Innovation & New Ministry Development
Coordinator of Innovation and New Ministry
Rev. Pepa Paniagua
YOU SHOULD BE HERE IF...
YOU WANT TO
START SOMETHING NEW
YOU ARE A CHURCH LEADER
TRYING TO INNOVATE
YOU DON'T KNOW
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
WHAT IF
YOU DON'T LIKE CHANGE?
WHAT IF
YOU'RE NOT PRESBYTERIAN?
UPCOMING EVENTS
INNOVATION & NEW MINISTRY PARTNER EVENTS
Registration information for the Post-Evangelical Collective Area Lunches will be available when posted, closer to each event.
APRIL 16, 2026
AUGUST 27, 2026
MAY 14, 2026
NOVEMBER 12, 2026
CONGREGATIONAL INNOVATION
WHAT IF I DON'T THINK I'M AN INNOVATOR/CREATIVE?
Creation and innovation were the original work of God when God spoke over the chaos and said “let there be light”- it may be buried under lots of tasks and other skills, but innovation and creativity are part of who we are as children of God. Creativity is in you, and no idea is too small! Innovation doesn’t mean you are called to start and build a new ministry from scratch. Innovation for you could mean imagining a different way of doing things, or a new ministry that your church could start to help your community. Innovation looks like lots of things and there is no wrong way to do it! Use us as a partner: we’ll walk alongside you, offering coaching, resources, and inspiration. If you are still skeptical about your innovative and creative skills, come to a Creative Conversation or schedule some time to talk with Pepa.
HAVE AN IDEA? NEED AN IDEA?
Do you have an idea for a new worshiping community or ministry? Do you need some inspiration? Do you want to spend some time around a meal or on zoom with some wonderful folks? Join us for Creative Conversations!
When we gather with others who are dreaming, questioning, and imagining, we enter into a Spirit-led space where static situations suddenly feel full of possibility. These conversations help us surface ideas that wouldn’t arise alone - by wrestling with diverse perspectives, we discern fresh directions, challenge assumptions, and reimagine what ministry can be. Risk feels less daunting because we’re supported; failure becomes a learning step rather than a roadblock. Coming together in community ignites energy, makes room for experimentation, and breathes life into new visions rooted in hope and shared purpose.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Creative Conversations (formerly referred to as Innovator's Gatherings) are always inspirational and uplifting, whether in person or over zoom, and attendees love coming back! Don't take our word for it - read about their favorite moments and what they loved about the experience.
RESOURCES FROM ROOTED GOOD & PC(USA)
ARE YOU PART OF A CONGREGATION THAT WANTS TO DO A NEW THING?
1001 NEW WORSHIPING COMMUNITIES
WHAT ARE THEY?
1001 New Worshiping Communities is a decade old movement of the larger Presbyterian Church (USA). It is a movement of people who believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives and communities through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 1001 NWC is passionate about creating new spaces for people to encounter God and experience the transformative power of God's love. Our work with 1001 NWC is done in the hope to see the church come alive again, not just in buildings but in communities of people. As of 2024, there are over 750 NWC's in 49 states, and over 1000 NWC leaders have been trained and equipped to do the work of creating new spaces for people to experience the love of God. Grace Presbytery is committed to the continued work of recruiting, training, and supporting leaders to do the creative work of building new faith spaces where The Good News can be shared with all people.
HOW CAN I START ONE?
Feeling ready to start something new, or have a conversation about starting something new? There are a few options, so you get to choose your own adventure!
- Are you a church that is wanting to launch a new ministry? Fantastic! We want to know more and cheer you on! Connect with Pepa Paniagua over email and we will work to get you connected to resources!
- Are you discerning next steps and have some questions or need a conversation partner? Email Pepa Paniagua to schedule an in-person or zoom conversation!
- Want some other stories of inspiration and innovation? Check out the Office of Innovation PC(USA) and their work!
- Are you ready to start a New Worshiping Community and want to get started with the 1001 NWC process? Fill out the form below, "Start the Conversation with Church Development". Also, schedule a conversation with Pepa Paniagua so she can help you get connected to next steps, and learn more about the community you want to start
RESOURCES FOR THE JOURNEY
ISAIAH 43:19
Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.
GENESIS 1:1-4
When God began to create[a] the heavens and the earth— the earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God’s wind swept over the waters— God said, “Let there be light.” And so light appeared. God saw how good the light was.
"Without faith, there is no imagination; without imagination, there is no innovation; and without innovation, there is no future. Hope doesn't wait for vision to appear. Hope is vision in action today.."
by Mitri Raheb, Faith in the Face of Empire
PEPA'S READING LIST
VISION, IMPLEMENTATION, & SUPPORT WITH IMAGINATION, INNOVATION, & HOPE
