The purpose of these experiments is to spark the development of New Worshiping Communities that engage new people in Olympia Presbytery with the love of Jesus and teach us new ways to be the church in Southwest Washington.

These will be awarded according to the following criteria. Preference will be given to proposals for ministry experiments that:

• Develop new worshiping communities

• Reach people with the transforming love of Jesus

• Encourage cultural diversity

• Encourage intergenerational diversity

NOTES

1. More than one church may be co-applicants for a shared ministry experiment. Churches may collaborate across denominational lines.

2. Matching funds from the applicant(s) may include other grants from the local community.

3. Money would be disbursed as the applicant(s) raise the funds to be matched.

4. Proposals will include a clear explanation of strategies, expectations, external coaching, and quarterly evaluation.

5. The investment of the local church(es) represents “skin in the game” indexed to evidence of their

viability.

1. We hope that these grants are large enough to generate imagination and energy for new ministry, and small enough to allow us to offer as many grants as possible from the Presbytery’s available resources.

ADMINISTRATION

A granting team appointed by the Presbytery from the Task Force for New Worshipping Communities (TF-NWC) will administer all aspects of the New Ways Grant under the direction of the Strategic Board.

The granting team will include the EP and at least three other members of the TF-NWC who are not applying for a grant. Administration will include:

• Publicizing the grant and encouraging those who express interest

• Reviewing applications in the light of our criteria

• Recommending grants to the full Strategic Board for approval

• Ensuring that the sponsoring congregation(s) maintains support for the mission without micromanaging it

• Providing coaches for all grant funded ministries in cooperation with the 1001 Worshipping Communities of the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA)

• Soliciting and reviewing quarterly reports of progress

• Communicating the stories of grant funded ministries to the Presbytery

• Developing a strategy of sustaining ministries beyond grant funding.

PROCESS

Fill out and submit the enclosed form and it will be sent to the Executive Presbyter (ep@olypres.org). Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis and reviewed within six weeks of receipt.

Applications that are approved will be notified within three months of receipt.

Olympia Presbytery is on a mission to foster communities that witness to the grace, love, and welcome offered in Jesus Christ by nurturing a collaborative, nimble, and engaged culture through a covenant partnership with our congregations and leaders.