Early in 2021 the NNEC Church Planting Committee commenced. It came up with a faith goal of “steps.” A step is counted each time a congregation moves up in status—new church plant is approved to become a MISSION GROUP, MISSION GROUP to COMPANY status, and COMPANY to CHURCH status. For the 2016-2020 period, there were 7 total “steps.” After a period of two years of no steps, 5 steps were realized. The Turner (ME) and First Haitian (NH) COMPANIES reached CHURCH status and three new church plants have reached MISSION GROUP status: Cherryfield (ME) Spanish, Saco-Biddeford (ME) Spanish, and Lewiston -The Ark (ME)! Lewiston The Ark Mission Group is the newest church plant and is a re-plant. The Ark began years ago but closed and was able to begin again. In fact, so far it has averaged over 45 in attendance, which includes many disengaged members and nonmembers! Here are some exciting pictures of their launch Sabbath. As a Conference, we have a two- pronged approach: to foster new plants while also strengthening churches for revitalization that have plateaued or declined.

We have two resources that help guide churches for growth:

(1) ReGenerate! (Strategy for SDA church revitalization)

(2) Steps to a Vibrant Church (guides churches through an SDA growth process)

In March of this year we held our ReGenerate Church Revitalization (online) training on how to reach more children and youth. Watch the recordings at www.nnec.org/reach-the-youth. Our next in person ReGenerate will be held on October 18-19 at the Mountain View SDA Church (1002 Ft. Bridgman Rd, Vernon, VT 05354). The special speakers are experts in Church Revitalization from different parts of the North American Division. Stay tuned at www.nnec.org/regenerate for more info. Connect with me for support in these areas! By email: bcauley@nnec.org or my cell number is 704-774-2800.