New to Second

What is the New 2?

Our desire to shift from inwardly focused programs to outwardly focused ministry is at the heart of New 2. Programs can turn people into consumers, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, into a product. Consumption is where the church has been.

Rather than pile on new programs, we’re moving toward long-term health, and rather than ask, “How can we get you plugged in somewhere?” we want to inquire of the Lord, “Who do you want us to become?” When God is first at 2nd, we will be ourselves. We come together for worship, disperse into the city, and live out our vocations. We are gathered, scattered, and sent.

Off the hill and into the city is the analogy that we use to explain a missional church.

The building of 2nd Pres has sat on a hill, literally, since 1958, and a Civil War battle was fought on the site. Rather than ask people to climb up the hill to us, we’re going to go down into the city.

Our elders have adopted this three-part statement to communicate our mission:

  1. Personal renewal leads to corporate change.
  2. People need transformation, in addition to information.
  3. Jesus calls for movement, not just ministry.