There are a number of reasons growth occurs through new churches. New churches can try new approaches to ministry, adapting to the changing needs of their communities. New churches often attract pioneers - as well as younger people. New churches in growing areas are attractive to new people moving into the area from around the country and around the world.

Evidence of the success of new churches can be found in the two most recent church plants in the Diocese of Dallas. St. Nicholas in Flower Mound began in 1999 and averages over 400 attendees each Sunday. St. Philip's in Frisco began its public worship on Palm Sunday in 2002, averages over 375 in attendance each Sunday, and is beginning a $3 million capital campaign.

On the brink of great opportunity

The northeastern quadrant of Texas is bursting with new growth, from Texarkana, to the growing suburbs of the Metroplex, to the uptown area of Dallas. Enveloped by growth, our diocese focuses on growth, too, as its Strategic Plan envisions a diocese driven by a mission to know Jesus and to make him known, so that an ever-increasing number of people will experience his transforming power.

Formerly a small town, McKinney has become a bustling part of the Dallas metroplex, with new developments, golf courses, schools and churches. Recognizing an opportunity to offer Episcopal worship to hundreds of new homeowners in west McKinney, the Diocese of Dallas has acquired land on which to plant a new church. A young Episcopal priest with experience in church planting has been called to build a congregation in west McKinney to serve the burgeoning suburban neighborhoods nearby. The need for this new church is urgent; families will benefit from its worship and programs for generations into the future.

To make disciples of Jesus Christ, we need to plant new churches among all these new groups, whether they are located in the fast-growing suburbs, or whether they serve Asian, Indonesian, Latino, or Vietnamese immigrants, just to name a few.

On task, on mission

The Diocese of Dallas' 2002 Strategic Plan challenges our diocese to plant 10 new churches in the next five years. We've already planted two congregations. St. Philip's, with a recent Sunday attendance of 483, and St. Peter's Anglican (Nigerian) with a recent Sunday attendance of 180. But, we have to do more. To plant two more new churches, the diocese has agreed to purchase two parcels of land, one in West McKinney and another near Prosper, Texas. This is the beginning.

Vicar of the new church plant in West McKinney,
the Rev. Mike Michie and family

A 12-member diocesan commission has been studying, researching demographic data, and developing a plan for our diocese's church planting. Made up of real estate professionals, attorneys, bankers, construction specialists and Episcopalians who have experience in church planting, these dedicated churchmen have identified our most critical needs in near-term church growth. We begin in West McKinney, but we can foresee new churches across the diocese:

Argyle	East Texas
Midlothian	Denton
Little Elm	Anna
Northwest Dallas	Texarkana
Red Oak	Rowlett
Rockwall	Corinth
Bachman Lake area of Dallas

Now, each of us has an opportunity to participate in our diocese's fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission as we bring the hope and comfort of Christ to those who seek Him.