New Worshiping Communities

New Worshiping Communities

Presbytery Staff Liaisons – Rev. Brian Wallace, Associate Minister, and Cathy Nelson, Executive Assistant

What We Do
New Worshiping Communities in Pittsburgh
Forms & Resources

What We Do

Across the PC(USA), God is raising up leaders in churches and presbyteries who are creating new worshiping communities which are exploring new and varied forms of church for our changing culture, seeking to make new disciples of Jesus Christ, and engaging communities with the love and justice of the gospel.  This in turn lead to a movement called 1001 New Worshiping Communities.  The New Worshiping Communities Commission helps individuals discern if they are feeling called to be a leader of a new worshiping community and help them connect with resources that will help in the discernment process.

New Worshiping Communities in Pittsburgh Presbytery

  • Commonwealth of Oakland
    The Commonwealth is a progressive, Jesus-centered community of faith. People from the city, the universities, and the street are gathering to create a community of peace in Oakland by practicing racial inclusion, generosity, creativity, storytelling, justice, and gratitude to God. We celebrate LGBTQIA+ people and queer folx are invited to be members and leaders and to have their marriages blessed by the community.
  • Community 341
    A new community worshipping at 1036 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15226, Pittsburgh, PA.  Phone 412-531-0590.
  • Harbor Online Community  – We are a community in which everyone belongs to each other and to God as we choose to live together into the reality of God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Every person who desires to belong here does—all races, sexualities, genders, nationalities, and even religious beliefs—because our God desires every single person who bears God’s image.
  • Hazelwood H.O.P.E
    Our mission is to connect people in the Greater Hazelwood community to God and help them to become fully developed disciples of Jesus Christ. Worshiping at 813 Smokey Wood Dr, Swissvale, PA 15218.
  • JUDAH Fellowship
    Our mission is to glorify God and enjoy God’s spirit, power, majesty, and above all LOVE forever; and then in turn be conduits of that same power and love to ALL of God’s people as we seek to further the work of Jesus Christ.  Email judahfellowship101@gmail.com.
  • Stonewall Abbey
    Stonewall Abbey is a refuge for spiritual wanderers, outcasts, and orphans to explore spirituality and faith. This is a home for some and a resourcing space for others. Gathering for monthly liturgical bonfires, Stonewall Abbey is a place to explore the queerness of Christianity in community.
New Worshipping Communities Training Modules

New Worshipping Communities Training Modules

New Worshipping Communities Training Modules

To assist those who are considering forming a New Worshipping Community, the New Worshipping Communities Commission of Pittsburgh Presbytery has developed a set of training videos.

NWCC Forms & Resources

NWCC Forms & Resources

NWCC Forms & Resources

NWCC Forms & Resources

New Worshipping Communities Manual (Google Doc, PDF)
Training Modules
New Worshiping Communities Monthly Report Form
New Worshiping Communities of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, PC(USA)
Starting New Worshiping Communities (A Process of Discernment)
Grant Information
FAQs

Is this just a Presbyterian thing?

While 1001 New Worshiping Communities is an initiative of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the creation of new missional communities is a Holy Spirit movement that is taking place across denominations and across the world. Because the Presbyterians are an ecumenical denomination, we seek to work closely with our partners in other denominations and other countries by sharing ideas and resources.

What if I’m not a Presbyterian?

If you are already part of a denomination, we urge you to connect with your own church or denomination to see what God is doing in the way of starting new worshiping communities in that expression of church. If you are not connected with a denomination or if your denomination is not currently equipped to start new worshiping communities, we would be happy to have a conversation with you to see if the PC(USA) would be a good fit for you.

Do I have to be an ordained minister/pastor/clergy? 

Not necessarily. We are finding that God is calling all kinds of faithful people to this important and difficult work of starting a new worshiping community. If the idea of starting something new from the ground up, connecting with un-churched people and connecting them to Jesus, and working outside of the traditional church walls within a community appeals to you, the Presbyterian Mission sect of the PC (USA) has some resources designed to help you discern your call.

How do I get started?

If you are looking to start a new worshipping community here within the bounds of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, we recommend you contact the presbytery liaison for the commission to set up an appointment to meet with them.  Another starting place is the on-line resource called Starting New Worshiping Communities. This is a booklet that will help you with the process of engaging with a neighborhood for the purpose of starting a new worshiping community.

Who will help me?

In addition to the New Worshiping Communities Commission, you will want to connect with a coach once you get started. A coach is someone who has already started a new worshiping community and who is willing to walk this journey with you. Find out more information about coaching and apply for a coach here.

Where can I get more information?

Use the resources provided on this page or learn more at Presbyterian Church(USA).

Is there any financial help?

The Presbyterian Church has committed significant financial resources to the 1001 initiative. Some of this money is dedicated to grants in direct support of new worshiping communities. In addition, Pittsburgh Presbytery is committed to matching the grants given by the denomination. For more information, application forms, and due dates, click here.