xclose menu

Missional Communities

What is Missional Living?

Missional living is being on mission with Jesus as his followers–being the hands and feet of Jesus where we live, work, play, and worship. One of the keys to doing this is to first be with Jesus and know him. So we first gather to enjoy hospitable worship and then we go to engage in missional living. Jesus told his disciples, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Why Missional Communities?

Jesus took his followers with him on a life mission. They were in it together at various stages in their spiritual journey. A group on mission can have more influence on society. It can make a big impression in the way we listen to and love one another, including those not of Christian faith. We also believe the Spirit of God will use your gifts and talents in ways we can’t foresee and dictate. So missional communities create pathways that allow for your creativity, innovation, and expression of how the gospel goes about redeeming and restoring all of life.

What are Essentials that define a Missional Community?

  • has a leadership team (2-5 SRPC members) who are meeting regularly as a team and meet with MCAT quarterly
  • has a mission statement
  • has a 1 year plan for where and how their Missional Community is redeeming and restoring people and systems from all forms of poverty (economic, spiritual, relational)
  • has a key contact who is fielding questions and interest from the congregation
  • is actively leading our church members and friends to accomplish their mission
  • is sending and posting regular updates about opportunities and the work of their Missional Community in reaching our community and city
  • has 12-25 people including a mixture of SRPC members and non-church friends

Missional Communities Grants

We want you to give your creative, caring energy and time to make a difference for the kingdom of God in our community. In order to inspire and encourage you to do this we are launching a grant program to assist you with financial resources. We are praying that the Spirit of God will raise up 2-4 new missional communities by the spring of 2018. The Missional Communities Advisory Team (MCAT) will oversee the Missional Communities and the Grant program.

How Do I Begin a Missional Community?

  1. Consider your interests and passions. Where do you see injustice? Where do you want to show compassion? How does God want you to make a difference?
  2. What talents, gifts, and skills has God given you? How might they align with a need in the community and/or your passion?
  3. Who else will partner with you in this? Find at least one other person who shares this idea and is willing to help. This person may have gifts or talents to complement yours.
  4. Apply for help from the Missional Communities Advisory Team

Application Process

The application process is currently closed.  Contact Andrew for information. 
Before completing this application, consider the following criteria:

  • Leadership must be SRPC members and have a team of leaders (2-5)
  • Nurturing the gifts, passions, and creativity of our SRPC family to intersect in diverse ways with God’s priorities and the needs of our community and city.
  • Some friends outside our church to be impacted through this investment.
  • Stewardship of position, experience, assets, and relationships to bless others in word and deed working for the redemption and restoration of all things.

Step 1: Read this document on Missional Living (public faith, mercy and justice, poverty)
Step 2: Email Andrew Conrad 2 weeks before the application deadline to be assigned 2 members of the Missional Communities Advisory Team (MCAT) with whom to discuss your idea/initiatives.
Step 3: Meet with those 2 MCAT members (together) at an agreed-upon time.
Step 4: With the approval of those two MCAT members, receive and complete the application, submitting it via email directly to your MCAT members by the deadline above. On your application, you’ll select which category (from the essay in Step 1) best describes your grant need: Mercy & Justice or Public Faith.
Step 5: Prayerfully await notification.

Examples of Missional Communities to Spark Ideas (first 3 already exist at SRPC)

  • Jobs for Life. This is a “soft skills” training program helping participants to gain, maintain, and thrive in employment. It involves the local church and business leaders to help students discover who they are and roadblocks they face using a biblical basis.
  • Mothers of Young Children. Support and encourages young mothers.
  • Sweet Socials. Seasonal events specifically designed to welcome unchurched friends.
  • College ministry – caring for students during school and hosting events on breaks.
  • Room in the Inn. welcome 12 homeless guests for dinner, companionship and overnight lodging at SRPC 1-2x/month Dec-Feb.
  • Orphan Care – serving individuals and families through education, gatherings, and financial support.
  • English as a Second Language. Reaches internationals living here.
  • Nations at Play – playgroup at SRPC purposefully reaching and supporting young parents and kids from around the world.