Go First! Congregation Outreach Initiative
“Joyfully serving together to make disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Go First! is a MNS District mission initiative that supports transformational ministry in and through the congregations in our district. Congregational teams from across our district are invited to participate by planning new, entrepreneurial approaches to connect with people in their community. This initiative invites your congregation to envision, develop, and engage in a new ministry effort for the sake of the Kingdom of God in your local community.
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Rationale
Personal experience and formal studies both speak to the simple truth that Christian congregations are most effective in reaching new people for Christ, and bringing believers to a greater maturity of faith, when they develop new opportunities for service and discipleship that touch the lives of people beyond their current membership. In other words, when Christians are taught and encouraged to exercise their faith through loving actions that serve others, new relationships begin to form, and in those new relationships the gospel can be more personally shared.
One means of encouraging congregations toward Christ-like service in their community is providing them with resources to help implement intentional acts of service both inside and beyond the congregation. This approach is encouraged by our Lord Jesus when he taught His disciples "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." (John 13:14)
Proposal
Your congregation is invited to apply for a Go First! Ministry Development Grant in support of your new Go First! Ministry. By applying for this grant your team is making their commitment to:
Work together to plan and publish their ministry objectives, anticipated outcomes and potential costs.
Submit their detailed proposal for consideration on or before April 1, 2026.
Demonstrate how their proposal will match congregational strengths with opportunities to serve in the local community. A member of the MNS District staff will be happy to assist in this planning process.
Implement their chosen ministry plan during the calendar year 2026.
Provide a written account of their ministry journey to share with the congregations of the MNS District through our newsletter and website no later than January 2027.
Each team is encouraged to develop an approach to ministry that is new to their congregation. Preference will be given to teams that propose a new ministry effort working in partnership with other organizations or congregations. Teams are encouraged to include in their proposal how the congregation will build on insights gained from the experience.
Financial Grants
To help facilitate the development of these new ministries, the MN South District is offering financial grants up to a maximum of up to $3,500 per congregation or school team proposal. The amount granted will not exceed 50 percent of the total project budget. Due to limited resources, it is important that you assemble your team and submit your Go First! proposal as soon as possible before the April 2026 deadline.
To Sum it Up!
Our hope, prayer, and expectation is that these gifts will be used by the Holy Spirit to encourage the planting and watering of gospel seeds and will nurture further outreach efforts in the future.
Questions or Comments?
Phillip Johnson | 952-223-2161 | Phillip.Johnson@mnsdistrict.org
