Project — Why start another church? — How can you join the project?
The project has two phases. The first is the launch of a digital strategy: online evangelistic courses (such as Alpha), prayer meetings, fundraising, and the beginning of team formation with an initial goal of 2–3 people, as stated in the Community Church Planting Manual. After 6–8 months, the second phase will begin—moving into the selected area (Concón) to start in-person gatherings.
DIGITAL
“Globally, people spent an average of approximately 7 hours daily in front of a screen in 2020, and this figure is projected to increase by 2050. For most of the world, the digital era is shaping our relationships, desires, brain chemistry, decision-making, character, and our formation in the faith to follow the path of Jesus.”
Today, the post-Christian world challenges us to cross a new frontier: the digital realm. In Acts, we see the Church crossing various barriers to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Similarly, today we are called to do the same in the digital world as part of our mission to reach post-Christian culture. This is our starting point: we need to have a digital presence, not only because it is an essential part of our lives and relationships but also because it is a mission field.
According to the Digital Report 2025 – Chile:
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Instagram is the second most used social network in the country (after WhatsApp, with 87.2% of internet users over 16 years old).
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TikTok is the social network where the most time is spent: an average of 45.5 hours per month (on Android devices, November 2024).
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The most active age group on both platforms is 25 to 34 years old (31.2% on Instagram and 37.4% on TikTok).
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The main uses of social networks are to: connect with family and friends, pass time, read new stories, find content such as articles or videos.
We want to leverage these platforms to generate content that invites spiritual formation.
Whatever the platform, it should serve to give and receive love and practice mutual ministries for the life of the world that God loves, rather than reinforcing consumerism. From worship to discipleship, community formation to missional outreach, connecting our gathered and scattered expressions, the forms of church in the digital age continue to explore the intersection of digital technique and theological foundation, aiming to reflect God both in online life and in people’s daily lives.
At the beginning of 2025, Chile had 18.6 million internet users, with an online penetration of 94.1 percent. In January 2025, Chile had 14.8 million social media user identities, equivalent to 74.7 percent of the total population.
PLACE
Believers who gather are united in loving covenant fellowship around the Trinitarian presence of the One True God: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 28:19; John 14:26).
— Book of Discipline 2023, Free Methodist Church, ¶6070
In a world increasingly affected by the epidemic of loneliness, two types of gatherings are gaining popularity: Coffee Parties, events with DJs but without alcohol, and reading parties or open book clubs, where people gather around a passion for books, or events like Amor y Pastas in Santiago (which can take this model or this one). Interestingly, the sale of physical books, including Bibles, has increased, reflecting a desire for tangible and meaningful connection.
While we recognize the importance of the digital world, we believe that these forms of gathering do not replace but complement face-to-face meetings, especially for new generations.
The only significant difference with worship services in other evangelical churches will be our commitment that every element of our gatherings is intentionally understandable for all participants, as noted in the Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church 2023, ¶122: “According to the word of God and the custom of the early church, public worship, prayer, and the administration of the sacraments should be conducted in a language understood by the people.”
Our projection is to plant a church in one of Chile’s three main urban centers, focusing on Greater Valparaíso, as it is the only one of the three that does not yet have a Free Methodist Church presence. In the Concón area, there are currently few churches with a similar focus. Among them is La Trinidad Church, of Presbyterian tradition, with a presence in Viña del Mar, Reñaca, and Concón. Another related community is Union Church, located in Viña del Mar and linked to the Vineyard movement. Concón is an area experiencing significant urban growth, with a high quality of life, large companies, and vibrant tourist activity, in addition to being an area we know well.
Our project seeks to establish a community church that initially operates through small groups in cafés, homes, outdoor spaces, or rooms in buildings or hotels, later transitioning to larger worship gatherings.
Our goal is to reach new believers, avoiding the practice of “sheep stealing” between congregations. We want to focus on those who have not yet experienced an encounter with Christ and provide them with a community where they can grow in their faith.
Believers gather regularly for mutual fellowship, edification, and training (The Free Methodist Church aims to be representative of what the church of Jesus Christ should be on earth. Therefore, it requires a specific commitment regarding the faith and life of its members ¶121; see Acts 2:42; Romans 12:4-6).
— Book of Discipline 2023, Free Methodist Church, ¶6070
ALPHA
Alpha is a multi-week Christian course that explores life, faith, and meaning.
Its approach makes sharing faith accessible to anyone, even those unfamiliar with the Christian faith.
Alpha began years ago in a church in London with a simple idea: to create a space where friends who don’t usually attend church could explore faith. Over time, many lives were transformed, and Alpha began to expand worldwide, becoming a key tool for sharing the Gospel in a close and understandable way.
INITIAL PLAN
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First, 100% digital meetings.
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Then, hybrid or in-person gatherings at our future location.
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Subsequently, Alpha courses in nearby universities.
For more information, visit 👉 https://pruebaalpha.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtU5-k5Z7SA
