Who We Are

The Committee on Local Church seeks to initiate and support the formation of new church communities and the transformation of existing church communities where renewal is dependent upon resources from beyond that community. The committee’s primary duties are to consult, assist, and provide funding in partnership with those involved in church formation or transformation.

Meets: Fourth Mondays, 6:30-8:30 pm PST on Zoom.

Affiliating Congregations

WELCOMING NEW OR AFFILIATING FAITH COMMUNITIES A new church start, ministry setting, or existing congregation that desires to be a Local Church of the United Church of Christ will participate in the Local Church Standing Discernment process. The Local Church Standing Discernment process engages all discernment partners in reflection, conversation, and assessment to discern the readiness of a particular faith community for relationship, affiliation, support, and accountability alongside other Local Churches in the United Church of Christ (MOLC p. 47).

DUAL AFFILIATION At times, the Spirit leads a congregation or another ecumenical body to seek dual affiliation with the UCC. In these cases, the congregation will maintain full standing with its original denomination, while also meeting the covenantal expectations for standing in the PNC (MOLC p. 49).

New Ministry Context Leaders

Connection and Support:

The Committee on Local Church seeks to support New Church Starts. One way that we do this is by gathering a cohort of ministry leaders who are envisioning or engaging in church planting. We want to invite you to participate in an on-going, peer-support group via Zoom. Please fill out the contact form below to join (click the appropriate radio button).

Grant Requests for New Church Starts: 

Grant Requests:

• Submit a request to initiate the process below (click the appropriate radio button).
• A member of the Committee on Local Church will follow up with you to schedule a Zoom meeting to explain the process and offer support.
• Fill out and submit the Initial Grant Request Application to your contact from the Committee on Local Church.
• The Committee on Local Church will review your request and schedule a time for you to meet with the committee via Zoom.
• Your Committee on Local Church contact will let you know our decision and next steps.

We look forward to exploring how we might offer support to you and your church!