Training

The 2020-2021 Apprentices and Residents just kicked off our first ever totally virtual cohort during the National Apprenticeship Training, July 6-8, 2020. We may be socially distanced, but the world of starting beautiful new beloved communities continues, and so does our apprenticeship!

If you are currently leading an NWC and would like more support, or are exploring a call to be a part of this movement, we encourage you to apply to one of our apprenticeship and residency programs for 2021-2022.

The program, led by Sara Hayden, director of apprenticeships, residencies and leadership cohorts, has three major components:

• Inaugurating a contextual and transformative new ministry from scratch
• Participating in a cohort of peers and mentors for reflection, training and discernment
• Learning through a professional coaching session every three weeks

“We invest heavily in the apprenticeship model because we believe this work cannot be fruitfully done in isolation,” Hayden said. “Our peer cohort component encourages humility and mutual support. Concrete training gives participants access to insights many of us have learned the hard way and, over time, spiritual direction. Coaching ensures the work is contextual and sustainable, gospel-formed, motivated and inspired.”

Current program participants took part this summer in antiracism training led by the Open Table, a 1001 New Worshiping Community in Kansas City. The group also spent time team-building, experimenting with diverse models of worship, receiving asset-based leadership analysis training in StrengthsFinder, missional theological training, and developing skills in entrepreneurial leadership and faith-based formation.

Regardless of the program, all accepted applicants receive:

• discerning and starting new ministries from scratch
• a national training with all residents and apprentices during summer 2021
• a cohort of peers and mentors throughout the duration of the apprenticeship or residency
• one: one coaching with an experienced NWC coach
• a stipend to support their work

This program is open to people at any stage of the life. We have had college students, seminarians, seminary grads, pastors, and other professionals successfully complete an apprenticeship or residency.

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Part-time Apprenticeships

Resources

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Starting New Worshiping Communities
This resource walks you and your team through the five tasks of developing a new worshiping community: Establishing your identity, Discerning the vision, Exploring the possibilities, Finding missionary leaders, and Developing a plan.  Rather than a proscriptive plan or linear progression, Starting New Worshiping Communities guides you in a process of discernment.

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Documents

Applications

National Conference 2015 Brochure

Regional Gatherings

Each day we pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into the harvest field —Luke 10:2

Our regional gatherings are to prepare, equip, and sustain you for the ministry in which God has called you. Regardless if you are a lay leader or ordained, we have a spot for you. Join us as we come together to encourage and support each other.

The morning will include our featured speaker and small groups. In the afternoon, local practitioners will lead workshops. Come away refreshed, equipped, and supported. Our regional gatherings are to prepare, equip, and sustain you for the ministry in which God has called you. Regardless if you are a lay leader or ordained, we have a spot for you. Join us as we come together to encourage and support each other. The morning will have our featured speaker and small groups. In the afternoon, local practitioners will be leading workshops. Come away refreshed, equipped, and supported.

The cost is FREE! This is for elders, pastors, or anyone interested in 1001 NWCs. Lunch will on your own in small groups at local restaurants.