If your church is actively working toward any of the NEW LIFE 2010 goals, it can be recognized as a "NEW LIFE 2010 Church." This designation celebrates what God is doing through American Baptist churches.

"NEW LIFE 2010 Churches" are engaged in evangelism programs like Alpha; new church planting through financial or prayer support; new caring ministries like homeless shelters, meal programs and after-school tutoring or other ministry to people's needs or they are experiencing congregational transformation.

To be recognized as a NEW LIFE 2010 Church a congregation shall notify the National Coordinator of NEW LIFE 2010 that it is actively pursuing at least one of the goals of the emphasis and making significant progress toward that goal. The request shall be accompanied by a statement from the pastor, church clerk, moderator or other official of the congregation that describes the steps taken toward fulfillment of at least one of the goals of NEW LIFE 2010. The Coordinator will consult with the Executive Minister of the appropriate region before authorizing the recognition.

Sample criteria for designation as A NEW LIFE 2010 Church:

Evangelism

• Participation in Alpha program
• Congregational goal for new believers and strategy for reaching goal being implemented
• Discipleship program for new believers
• Increase in church membership by baptism of at least 15% in past year
• Participate in global outreach through volunteer mission service

New Church Planting

• Financial support of new plant
• Prayer support of new plant
• Sharing of human resources with neighboring plant
• Acting as sponsoring church for new start
• Providing significant leadership and support for new church planting efforts in the region
• Partnering with another community overseas in planting a new church

Caring Ministries

• Launch of a new neighborhood ministry outreach such as after school care, feeding program for homeless, etc.
• Participation in Habitat for Humanity project by at least 10% of active membership
• Addition of staff member (paid or volunteer) for community ministries
• Significant participation in community movement to improve education, housing, etc.
• Significant participation in civil rights or racial justice and reconciliation efforts
• Significant participation in peace activities
• Participate financially and/or personally in a global mission project to serve human needs

Congregational Transformation

• Congregational study of environment, assets, potential, vision, etc. that leads to a plan for the future which the church is implementing
• A deliberate strategy of spiritual formation being implemented by a significant portion of the congregation
• Participation in National Ministries projects for congregational transformation
• Participation in a region congregational transformation initiative
• A sister church relationship with a church in another country in which both churches seek renewal and learn from each other

Upon recognition as A NEW LIFE 2010 Church, National Ministries will issue a certificate of recognition to the congregation. National Ministries will keep a permanent record of all churches so designated and will celebrate those churches in a variety of ways.

Give to Sharing New Life--$20.10 for 2010