In the nearly quarter of century that Neil Emerson has been rector of Holy Trinity, Wentworth Falls, he has seen nothing like it.

This Sunday, all the Anglican churches from the villages strung out over 50km across the top of the Blue Mountains will begin a 40 Day program they hope will revolutionise ministry in the region.

It is the first time in living memory that Lawson, Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath have collaborated in ministry.

"We are very parochial up here," says Mr Emerson. "The geography doesn't make it easy to work together, but we hope 40 Days of Purpose will change that."

The Rev Ray Robinson (pictured) of St Hilda's, Katoomba agreed.

"I'm really excited about the potential for collaboration in other areas of ministry," he said. "I think we will certainly see the fruits in future."

With the formal program yet to begin, Mr Emerson said the impact on his parish's small group ministry is already "pretty exciting'.

"We have begun the program in our small groups this week," he said. "Enough new people have signed up that we have had to start two new Bible Study groups."

Ray Partington, who is helping organise the program at Wentworth Falls, said he's noticed how his fellow lay people are already seeing the parish's activities, such as their Op Shop, in a new light.

"It is helping us hone up on why we are involved in good works " it is a reminder that our main purpose in being in relationship with Christ." 

Highlights of the 40 Day program include a "ministry showcase' held at each parish.

"It's really a recruitment exercise," said Mr Emerson, "where we encourage people to serve God in the church through everything from lawnmowing to youth ministry."

The 40 Days of Purpose will finish on September 10 with a celebration event involving all five parishes at Katoomba Primary School.