Starting Something New

‘While the Church of England is called to “proclaim the gospel afresh to every generation”, the variety we find in every generation means that there will need to be a diversity of approaches sensitive to the differences we find in our communities and conscious that some ways of proclaiming and the vehicles used for such proclamation will be more accessible and fruitful than others. Hence the need for different ways of doing and being Church to ensure as wide a spectrum of people have access to the Good News and the Gospel as possible in ways which are reachable for them. Blessedly New Worshipping Communities (NWCs) are a Spirit-led response to this need and with over 1450 NWCs generated in 2025 across the country we are seeing some really imaginative and effective ways of Good News Stories reaching those otherwise unreached by the Gospel. The innovation, creativity and vibrancy in these NWCs is a cause for celebration and thanks to God, as is the encouraging responsiveness to them.’

This report gives an explanation of New Worshipping Communities (NWCs) and their purpose. It explores a range of different examples; what they are, why they started and how they’re going. You will find a rich variety of NWCs in this guide, and hopefully this will help you in your own prayerful reflection on how it is that God might be calling you and your Christian community to generate a NWC.

It also involves important questions of discernment as well as a variety of useful resource links that might inspire and enable you in starting something.

‘God is on the move in our Christian communities and it’s clear that NWCs are part of God’s move – let’s join in!’