Introducing "Cultivate"

 A Movement to Nurture Organic Faith Communities in Northwest Washington 

Wild Church  |  Pub Church  |   Dinner Church  |  Bowling Church  |  Dog Park Church

  Creative Church  |  Potluck Church  |  Archery Church  |  Gardening Church  |  Kayak Church

Do you have an idea for a new ministry experiment?
Would you like to see something new in your congregation or community?   

Connect with Pastor Judy Brennan for more info.

 

  • “Fresh Expressions” are newer forms of Christian community that focus on reaching people who are not currently connected to traditional church settings and are often rooted in everyday activities or interests.  These ministries make space for lay leaders, deacons, and pastors to use both traditional as well as innovative forms of church to live out Christ’s mission.

 

  • “Cultivate” is how we describe these “Fresh Expression” style ministries in our NWWA Synod context.  Guided by the Spirit, we hope to encourage the Church (all of us) to try new things, not to replace the old, but to help foster a “mixed ecology of church” – where the old and new are mutually supportive of each other.  Cultivate hopes to nurture organic faith communities, new worship experiences, and experimental evangelism while growing new lay leaders.

 

Cultivate Project Vision

  • Cultivate are encouraging new forms of church that are primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church.
  • These are missional, contextual, formational, and ecclesial – which means they are relevant to the people and cultures in which they take place.
  • They aim to connect with people where they are, in their everyday lives, rather than expecting people to come to a traditional church building.

Key Principles

  • Listening – deeply listening to the needs and desires of the people they are trying to reach.
  • Service – prioritize serving others and making a difference in the community.
  • Incarnational Mission – seeking to live out the gospel in a tangible way, being present in the world and engaging with people where they are.
  • Making Disciples – focus on helping people grow in their faith and becoming followers of Jesus.

 

  • Synod Authorized Worshipping Communities (SAWCs) and New Starts are still important, but they tend to be expensive, clergy dependent, and based on 20th century assumptions and expectations. Fresh Expressions are usually lay-led and seek to help congregations who long to try new things but don’t always know where to start.   We also want to explore how to network and support new and existing practitioners and communities as we nurture these holy innovations.

 

  • Have more questions?  Contact DEM Judy Brennan or reach out to the Cultivate Leadership Team (Rev. Emma Donohew, Holly McElroy, Mandy Neill, Rev. Wilma Reyes, Rev. Erik Samuelson, Cindy Shultz, Rev. Cara Tanis)
 
NWWA Synod resources available to you:
  • Coaching and consulting for leaders or organizations who want to experiment
  • Connections to other experimental ministries and leaders
  • Experiential learning and training events
  • Curated books, websites, and more - like this Document & Video
  • Cultivate “Seed Money” Grants go up to $500 to help individuals and communities try new “Fresh Expression” style ministries in their context.  To apply and learn more about “Seed Money” Grants click here.  
  • Coming Soon… Cultivate “Green House” Grants…