I’m coming to realize one of the most exciting things about church planting is how it offers us the opportunity to become curious again. In church planting, there’s a renewed focus on listening and learning the stories of the people, neighborhoods, and industries of our cities where we are starting new churches. We get to ask questions like:
Not too long ago our local paper ran an article—taken off the news “wire”—declaring in its headline:
Read more
It's a curious phrase:
Mission Affinity Groups (MAGs) are a joint initiative of ECO and The Fellowship of Presbyterians. This is a story of one Fellowship-only Mission Affinity Group written by Travis Fletcher, the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Junction, CO.
The 19th century Cardinal John Henry Newman once said that the greatest power on earth is the power of personal influence. I can testify that I am a different person because of the personal influence of an elder, Rachel Johnson. My husband, Jim Singleton, affirms the same thing of Rachel’s husband, Bill Johnson, who was also an elder in the church.
Wes Barry and his family are planting a church in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is ECO's very first East Coast plant. Learn how you can partner with this growing community through prayer or by giving to the mission.
This post was written by Pete Santucci, who is planting Crux, a new ECO church in Bend, Oregon. Click here to learn more about Crux and how you can get involved.
We are pleased to announce John Terech as ECO's new Director of Operations. John is tremendously gifted, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in finance, administration, and ministry. In this new role, John will assist Brenda Smith (our COO, who is stepping back to part-time) in financial, legal, and insurance operations. He will also support Dana Allin (Synod Executive) in ecclesiastical operations, including resourcing congregations and presbyteries. But what we love most about John is his heart for ministry and love for Jesus. Here, in John's own words, is some of his story — including how both personal and national tragedy awakened him spiritually.
This Thanksgiving Hymn was written by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons from First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, SC. Last week while traveling with colleagues in China he penned this hymn to share with his congregation on Thanksgiving weekend. You too are warmly invited to use this hymn this weekend.
Read moreThis article was originally published by Presbyterians for Renewal and is republished here with permission.
Read moreThe ECO Blog will be a forum to share news, updates, and stories from both ECO leaders and member churches. We look forward to launching the ECO blog in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience.
Read more
