Church planting
As a church, we have a value to multiply everything that’s healthy. This includes followers of Jesus, leaders, small groups, and churches. From day one, Elm City has had a desire to be a church planting church. Our vision has been to multiply 25 healthy Life Groups and start 2 new churches in the next ten years. This all comes from a desire to obey the Great Commission and see disciples made.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20, ESV
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The Barneys
Justin and Danielle have been in ministry for all 18 years of their marriage and have participated in three different church plants between PA and NH. Justin currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Elm City Church and Danielle works in public education as a Reading Specialist. They have three children: Abbey (12), Søren (10), and Cyrus (9 mo).
Justin and his family a heart for helping to start a new expression of faith in the Walpole, NH area. Over the course of the next year, they will work towards mobilizing local believers, equipping and training people for the purpose of making disciples, and gathering a team with the hopes of launching regular, public gatherings in
Sep 2024.
1
Training & Equipping
In "Phase 1" we are focusing on equipping followers to realize that they are as "ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). In this season, we are gathering in Walpole on the third Sunday night of each month to share a meal, build community, share stories, and do trainings. We are studying God's story, learning how to share our story, and make disciples who multiply.
2
Multiplication
In "Phase 2" we are taking the things we are learning and multiplying it into smaller groups that meet throughout the week.
We currently have several Life Groups that meet in the Walpole area with more in the works. Our hope is that this season produces new disciples and new leaders who can teach others to live out the way of Jesus.
3
Sunday Launch
In "Phase 3" we are developing a mechanism to gather all of our Life Groups for regular and consistent corporate worship. This will look like a Sunday service that includes all the traditional elements of a larger gathering: the preaching of God's Word, singing, prayer, communion, and a space for kids to grow and learn. We are working towards regular Sunday morning gatherings for September 2024!
And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Luke 10:2, ESV
