In the Missouri Conference, we recognize God is doing new things to reach people in fresh new ways. We refer to these ways as New Places for New People (NPNP). The Center for Congregational Excellence offers grants twice a year (spring/fall) and the amounts given out vary by the type of grant requested.
If you would like to be considered for a NPNP grant, please submit a completed grant application. All grant applications received are reviewed by the Center for Congregational Excellence and the Congregational Development Team.
Download the Grant Application
Small Groups – up to $2,500
A group of 3-5 people who get together regularly (in-person or virtually) with the goal of becoming and deepening their discipleship of Jesus Christ.
Recovery Ministry – up to $5,000
A group that meets regularly (in-person or virtually) in a safe environment to encourage healing, provide hope and/or accountability, and help people recover from something keeping them from experiencing the full love God in their lives. (ex: Celebrate Recovery, Divorce Care, Grief Share, AA, Al-Anon, NA, etc.).
Fresh Expression – up to $10,000
A group that meets regularly (in-person or virtually) outside the four walls of the church united by mission to reach people outside of the reach of the church. “Fresh Expressions form where mutual interests meet hearts open to opportunities to connect on faith matters” (freshexpressions.com). The participants of a fresh expression will probably find their primary identity of “church” to be the fresh expression rather than an established church.
Collaborative Partnership – up to $10,000
A collaborative relationship in which resources are shared between a church with more resources and one or more churches with less resources. Typically, this collaboration happens to share resources in preaching, administrative support or pastoral care.
New Worship Service – up to $25,000
A regular large-group (in-person or virtually) gathering to celebrate worship in community aimed at reaching new people.
New Multi-site or New Church – up to $175,000 (new site) or $350,000 (new church)
A new site of an existing body of believers or a new community of believers (in-person or virtually).
You may submit a grant at any time throughout the year; however, The Center for Congregational Excellence only awards grants in the spring and fall.
If you need assistance in completing this application or have general questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to someone at the Center for Congregational Excellence. We are here to help!
Mission Insite will help you provide the demographic report requested as part of your application. If you are unfamiliar with Mission Insite or need helping to create a report. This resource will walk you through how to do that.