FAQ
Berkshires Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a church plant needed in the Berkshires?
If you spend enough time in Western New England, you will see many church buildings in cities and towns that speak of a rich spiritual legacy in New England from our forefathers. However, today this area is known as one of the most biblically illiterate and unchurched regions of the United States.
We believe the Berkshires need a church plant because we need a place where God’s eternal, life giving story is lived out and God is worshiped in ways that make sense in our time. In a church like Terra Nova we have found authentic, modern community that is transformational and life giving. We desire to plant a church so we can build a community and share that experience and faith journey with others.
Where is the church going to be located?
At this point, we feel confident that God has called us to plant our first church in Western New England in North Adams, MA to be a part of, and serve the people of Northern Berkshire County. While we don’t currently have a permanent gathering location, our desire is to begin gathering in places where community is already happening. We want to be a part of the community and be where people are, not expect people to come find us in the more traditional church setting.
As we build towards being able to gather every Sunday morning for worship, we are gathering every other Sunday (email Pastor Paul for more information), and also in homes scattered around northern Berkshire county on a regular basis in our Tribes. Our goal is to be a church of Tribes, not a church with Tribes so please come join our Tribes as we plant a church. You can follow our news and events posts as well.
When will the church be launched?
Currently, we meet every other Sunday for worship. You can find more information by emailing Pastor Paul.
We hope to launch public Worship services in the fall of 2017. Feel free to interact with our brief timeline.
And while we think it is important for the church to gather regularly for teaching, worship, and fellowship; the church is also about its people. Therefore, in a sense the church is already gathering regularly in small groups called Tribes around the Berkshires currently. Come join us!
To which denomination or group does Terra Nova belong?
Terra Nova Church in the Berkshires is a part of the Terra Nova Network of churches. Terra Nova is also a member church of the Acts 29 Network and Converge. Paul Gordon, the Lead Pastor, also serves as the Executive Pastor of the Terra Nova Network, an has been assessed by Acts 29 and Converge Northeast.
How can people join in this work?
You can partner with us in three primary ways:
First, you can come join us and do life with us. Either, gather with us on Sundays or in the context of our small groups, Tribes. Be sure to stay tuned to our news & events as well.
Second, you can join us by financially supporting our work and helping to invest into the future of this church. Over the next 12-18 months we will be gathering provisions to help plant our church.
Third, please join us in prayer for our efforts. We know that unless the Lord builds this community, we labor in vain. So, we are consistently seeking His guidance in order to stay in step with His Spirit. To receive our regular prayer updates you can text “TNCBerkshires” to 86677.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any questions, please email Pastor Paul Gordon. If you have financial questions, you can also email our Financial Administrator, Odette Klass.
Who is welcomed to be a part of this faith community?
This church community is open to everyone. At some point in our lives, all of us were far from God. Yet, Christ came to seek and save each of us, even when we were far from Him. When we embrace this radical invitation from Him, we find the place we truly belong. Therefore, we hope this community is welcoming to folks who don’t yet know this truth, are just starting to realize it, and those who have been following Jesus for some time.
We desire creative worship, transparency, vulnerability and authenticity in our pilgrim journeys. We aspire to what the Bible calls us to as we try and redeem flawed community; things such as love, unity, truth, grace, compassion and forgiveness.
We welcome you to come and see how we try to live out our faith in Jesus.
To whom is the leadership of Terra Berkshires accountable?
Ultimately, we believe that we are accountable to our Chief Shepherd and the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.
Additionally, as part of the Terra Nova Network, we are represented at and held accountable to the elders of the Terra Network.
Further, we have set up an Advisory & Accountability Council to oversee our work until we have local elders for our church. Currently serving on this Council is Ed Marcelle, Steve Klass and Denny Sant.