Starting A Mission Church
The above map represents potential mission locations (30,000+ in North America) for St. Thomas mission Churches to start. The re-evangelisation of post Christian western culture is one of the mandates of St. Thomas Church. Liturgical Churches were the formation of Christian culture in the west with historical creeds of the Church. Many are looking for this substance and foundation of what early Christians believed and died for in the pre-Constantine era. This dependence on early Church disciplines and practices that have stood the test of time which have been carried on by Apostles and bishops gives us confidence that we are perpetuating the ancient faith (Jude 1:3).
Join with a movement of spirit-filled liturgical mission parishes fulfilling the great commission.
“Indeed, a house is a little church.” – St. John Chrysostom
“God’s plans for you are better than any plans you have for yourself. So don’t be afraid of God’s will, even if it’s different from yours.” – Greg Laurie”
Virtually anyone can be used by God to start mission work in an area. A mission work is a gathering of two or more people847 who have the desire to see a Church established in the area. Most mission works begin in a home setting which is the most practical, accessible space. During the first three hundred years of Church history, the primary meeting place was also the home. This “little Church” model is something that is valid”
Our structure resembles the oratory style of ministry exemplified in many seasons of Church history. The foundation of any Church is prayer and that is the first and main objective of St. Thomas Missions to be places of prayer and worship of the Triune God.
Our Church model is more in the line of sodality rather than modality. We offer the flexibility of a mission movement just like the book of Acts.
Below are summaries of establishing a mission, you can read in more detail in the book: An Ancient Worship Movement.
The first objective is to have a space in your home (preferably eastern facing wall) where an altar table can be established. This altar will have on it a white linen cloth, Holy Scriptures and cross either on the wall adjacent or table cross. This physical table is an emblem of the worship our Triune desires of us continually our Father “seeks” worshippers (St. John 4:23). The altar table also represents that worship is bigger than ourselves and we are joining with believers of 2000 years in the same style of worship. Yes, early believers in synagogue style worshipped the God liturgically.
The Church in the book of Acts began in a prayer meeting and this is how all St. Thomas Churches begin. You will start with prayer service that follows the historic hours of prayer that early believers followed in the temple worship and in New Testament house Churches. Though you can “individually” have this prayer service it is recommended to try and find one other person. You will follow a liturgical prayer service that is said by millions around the world. Mystically, we can also consider that as we pray, we are entering into those prayers and worship before the very throne of God (Revelation 5, Isaiah 6) and into the timeless worship of the Ever Living One.
Discipleship (Catechesis) is the Ancient Church process of training people (catechumen) who are seeking to be water baptized and become a part of the Church. This process is always done with the guidance of a local parish Presbyter (priest, deacon, etc) and the Bishop would be the one to water baptize and give confirmation to individuals by the laying on of hands. Each situation is different and St. Thomas Church is seeking to serve everyone in their own context. This training period to help establish a mission Church can vary in length of time. The goal in the end would be to have clergy able to distribute Holy Communion and have Water Baptism administered.
As St. Thomas Church connects with individuals and groups, we will prayerfully serve and find ways to connect you practically with a Presbyter (priest, deacon) or bishop so that you can continue your journey toward the Ancient Church and be a part of establishing a testimony of the Church in your area.
God could be calling you to start a mission in your area. Get in contact with us using this form we will be glad to discern and serve with you in your locality.
