Mission Priority
Start & Strengthen Churches
The local church is God’s strategy for reaching the world. We walk alongside church planters and existing congregations — from first steps to lasting flourishing.
How We Help
Three Ways We Serve the Local Church
From planting to revitalization, we provide the people, tools, and support your church needs at every stage.
“We believe the local church is God’s foundational strategy to carry out mission in the world.”
The Evangelical Covenant Church
Stories
From the Field
Through planting new churches and providing resources to strengthen existing congregations, we seek to reach more people, in more places, among more populations, with the hope of Christ.
New Growth for a Changing Church
Pat Stark reflects on what is changing in Covenant church planting and why this moment calls for renewed imagination rooted in local churches and the Spirit’s leading.
Bridging a Gap with Fil Nesta
In his new role with Start and Strengthen Churches, Fil Nesta reflects on the challenges and resilience shaping bilingual church planting—highlighting the Latino church’s leadership, innovation, and witness as it navigates this moment and looks toward a hopeful future.
Moving Toward Jesus Together
In Manhattan, Kansas, a new church community is taking shape around worship, prayer, and neighborhood connection, learning together what it means to move toward Jesus in everyday life.
Finding New Life in Church Planting
In this interview, Glenn Peterson shares why church planting begins with humility and dependence on the Spirit, what he learned in Canada, and how every church can engage as a plant, planting, or partner in God’s renewing work.
Love, Mercy, and Justice in Uncertain Times
Dunamis Life Covenant Church launched September 27 in the Bronx, led by Pastor Jessica Flores. Rooted in Luke 4:18, the church equips neighbors to confront injustice, pursue healing, and embody Christ’s liberating love so communities can flourish.
New Certificate in Missional Leadership
The Missional Vitality team and North Park Theological Seminary announce the new Certificate in Missional Leadership to help equip leaders for church health, revitalization, and culturally engaged ministry.
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear about your vision.
The Start & Strengthen team is here for questions about church planting, vitality, coaching, and more.
