Exploring & Creating

New Ministries

Do you or someone from the congregation you serve have a new ministry idea that you have been wanting to explore?

Are you curious about how to take an idea and form an action plan? Have you been hoping for a group of colleagues to network with, run ideas off of, and support and encourage you in this exploration?

This important and exciting work will be the focus of "Exploring and Creating New Ministries."

Yes, I'm interested

Upcoming Events:

‎Fresh Expressions Book Study

Starting August 25, join Director for New Ministries Pastor Jennifer Hope-Tringali for a four-week book study exploring Gardens in the Desert: How the Adaptive Church Can Lead a Whole New Life by Michael Adam Beck and Kenneth H. Carter Jr.

Context Mapping and Demographics Workshop

This workshop will review small scale context mapping, allowing each participant to explore their particular context.

Spirit Cafe Methodology

Spirit Cafe is an adaption of World Cafe where a leader brings a ministry idea to explore and develop within the time we gather together.

Exploring & Creating New Ministries FINAL no font

We will gather up to two times each month, in a variety of contexts, to learn, share, and create together. Each time we gather, we will begin with a brief exploration of Biblical "evangelism," a ministry methodology will be shared and practiced, and everyone will leave with an action plan to work on before we gather again. As new ministries develop, micro-grants will be awarded to aid in their creation.

How the Gatherings Will Work

Displayed here is an outline of the methodologies covered at each gathering, though as our group forms and develops, we may choose to add or modify as needed. In addition, one-on-one time will be scheduled if helpful, to aid in the creation of an action plan for the new ministry idea. The Zooms will be 1 ½ hours in length and depending on the group, may be offered in the evenings or mornings, or both if we have both demographics of laity and rostered leaders.

Introduction to Small Scale Context Mapping
Introduction to Large Scale Context Mapping
Biblical Models of Evangelism
World and Spirit Cafe Methodologies
Scientific Method and New Ministries
Demographics
Strategies to Employ an Action Plan
Fresh Expressions: What are they? How are they expressed in NEPA?
Final Development of Action Plans: Proposal, Budget, and Raising Funds

Matching Micro-Grants are Available for your New Ministries.

Please contact Pastor Jennifer for more information.

A large group of people posing for a photograph in front of a building entrance.

Finding New Possibilities Through Fresh Expressions

06/26/2026

After attending the 2026 Fresh Expressions gathering, Ashley Procanyn returned with fresh ideas and renewed hope for young adult ministry. Read how this experience is inspiring new collaborations, creative ministry, and a renewed sense of possibility within the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.

Questions?

Contact the Director for New Ministries, Pastor Jennifer Hope-Tringali. Visit the synod’s leadership page for the latest contact info.

Email Jennifer