The vision and story of the 521 Collaborative
Transforming the spiritual landscape of New England by accelerating churches and networks in renewal and multiplication.
In 2017, Grace Church in Avon, MA led by Sean Sears started the 521 Conference based on the parable of the three servants in Matthew 25. Jesus’ message tells us that fruitfulness isn’t measured by how much we are given but by how we invest in what is entrusted.
In the following years a rising burden to see networks and churches collaborate beyond denominational and tribal lines developed. Sean and Executive Pastor Brian Beauford began envisioning a new collective of movement makers in the region, united to see the 1522 municipalities in the six New England states saturated with the Gospel. The need for renewal, multiplication, and development was abundant. The dream is to connect to 60 churches that will plant a church in New England every four years, resulting in over 1,000 new churches in the next 20 years.
This burden has developed into the 521 Collaborative. With a vision to build a region-wide movement, Andy Needham was brought on as Executive Director in 2025.
Everyday Pastors
Movement Makers
Network Leaders
Renewal Resourcers
Andy Needham is a connector and catalyst for churches and ministry leaders. He serves as Executive Director of the 521 Collaborative, a movement of networks and churches in New England focussed on revitalization and multiplication. A New England native, he has spent the past two decades as a champion for the local church. He and his wife Bethany love to serve together and co-host the “Slightly Off Script Marriage Show.” They have two young adult children and a sweet old Golden doodle named Fenway.
Email: [email protected]
D.L. Moody