CHURCH IN HARD PLACES

In the world’s poorest communities life is hard. Life expectancy is low, crime is high, drug and alcohol addiction is extensive, and mental health issues, abuse, and neglect are widespread. Many churches in poor communities lack access to affordable and relatable training, and church planters often feel ill equipped and under resourced. But there is also something special about these places. There is often a rich sense of community and loyalty, and many people are happy to call these areas home. Acts 29 is working to see churches planted here, in the world’s poorest communities.

Church planting in small towns and remote villages presents distinct challenges and opportunities. Acts 29 Rural works to develop resources and training opportunities to equip those engaged in ministry within these unique environments.

Urban and inner-city areas are among the most neglected mission fields within the United States. There is little investment or initiatives aimed at supplying frontline urban planters with the tools and resources needed to build sustainable, healthy, local churches in America’s inner cities. Acts 29 Urban provides church-planting support to urban planters through theological education, contextualized content and coaching, and financial support.

Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority in the United States. While most Hispanics consider religion an important part of their lives, many ascribe to works-based beliefs. There is great need for gospel proclamation in their primary language. Spanish is the heart language of almost all Hispanics living in the US, and resources and training in this language are essential in reaching this community for Christ.  Acts 29 Español aims to plant healthy, gospel-centered, Spanish-speaking churches in the US. We assess, coach, train, and support Hispanic church plants and planters, providing a more contextualized approach to the opportunities and challenges specific to this demographic. 

Church planters in poor or rural communities lack access to affordable and contextually relevant training. Additionally, these communities often lack solid gospel-preaching churches. Through Acts 29 Apprenticeships, indigenous, urban, and rural church planters are trained and supported to plant healthy churches. Apprenticeships also serve as a pathway to assessment with Acts 29.

Church planters among the urban poor or within rural communities face unique challenges. Through Church in Hard Places, we provide training and Acts 29 assessment support for those who need it. We also offer formal education through Grimké Seminary (USA) and the Ragged School of Theology (Europe), where participants receive masters-level theological training.