Missional Incubator
What is the Missional Incubator?
The Missional Incubator is a nine-to-twelve-month program designed to equip and empower missional leaders and entrepreneurs to launch innovative, mixed-economy worshiping communities. These are new expressions of the one Church, contextually informed, mission-hearted ministries that integrate spiritual and practical impact. Missional Incubator provides space, resources, and expert guidance to develop both the ministry vision and the business framework that will sustain it.
Why are we doing this?
Our Synod recognizes a pressing need for a proactive, intentional approach to starting new ministries. Declining church membership, the increasing number of church closures, and the widening cultural gap between the Church and emerging generations demand new strategies. A mixed-economy approach, offering multiple ways to be church alongside traditional expressions, provides both financial sustainability and broader community engagement.
Who is this for?
The Missional Incubator is for pastors, church planters, community leaders, and faith-driven entrepreneurs who feel called to start new worshiping communities or fresh expressions of existing churches. Ideal participants are those ready to think creatively, engage their local context, and explore ministry models that reach people not drawn to traditional church.
How does it work?
Participants in the Missional Incubator will:
- Develop a mission plan and business plan, identifying funding sources and potential investors.
- Partner with outside experts in ministry, entrepreneurship, and community development.
- Build connections in the local community through strategic introductions and relationship-building.
- Design a ministry-business model that both funds the mission and creates new entry points for people to encounter the Gospel.
By the end of the program, the hope is for leaders will be equipped with a clear, actionable, and sustainable plan to launch a new expression of church that thrives in today’s ever-changing cultural landscape.