the gathering Transition FAQs

1. What is the gathering?

the gathering is a multiplying, missional movement of the next generation equipped and sent to be the church to the world. It is structured to foster and provide:

• An ongoing experience of deep community
• Aggressive spiritual maturing
• Wide and rapid leader/missionary deployment path
• Multiplying and spreading throughout Kansas City, the nation, and the world

We encourage people to read the book Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal for more information. Click here for more information.

2. Is the gathering becoming a new church?

Yes, called the gathering network. As the gathering network we hope the next generation will become a discipleship movement of multiplying, missionary communities sent into our city, nation, and world to make wrong things right.

3. Will the gathering be theologically different than Heartland Community Church?

No. the gathering network will remain committed to the same "essentials of the faith" and share the same priority of focusing on those who don't know Jesus. (See Our Beliefs on Heartland Community Church web page.)

4. Why are we "sending" the gathering now?

• To respond to the current size and growth of the gathering: 70+ leaders, 300+ attending the Sunday night service
• To meet the unique needs and calling of the "next generation"
• To obey - Jesus has led the Heartland Community Church leadership to send out the gathering
• To multiply - this is how the gospel spreads and people grow

5. When and where will the gathering network meet?

• In a celebration service, 7pm on Sunday evenings at Heartland Community Church and will move with Heartland to meet at the new facility
• In groups of 2's and 3's as organic, self organizing places of prayer and discipleship
• In mid-sized communities (15-50 people): missional communities all over KC, the nation, and (dreaming big) the world
• These mid-sized communities will meet during the week, wherever (and as often as) it makes sense to meet in order to accomplish their shared missional purpose
• These mid-sized communities will be the central expression of the movement that will begin being deployed over the next year.

6. How will mid-sized communities be developed and deployed?

Initially through modeling and experiencing a mid-sized community, and then under ongoing oversight and leadership training of community leaders: Sunday mornings, location TBD (beginning Fall 2009)

Note: Jon Shirley and Glenn Kahler will be doing this equipping and are currently involved in a "learning community" with leaders of other churches in America pursuing this strategy. They are being mentored by Mike Breen, one of the primary pioneers of this movement. (See also the book Clusters by Mike Breen and Bob Hopkins)

7. What are ways I can be a part of this movement?

Be equipped to:

• Become spiritual mothers and fathers
• Come be a "missionary" with us
• Lead a mid-sized community focused on a specific mission
• Serve in the hospitality and program of the celebration service
• Pray with us and for us

8. Can I be involved if I'm older than 30?

Absolutely! The "older" generation is absolutely essential to be a part of and mentor this movement.

9. How will the gathering network be funded?

Beginning soon, the gathering network will be a separate non-profit entity funded by:

• Gathering tithing
• Heartland Community Church start-up funding
• Developing "financial friends" of the gathering network

10. How will the gathering network be governed and led?

Same as the current Heartland Community Church structure:

• Board Members protecting integrity and guiding: Elders and 501(c)3 (non-profit) financial board
• Staff Members leading and equipping: currently Glenn Kahler, Jon Shirley, Jordanne Bonfield, Amy Guerreri, and Will McCullough

11. What's Heartland Community Church's plan for its "next generation" ministry after the gathering is "sent"?

the gathering network will continue to be Heartland Community Church's next generation ministry (at least) through 2010.

12. Can someone be involved in both the gathering network and Heartland Community Church?

The truth is, it's hard to live in two "families". We believe that eventually it is healthiest for the individual (and the "family") to choose one family. Choosing the Heartland family or choosing the gathering network family is a win either way!

Take all the time and grace you need to hear from God with this decision. Either way, know that "Heartland" will always be the gathering network's last name.

13. What are my next steps to get more information or get involved?

• Pray this: "Am I being called to help reach and equip the next generation to be the church to the world?"
• Meditate on this: Matthew 9:35–38 and Isaiah 61
• Read this: Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal
• Visit this: any gathering on Sunday at 7pm at with this same prayer on your lips

More Questions?

Please RSVP and attend the information meeting on June 16th from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at 8301 Lamar in The Gallery.