charge (but you are on your own for buying lunch) and will provide some structure, but it is not an ‘event.’ The goal is that we provide enough structure for focused conversation – but flexible enough for connection to happen naturally. Church planting and pastoring can be difficult and can involve isolation. These times of connection allow spaces to remind us that we are not in this kingdom work alone. We will meet from 10am to noon and then head downstairs to enjoy lunch together. We have picked the location because Whole Foods is right off the exit of the PA turnpike and allows easy access for travelers who are coming from NY, NJ and Central PA.

We’d love for you to join us – and feel free to invite others from your church and forward this invite on to other pastors you think would benefit from this time.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Blessings,

J.R. Briggs

Ecclesia Northeast Regional Coordinator

“We endeavor to live out the Way of Jesus in innovative forms through an incarnational approach within our context. As such, we are learning to live like Jesus individually and together – amongst friends, neighbors, and future friends – in a way that expresses God’s Kingdom more fully. In this way, we hope to cultivate the formation of more missional communities in our neighborhoods of Boise, and to seed other missional communities around the city, throughout the Northwest, and the world.”

“As one of our leaders headed off to seminary, we decided to meet up every six months or so for a retreat. We shared meals, laughed, caught up on stories, and pressed into God seeking vision about the future. When our church officially went “public” we met in a home for four months before moving into a church building next to the University of Miami. A handful of families within the community are in the process of relocating to this neighborhood. We want to commit to a people and a place. It seems everybody is into upward-mobility these days but we feel Jesus calling us to practice downward mobility; to live close enough to share possessions, have common prayer times, and help raise one another’s kids. We like the idea of a network of neighborhood churches working together – so once we have enough people coming to our church from another part of the city we’ll look at starting a neighborhood church there.

We chose the name Rhythm because that single word describes the sort of common life we’re seeking. Through daily and weekly practices we’re trying to align our lives to a common rhythm – a rhythm that’s in tune with God’s kingdom, that revolves around worship and mission, loving God and loving others. Rhythm is co-pastored by Keas Keasler and Matt Alexander.”

In this season of thanksgiving, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for all those who are connected to Ecclesia and to Jesus for the work He is doing among us. This has been one of the most exciting and fruitful years in our short history. Not only are more people seeking us out to plant new congregations, but more existing congregations are being drawn into the Ecclesia family as they discover what it means to be in a network that is doing life and mission together in these unprecedented times.

This year also brought along conversations with several existing denominations that want to spur new forms of church planting and how we might work together more concretely. The more time goes on, the more sure I am that we are filling a critical and unique space in the wider landscape of God’s movement in these days. Next month, I’ll also have some exciting staff announcements to share with you. Until then, please peruse the news on this update, check out the links, and don’t forget to register for the National Gathering.

Chris Backert

Register for the National Gathering!

March 5-7, 2012

This is just a reminder to register early for the Ecclesia National Gathering and receive the best price possible! The early bird rate is available through December 31st.

Our focus this year is on how our churches can function as centers of reconciliation, where we learn through the power of the Spirit to live as one reconciled family of God across racial, economic, and generational lines.

We’re blessed to have Dr. John Perkins, Dr. Ivy Beckwith and Dr. AJ Swaboda joining and leading our conversation. More info and register here.

Listen and Subscribe to the Ecclesia Leadership Podcast

One of the things that has always been a mark of Ecclesia is the conversations we get to have when we are face to face. Since we can often go a year between those we’ve developed the Ecclesia Leadership Podcast. This is built around casual conversation with leaders in and around the network on how different church communities are understanding mission in their context. John Chander and Todd Hiestand are the hosts and the first few recordings from (Winn Collier, Clay Carver and Leslie Webster, AJ Swoboda) are on iTunes and definitely worth your time! This week Todd and John will be recording a conversation with Eric Phillips of East End Ecclesia in Pittsburg. Be sure to check it out early next week.

View it on our website here and iTunes here.

Church Planters Assessment

December 9-10, 2011 | Richmond, VA

We know it’s last minute, but we can include one more planter/couple in our Fall planters assessment this December. If you are looking towards church planting with Ecclesia, this is an important step. If you are interested in participating, please email Chris at chris.backert@ecclesianet.org immediately.

Funding the Mission: Ministry Partner Development Training

December 6 – 8, 2011

Funding is often an issue and barrier for missional leaders, preventing them from moving into the hopes God has placed in their heart. Recognizing the missionary nature of our ministry context here in the US, Ecclesia regularly hosts trainings related to fundraising for God’s mission. Based on 20+ years of experience in raising funds for mission, the process of this training will equip you with the necessary mindset and tools to be an effective fundraiser for ministry. 15 + people are attending this years equipping time and we have a few spots left. For more information, or to register, visit the Ecclesia website here.

Welcome Rythm Church (Miami, FL) to the Ecclesia Network!

Rhythm Church began brewing about three years before it was actually planted. That’s when a circle of friends in Miami began feeling that God was calling us to give birth to a fresh expression of the church in the future. The simple question we began with was, “What does it look like tofollow Jesus in the place and time?

“As one of our leaders headed off to seminary, we decided to meet up every six months or so for a retreat. We shared meals, laughed, caught up on stories, and pressed into God seeking vision about the future. When our church officially went “public” we met in a home for four months before moving into a church building next to the University of Miami. A handful of families within the community are in the process of relocating to this neighborhood. We want to commit to a people and a place. It seems everybody is into upward-mobility these days but we feel Jesus calling us to practice downward mobility; to live close enough to share possessions, have common prayer times, and help raise one another’s kids. We like the idea of a network of neighborhood churches working together – so once we have enough people coming to our church from another part of the city we’ll look at starting a neighborhood church there.

We chose the name Rhythm because that single word describes the sort of common life we’re seeking. Through daily and weekly practices we’re trying to align our lives to a common rhythm – a rhythm that’s in tune with God’s kingdom, that revolves around worship and mission, loving God and loving others. Rhythm is co-pastored by Keas Keasler and Matt Alexander.”

Welcome Church Planters Worth & Beth Wheeler and Boised Mustard Seed (Boise, ID) to the Ecclesia Network!

Boise Mustard Seed is a newly forming church community of Jesus followers who have their hearts set on living out the grace and peace of Christ in the city of Boise and the Greater Boise Metro Area

“We endeavor to live out the Way of Jesus in innovative forms through an incarnational approach within our context. As such, we are learning to live like Jesus individually and together – amongst friends, neighbors, and future friends – in a way that expresses God’s Kingdom more fully. In this way, we hope to cultivate the formation of more missional communities in our neighborhoods of Boise, and to seed other missional communities around the city, throughout the Northwest, and the world.”

March 5-7, 2012
Our focus this year is on how our churches can function as centers of reconciliation, where we learn through the power of the Spirit to live as one reconciled family of God across racial, economic, and generational lines.

We’re blessed to have Dr. John Perkins, Dr. Ivy Beckwith and Dr. AJ Swaboda joining and leading our conversation.

• More info and register here.
• Read a recent post by JR Rozko on why he’s going to be there.

Listen and Subscribe to the Ecclesia Leadership Podcast

One of the things that has always been a mark of Ecclesia is the conversations we get to have when we are face to face. Since we can often go a year between those we’ve developed the Ecclesia Leadership Podcast.  This is built around casual conversation with leaders in and around the network on how different church communities are understanding mission in their context.  John Chander and Todd Hiestand are the hosts and the first two recordings are on iTunes and definitely worth your time!
View it on our website here and iTunes here.

Ecclesia Receives $50,000 Grant v3 initiative of the Baptist General Association of Virginia!!

We are pleased to announce that Ecclesia has received a $50,000 grant toward new initiatives.  We are extremely grateful to the BGAV for it’s generosity to our growing family at this early stage.  This is a tremendous milestone for our network, as others are beginning to see the strength of what Jesus is doing among our family.  Specifically, this grant will help to bolster regional activity within Ecclesia and will help to launch the theological coalition that we are helping to spearhead along with several other seminaries and networks/denominations with a similar spirit and disposition to Ecclesia.  Unfortunately, the terms of the grant do not help us meet any of our existing and ongoing needs.  So – your contributions are still as important as ever!

A New Church For A New World: A Fresh Expressions Vision Day

At it’s core, Ecclesia is committed to the development of missional churches that are focused on reaching our growing Post-Christian society. We are also a network that is dedicated to collaboration with other like-minded people. Earlier this year, Ecclesia joined into a partnership with several other denominations and church networks to start an initiative called Fresh Expressions US. Fresh Expressions was originally started in England, and it has resulted in the birth of 3,000 new communities in the UK alone Fresh Expressions has also spread to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and is now taking shaping in the US. At it’s heart, Fresh Expressions is a movement dedicated to cultivating new kinds of church alongside existing congregations.

This years Northeast Regional takes a look at the need for new kinds of church expressions along with how to go about starting them. Dave Fitch, JR Woodward, JR Briggs, Chris Backert, and several others will be helping to guide the time.

Download the Brochure for more information on A New Church For A New World: A Fresh Expressions Vision Day

Date

October 6, 2011 at Biblical Theological Seminary; 9am – 4:30pm

Registration / Cost

Cost: $25 (includes lunch) - Registration for this event will be through the Fresh Expressions site and not the Ecclesia site. You can register here.

What is Fresh Expressions?

As someone once said … “if you have a new world – you need a new church”. Fresh Expressions is a movement that is cultivating new kinds of church alongside existing congregations, in order to reach our new world. Begun in England 8 years ago, it has resulted in the birth of 3,000 new communities in the UK alone. Fresh Expressions has spread to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and is now taking shape in the US.

So far, 2011 has been spent deepening roots in a city with tough soil. Over the last few years, Kairos Hollywood has rounded the five-year mark as a church plant and we’re now approaching ten, with the last few years being marked by significant change and transition. While instability is one of the more common threads connecting new city dwellers in Los Angeles, and especially Hollywood, this year in particular we have been trying to practice and live into some of the long-term rootedness we feel God calling us to.

Throughout the summer, we have limited our large (usually weekly) Sunday Gathering to every other week in order to give our community the time, space, and energy to engage our neighbors and city in new ways. In the last few months, our mid-sized communities have adopted “City Ministries” – long-term, regular partnerships or commitments to join God’s redemptive work with a specific demographic or location in mind. We desire to see these ministry partnerships grow deep into the DNA of Kairos Hollywood and our neighborhood.

We’ve continued to prune and cultivate our church structure to be more conducive to discipleship. We are now working to begin the third round of “discipleship workshops,” intentionally small, committed, and closed groups focused on spiritual formation and discipleship. While we don’t think there is a “silver bullet” that can cure the church’s discipleship problem, we are moving forward in faith that the people of Kairos will “clothe themselves in Christ” allowing our community in Hollywood to better reflect Christ’s redemptive work.

While there’s always more room to grow and live into God’s new reality for our city, it’s exciting to see that “it’s happening.” Our desire to see our community experience life and breakthrough in our relationship with God – it’s happening. Our desire to grow deeper in our relationships with each other – it’s happening. Our desire to see Kairos Hollywood move past the walls of the “church building” and “be the church” in our city – it’s happening.

Our prayer is that, God-willing, these things will continue to happen as our community continues to live into God’s faithful promises.

Christ Church’s mission is to join God in the renewal of all things by planting a network of missional communities in the neighborhoods and networks of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Doing church this way requires a foundation a discipling culture and a lot of leaders, so our first step in the process has been to simply spend time discipling people who will be leading missional communities and discipling others.

We have spent the first half of 2011 discipling leaders in Huddles and modeling missional community life as a church. This summer four new Huddles were started by people in our initial Huddle, and we are working toward launching 2-3 Missional Communities on September 25. We’ll be spending the rest of the summer strengthening the relational bonds of our core group of leaders (creating the “extended family” atmosphere MCs need), training our core leaders in relational mission so they can disciple others into this, and helping MC leaders clarify and hone their vision and start well.

It has been great to see the growth that has happened in people as they step out in mission and leadership. Those who have embraced the call to make disciples and join with Jesus in his mission are the ones who are bearing the most kingdom fruit, and it’s exciting to be able to part of equipping people to make disciples who can make disciples. We’re excited to see where God takes us this fall after we launch our MCs.