History:

In early 2008, several families had an interest in a new congregation being formed in the Joplin, MO area. It appeared that those who had been involved with this ongoing conversation sensed that there was a heartfelt connection with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church due to its Christ-centeredness, Reformed theology, limited bureaucracy and missional passion.

It was also increasingly obvious that there was a hunger in this community among younger adults to participate in congregations that are eager to reach out to others with radical hospitality, to deepen relationships in meaningful contexts of community and to collaboratively share leadership and service. At the same time there was a thirst for strong, Biblical teaching that communicates the truth of God's Word in a very practical, creative, interactive manner.

In late 2009 New Creation Church moved into the old "Connor Avenue Baptist Church" on 19th and Connor Avenue in Joplin. This move had a dramatic effect on the ability of our congregation to reach out to the community. We launched a new Sunday School, KidsQuest after school ministry, youth and college ministries, and small group Bible studies.

The 2011 Joplin tornado had a dramatic effect on our congregation. In spite of being cut nearly in half by displacement of people God graciously used us to house more than 4,000 volunteers, serve more than 60,000 meals, build 80 high quality sheds, distribute hundreds of truckloads of food, water and supplies, and stage thousands of relief and recovery teams from our site.

Since the tornado New Creation has rebounded in attendance and participation, expanded our KidsQuest ministry to three days (no small task!), and re-ignited our small group ministries. New Creation is robust church where there is a genuine spirit of love and joy. It’s been observed that people here are very quick to volunteer wherever help is needed.

New Creation is a "particular church" within the Mid-America Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.