The New Church Development Board is currently at work cultivating a movement to multiply churches within the Illinois/Wisconsin District Church of the Brethren called Great Harvest Church Planting. We have a vision to start churches that start churches that start churches.

Statement of Core Values

Called to participate in the mission of God, who is making all things new; and recognizing that although God spoke to previous generations in many and various ways, God speaks to us by the Son who is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and

Energized by the realization that the Kingdom of God is breaking upon us through the overpowering activity of the Holy Spirit;

We will plant faith communities which will live out their mission through proclamation, presence, and service. These churches will live in the understanding that church planting is natural and renewing.

As Brethren planting new churches, we take the New Testament as our rule of faith and practice, with particular emphasis on the Gospel of Jesus Christ which calls us to new life lived out through servant-hood, peacemaking and simple living. Searching the scriptures seeking the mind of Christ, we are instructed by three centuries of Church of the Brethren heritage and identity.