A Multi-congregational Model of Church Planting as a Means of City Reaching

by Paul R Berube
June 1st, 2009
People are migrating to urban centers across the United States in large numbers. Many of those moving to American cities are internationals. Some come for business, others educational purposes, and some for refuge or a better way of life. This project and its case studies are meant to help the reader understand how faith communities can utilize geographic and cultural shifts to reach the people in urban centers. A highlight of this project is the importance of reaching out and building bridges to new ethnic neighbors.

The study is based on the belief that the Holy Spirit is doing a work in this hour that is changing the fabric of communities with a call to see the new and exciting opportunities that await at the door.

The unfortunate reality is that mission is still contextualized through overseas endeavors. The project discusses the missional challenge along with the problem of how few churches or ministries realize the opportunities that abound in cities across America.
Ray Bakke rightly sounds the wake-up call by saying 'mission is no longer about crossing oceans, jungles and deserts but about crossing the street.' Particular attention in this project is given to fostering a multiethnic community through the establishment of a multicongregational environment. The inspiration for this model came through a visit to the Filadelphia Church in Stockholm, Sweden, in May 2003. Though established in 1911, this Swedish Pentecostal Church is still active and vibrant, in part, because of the growth of their ethnic communities. The project also includes an overview of the ministry efforts that have been undertaken with Grace Fellowship of Nashua in New Hampshire, U.S.A.