About the NCC

The North Central Collective is a community of churches who have entered into a covenant relationship in which we leverage our theological and geographic proximity to see the cause of Christ active in north central region of Massachusetts. This is a body built on the identity of the church itself rather than on performing a specific duty of the church; we believe that churches are meant to be united in the same way that members within a church are united, and focus on living out the family structure of the church together. This identity belief manifests in a few key ways.

Denomination

The NCC is not directly affiliated with any denomination, and does not operate as a denomination. Churches within the NCC are free to make internal decisions and determine their own affiliations. Membership in the NCC comes with certain expectations that define our unity, which are detailed in our Covenant of Understanding, and churches are expected to hold one another accountable to the teachings and work of the body of Christ.

Shared Ministry

We believe that churches are not designed to operate in isolation, nor are they designed to outsource large parts of their mission. As such, we actively support one another with shared resources and personnel, engage in ministry together, and work to develop relationships among our churches that reflect our place in the family of God. This results in a specific view of church membership, theological education, and leadership development.

Church Membership

NCC churches view the church as a family of families. Joining a church is not signing up for a subscription service or event calendar, but entering into a deep and commited relationship among brothers and sisters in Christ who are treated as true family. There are expectations of members, such as investment in one another’s lives, mentoring and being mentored in intergenerational relationships, seeking opportunities to grow in our understanding of and commitment to Christ, and actively engaging in the mission of revealing the gospel to those within and beyond the church. The NCC itself operates in this same way, as a family of churches, each holding similar responsibilities toward one another.

Theological Education

While Bible schools and seminaries have shown themselves capable at certain aspects of theological education, it is our belief that the primary responsibility for teaching the congregation the ways of Christ has been designated to churches. We use outside resources as often as needed (many of our churches focus on resources created by BILD International), but take on the duty of identifying needed areas of growth, offering classes, and developing members into people who are growing in their understanding of the way of Christ and His apostles.

Leadership Development

This educational responsibility includes the role of identifying and equipping leaders. From ministry volunteers to lead pastors, including church planters and missionaries who go beyond the local church, the church should be directing and enacting the process of training people to serve in their ordained offices, and helping one another to fulfill that mission. As such, we utilize the accredited Antioch School curriculum as part of our in-house theological education and work together on training processes like the Church Planter Residency Program.