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Developing New Christian Communities

Discern God's call, build a firm foundation, and lead with resilience as you start a new Christian community.

Certificate Overview

More people are open to faith than ever, but many aren't finding their way into a traditional church. The Developing New Christian Communities Certificate is for clergy, lay leaders, and ministry innovators who sense that God may be inviting them to respond—to listen for where God is already at work in their community and to help start something new that meets people where they are.

Beginning with the biblical and theological foundations of God's sending mission, this certificate moves into the practical work of shaping a plan, building a sound financial and logistical foundation and leading a team through discernment, experimentation, and the challenges that come with pioneer ministry. Whether you're just sensing a call or already in the thick of starting something, this certificate offers grounding, tools, and companionship for the journey.

Certificate Courses

Course and Workshop Requirements
The Book of Acts: The Ever-Expanding Church
How to Start a New Ministry
Missio Dei: The Church Sent
Leadership in New Christian Communities
Choose one of the following:
Starting a Fresh Expression of Church
Spirit-Led Solutions Through Human-Centered Design
Money and Logistics for Starting a New Ministry
Listening and Serving: Community-Based Ministry

Wondering if this is right for you?

A Faith+Lead Certificate in Developing New Christian Communities addresses the biblical and theological foundations of God's sending mission, developing attentive and resilient leaders who are equipped to start and sustain new Christian ministries.

How the Process Works

  • Take five essential courses and workshops in developing new Christian communities
  • Practice what you learn in your context
  • Track the time spent on each course or workshop
  • Report on the learning in each of your courses or workshops
  • Create a final reflection project integrating your learning

Your Tools for Success

  • Access a secure digital platform for your work
  • Receive fast, friendly technical support

Earning Your Certificate

  • Upon completion, you will receive a downloadable certificate and a record of your learning journey that you can share with your church, denominational leadership, or anyone who requires proof of your accomplishment.

Who Should Enroll?

  • Church planters and fresh expressions leaders
  • Denominational/judicatory staff overseeing new ministry development
  • Seminary students exploring pioneer ministry
  • Lay leaders sensing a call to start a new community
  • Ministry entrepreneurs, including Seeds Fellows
  • International ministry leaders
A group of people in a living room, holding books and a mug.

Ready to Enroll?

Choose the option that gives you the most value and start learning today.

Non-Member Pricing

$299

One-time purchase

  • Access to all course materials and workshops for the Faith+Lead Certificate
  • Includes free 12-month Faith+Lead membership with certificate enrollment
Enroll now

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Member Pricing

$75*

*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.99 per month

  • Easy access to all course materials and workshops for the Faith+Lead Certificate
Enroll now

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience starting a new ministry or community?

No. The certificate is designed for those discerning a call as well as those already in the process of starting something.

Is this certificate only for traditional church planting?

No. The courses address a range of expressions, from starting a new Christian community, to a fresh expression connected to an existing congregation, to community-based, outward-focused ministries.

Will this certificate teach me the legal or financial requirements for starting a ministry?

The Money and Logistics elective introduces the major categories of financial and logistical planning, but it is not legal or financial advice.

What if I want to focus more on leadership and discernment than logistics?

You can choose the elective that best fits your context. Starting a Fresh Expression of Church and Listening and Serving: Community-Based Ministry lean more toward leadership and posture, while Money and Logistics for Starting a New Ministry and Spirit-Led Solutions Through Human-Centered Design lean more practical.

The Faith+Lead Certificate is self-paced, allowing you to integrate the learning into your ministry context while maintaining your current responsibilities. Most participants complete the program within 6-12 months.
All of our certificate programs are fully online and flexible, so you can take them from any time zone, anywhere in the world.

Yes, we offer special rates for regional church bodies and congregations looking to train multiple leaders. Contact us for details at support@faithlead.org.

If you’re serving in an ELCA context, we’ve carefully designed this certificate to fulfill specific contextual ministry competencies. Download our friendly guide to see exactly how each course connects to ELCA requirements.

No problem! We’ll credit what you’ve already completed. Simply fill in this form when you’re ready to enroll, and we’ll provide a discount code for courses you’ve already taken.

Don’t see your question addressed?

Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!