Giugliano Church Plant
They believe this is the best way to care for the growing number of teens and families under their care. And, they know the indescribable potential a new congregation has to reach the larger, surrounding community with the Good News.
Theirs will be the first church plant inspired by the shared vision for Italy, “A new church for a new generation for a new nation.”
It will be a prototype for the EMPOWER programme, as they have been challenged and informed by Eleviva’s training and coaching. Vincenzo has been a regular student in our leadership courses, and Thomas and George have spent hours in conversation with him and Numa about their vision for a new church.
Their group of families has been meeting informally for many months now to prepare for the church to be fully launched in 2021. In Giugliano, a town with 120,000 people, there is only one viable evangelical church. The opportunity to increase Kingdom-influence in the city, especially among the young people, is ripe. Vincenzo and Numa are laying the groundwork for the new congregation by establishing small groups, preparing a leadership team, and renovating a meeting space. And, as a priority, they are receiving personal mentoring from a key partner church, PienoVangelo, in Modugno.
Vincenzo is gifted to speak to teens and young adults, as evidenced by his impact on over 15,000 students in last year or so via his school assemblies. He and Numa have gathered 40-60 of these teens and their families in Giugliano to teach, coach and pray with them. Many are putting their faith in Christ and their lives and homes are being transformed by His love and power. This growing group is the foundation for this new church. Their vision is for change in Giugliano, and its surrounding region, too!
What they see is “A CHURCH FOR THE CITY.”
That is, a community and a culture where young people experience the Church as their home and family. They see a place where teens and their families feel loved, accepted and heard; a community that reaches and equips a new generation of Italians. It will be a church that has contemporary language, that is centred on Christ Himself, and is solidly rooted in the Word of God. It will be led by young people, sharing leadership as a unified team that is passionate and active in serving Jesus, His Church and their city, Giugliano.
We need partners for this project. Eleviva has already been able to invest 5,000 Euros in the building renovation, but more is necessary are the launch nears. There is equipment to purchase and more work to be done to prepare the building. As time goes on, Vincenzo and Numa will receive a basic level of salary support from Canada so they can devote more time and energy to leading a new church. You can help by giving a donation or by committing to regular investments. If you want to know more, contact our team at eleviva. We would be honoured to open a door of blessing as you invest in this city in Italy.