For generations, a barn raising brought a community together to help a family build something they could not easily build alone. Everyone brought what they could - labor, tools, materials, experience, and encouragement - and together they prepared for the work and harvest ahead.
That concept gave rise to the Barn Raising Initiative - a practical way to live into our vision for the Upper Midwest to be a Conference where Every Church Plants.
When a church plant is preparing for launch, we want the congregations of the Upper Midwest Conference to gather around her through prayer, giving, resources, practical skills, volunteers, and ongoing partnership.
Our first Barn Raising is for 1927: A Church of the City of Des Moines, which will launch on September 27 at the Franklin Events Center in Des Moines.
1927 began simply and organically - in living rooms, garages, and rented spaces - with people, a calling, and trust that God would provide. Now they are on The Road to 9/27, praying, serving their neighborhood, preparing leaders, and getting ready for public worship.
This is where we can join them.
Raising a barn takes a community - and so does launching a church. As part of the Barn Raising Initiative there is a registry of specific needs for 1927’s launch and ongoing ministry, including sound equipment, Bibles, communion and hospitality supplies, safety equipment, outreach resources, and weeks of rent for its worship venue. 1927church.org/registry
What can you bring to this Barn Raising?
Share this information with your bible study, mission group, church leadership, and congregation so you can discern how you will join in seeing 1927 equipped to bring in the harvest in Des Moines.
Pray. Pray for Pastor Cam Scott and the 1927 team, their neighborhood, the people they will meet, and their September 27 launch.
Give. Look through the registry as a congregation, Sunday school class, small group, or individual and help meet a specific need.
Partner. Consider an ongoing relationship with 1927 through prayer, encouragement, financial support, volunteers, practical skills, or shared ministry.
The Barn Raising is about more than meeting launch needs. It is a way for all of us - together - to help establish a new congregation and take a tangible part in church planting together.
