Starting a New Place for New People in your circuit

Why start a New Place for New People in your circuit?

A ‘mixed ecology of church’ is diverse ecosystem of both new and existing Christian communities, recognising that different forms of church will reach and enrich different people. This mixed ecology is vital in the changing context we inhabit.

A mixed ecology creates distinct yet interconnected spaces where both existing and new Christian communities can flourish, strengthening and influencing each other. It recognises that different forms of church require different ecosystems and that when these are resourced well, something transformative can happen.

The Methodist Church sees starting New Places for New People as a vital part of developing this mixed ecology.

How do I get started?

Creating New Places for New People requires listening deeply and responding to God with and alongside our local communities. Our aim is to see new people becoming disciples of Jesus and forming new Christian communities in a variety of contexts. We believe that in doing so, we will see lives and communities transformed by the love of God.

First Steps

• Get connected with your local network – connect with your District NPNP Lead.
• Get to know your community – connect with your Faith-Rooted Community Organising (FRCO) Lead.
• Familiarise yourself with what is already happening in your district – connect with your District NPNP oversight team.
• Familiarise yourself with the NPNP circuit process – Circuit NPNP Guide.
• Find others to share your hopes and vision with and pray together.

Next Steps

• If you are a pioneer – Join the Methodist Pioneering Pathways to network with others on the journey.
• If you are a church leader wanting to learn more about pioneering – explore the pioneer foundation module.
• If you ready to make a next step – come with a small team to the Beginning a New Place for New People course.

To help make this a reality, the Methodist Church is investing millions of pounds over the next several years. New Places for New People may be funded in different ways: through local church and circuit resources, sometimes with the help of district or other connexional funds, while some may not need funding at all.

Matched funding is available if needed, for circuits to start a new commitment or deepen an existing commitment to New Places for New People. However, the strategic long-term goal is for circuits and districts to build this into their normal annual budgets, deploying their own funding. Read our funding information.