Farmstead Eight is a space where neighbors can connect with neighbors and come together to grow something good in the world. When a farmer sold his land for real estate development, he donated eight acres and a barn in what would become a residential community to Heritage Presbyterian Church. The congregation began to imagine and experiment with how that land could become a natural gathering space for the community.
“So, we really mean what we say here – the purpose of Farmstead Eight is not about growing our church, it’s about growing good in our neighborhood.”
“We just keep experimenting” reflected Patience Acosta, “but we are convinced that in a world of political polarization, we have the opportunity to be a community space where people can be friends and neighbors across differences.”
Over time, they have experimented with lots of things. A Wednesday Night Harvest Table dinner in the barn gathered church people, but not many people beyond their church membership. So they pivoted, as they discovered that outdoor gatherings—hayrides, firepits, outdoor games—resonated better with their neighbors.
They have discovered that outdoor events are key, and they are already planning how hide-and-seek night and the orchard harvest can be community hangouts. The barn is also being used for community events, weddings, and more.
Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church
What is the Fresh Expression called?
Farmstead Eight
Where is it?
Olathe, Kansas
Who is it for?
The nearby neighborhood
What do they do?
Farmstead Eight fosters an environment where kids can play, youth can hang out, and neighbors can connect. They do this through open community usage of the land, as well as gathering times to foster deeper connections within the community, such as game nights, outdoor events, volunteering, an annual live nativity, and more. They have also planted an orchard which will ultimately produce fruit that the neighbors will harvest together.
Who is the Pioneer?
The congregation of Heritage Presbyterian Church.
Where can I learn more?
Farmstead Eight
