Sometimes the best way to invite more people into Christian community is to start something new. As parts of the region expand and diversify, opportunities for new congregations arise. Some follow a pattern with which we are familiar. Some are creative responses to new circumstances. All are begun in partnership with others. If you are interested in conversation about a mission start, contact Assistant to Mission, Lynda Nordholm.
What is the Minneapolis Area Synod Doing?
Our New Starts
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is a Hmong new start congregation that is growing in the north metro area – they currently worship only online, but when in person they worship at St. Philip’s in Fridley at 1:00 pm on Sundays. Their pastor is Nhiabee Vang. Their worship online is all in their native language but when in person they make accommodations for English speakers. The overwhelming majority of people who worship there understand/speak English. Like the other ethnic specific ministries, they are a community that is centered on the cultural connections of the Hmong community in the Twin Cities.
Cristo Obrero
Cristo Obrero is a Spanish-speaking Latino new start congregation growing in Chaska. They currently accompany families and children at two mobile home parks in Shakopee and Chaska. Their mission developer is Pr. Jorge Espinoza. Worship currently happens on festival days, through they will grow to weekly worship. Mid-week, especially in the summer, they offer VBS and activities for kids. Check out their active Facebook page.
Tapestry
Tapestry is a bi-lingual new start congregation that has been growing in Richfield. They currently worship on the first and third Sundays of the month, at 5 pm, at Oak Grove Lutheran and worship if fully bi-lingual. Their mission developer is Pr. Melissa Gonzalez and their deacon is Deacon Josue Gonzalez. Their ministry is focused on accompanying Latino immigrants, including offering ESL classes twice during the week and they also offer Spanish classes once a week. They always welcome guests who want to develop relationships with them (individually and as a community). Check out their Facebook page.
What is the ELCA Doing?
In the ELCA, 385 new ministries are currently under development, and more than 35 have begun so far this year. Since the beginning of the ELCA, 510 new ministries have become organized congregations. More than half of all new starts are among ethnic/multicultural communities, and 27 percent are being developed among people experiencing poverty.