Resources
Stepping Out in Faith
Stepping Out in Faith tells the stories of nine smaller membership churches that have journeyed on a path leading to transformed congregational life — from the perspective of the congregation and pastor. Spiritual discernment, changing demographics, pastoral leadership and church building issues are addressed. Discussion questions follow each story and the resource concludes with a Bible study. Stepping Out in Faith is offered especially to leaders of smaller membership churches and presbyteries.
$3 (plus shipping) • PDS #23316-09-001
From Homelessness to Hope: Constructing Just, Sustainable Communities for All God’s People
The Advisory Council on Social Witness Policy has produced an excellent new resource on affordable housing and homelessness policy issues — From Homelessness to Hope: Constructing Just, Sustainable Communities for All God’s People. Download this resource  or order it from the Presbyterian Distribution Service.
$3 (plus shipping) • PDS #02-052-09-002
Summer Collegium for pastors serving smaller membership churches
Applications are now available for the Summer Collegium, a project in support of small congregations at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Clergy (and their spouses or partners) from 25 small churches of all Christian denominations are invited to spend nine days at Virginia Seminary for encouragement, education, rest and renewal. All expenses, including travel, books, meals, lodging, child care at home and pulpit supply, are paid by a grant from the Lilly Endowment.
The theme of the Summer Collegium this year is “Leadership in the Small Congregation.” Our keynote speaker will be Alice Mann, a prolific writer on congregational ministry, and John Bell from the Iona Community in Scotland will join our worship team for the conference.
The dates for the Summer Collegium are June 23 – July 1, 2010. Download application forms on the Virginia Theological Seminary Web site, or get an application in the mail by emailing the Summer Collegium program or by calling (703) 461-1760. Applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2009, to be considered.
Rural America at a Glance
Rural America at a Glance, 2009 Edition, describes the effects of the current recession on rural America, including employment, homeownership and poverty. It is available on the USDA Web site or by calling (888) 999-6779.
Process for a request for proposals
In January 2009 the Presbyterian Association for Community Transformation (PACT) adopted a new mission statement that captures our collective call. [Read more]
Free Workshop Modules
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Christian Educators now offers free workshop modules on teaching skills, basic bible and reformed theology courses online for volunteer teachers and leaders through Opening Doors to Discipleship (secure login code: 31627). For more information, contact the Office of Christian Education — email Vennie Constant or Candace Hill, or call (888) 728-7228, x5460 or x5166.
Sabbath Sabbatical Support Grants
The Board of Pensions provides
stipends of up to $3,000 toward sabbaticals for eligible pastors serving churches
of fewer than 200 members. Learn more about
the Sabbath Sabbatical Support Grants program.
Association of Presbyterian Tent Makers
Tentmakers follow the path of the Apostle Paul, the first "Tentmaker.” Making
tents as a living, he proclaimed the Gospel in every city and village
he visited. Believing that "God … has appointed a time for every
matter, and for every work" (Ecclesiastes 3:17), tentmakers serve churches
and Christian communities across the globe. Learn
more about Tent Makers.
Interfaith Worker Justice offers resources
Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) has developed resources to be used in worship.
Labor in the Pulpits/on the Bimah/in the Minbar — Worship resources for celebrating the sacred link between faith, work and justice.
For You Were Once a Stranger — An immigration toolkit to help people of faith reflect on what their religious traditions say about immigrations and engage in meaningful action for creating a just and humane immigration program.
And Two Shall Become One
by Mariko Yanagihara
This booklet is a valuable resource for small congregations considering a merger.
Developing Mission Partnership
by Phil Tom
This resource brief will provide your congregation with some helpful guidance if you are considering developing a mission partnership with another congregation, with your community or a community agency.
Presbyterian Resources for Worker Justice
This document highlights the scriptural imperative that all work is to have integrity and ensure that all workers are treated with justice.
Spiritual Vitality Through Cooperative Ministry
Many small churches are enhancing their ministry and mission by working cooperatively. This resource provides guidance to churches and presbyteries that are considering cooperative ministry. The discernment process and initial organization are described. A Bible Study to undergird these processes is included as well as five models of cooperative ministry.
$3.00 • PDS #2331608001
Vital Signs of Urban Congregations
The Urban Ministry Office has produced a new resource, Vital
Signs of Urban Congregations. This book lifts up the stories of twelve urban
congregations that have experienced significant transformation in ministering
with their congregational members and communities. This book tells the stories
of the members and pastors of these congregations who wanted to grow in spirit
and to serve God and their neighbors. This is not a "fix-it" or "how
to" book. This is a collection of stories that will hopefully engage, enliven
and stretch your thinking and imagination about ways to strengthen the life and
ministries of urban congregations.
FREE (plus shipping) • PDS #72344-06-001
Living the Vision: Metropolitan/Urban Ministry
Part of the Living the Vision Series, this booklet is a brief primer on Urban/Metropolitan
Ministry and the characteristic of a healthy Urban/Metropolitan congregation
and congregational-based Ministries.
Free • PDS #7231303001
How to Be an Effective Advocate: Making our voices heard!
Produced by
the PC(USA) Washington Office, this resource provides "how-to" techniques
for Presbyterians who wish to successfully advocate public policy positions to
elected officials.
Study this resource online.
Free single downloads available
Free • PDS #7282206001
Living the Vision: Rural Ministry — Church and
Community
Part of the Living the Vision series, this booklet is designed to help congregations
and governing bodies discern a vision for ministry in changing rural communities.
A suggested outline for a congregational discernment retreat is included.
Free • PDS #7230900001
We Are What We Eat
A report approved by the 214th General
Assembly (2002)
This report is a survey of concerns and issues affecting
rural communities and churches, a call to the whole PC(USA) to become aware and
involved in these concerns. The recommendations approved by the GA are outlined
and a study guide is included. Download the report.
Free single downloads available
$4.00 • PDS #6860002003
The Agricultural Revolution:
An Invitation to Faithful Action
Church & Society November/December 2004
This particular issue of Church & Society focuses on the agricultural
revolution, the issues surrounding it, and suggested action. It is an excellent
primer for those engaging in study of issues affecting rural America and our
food systems.
$3.00 • PDS #7263004606
Living the Vision: Small Church Ministry
Part of the Living the Vision series, this booklet describes aspects of congregational
life that lead to health and vitality and offers a suggested outline for a congregational
discernment retreat.
Free • PDS #7230800002
New Times — New Call
A Manual of Pastoral Options for Small Churches
This booklet helps presbyteries and congregations explore
new ways to be faithful to Christ’s ministry in their communities and consider
a variety of pastoral leadership options in carrying out their vision and mission.
Free single downloads available
$4.00 • PDS #7231203001
Evangelism in the Small Church
by James E. Cushman
Evangelism is the essence of a vital congregation. This booklet, written by
one who has served small churches as pastor and governing body staff, will guide
a congregation in reaching beyond itself in ministry and mission. One of the
appendices offers a valuable guide for a congregational mission study.
$4.00 • PDS #7231204001
Commissioned Lay Pastor Resource Book
Commissioned Lay Pastors (CLP) across the church are effectively leading smaller
congregations. This resource provides presbyteries and congregations with useful
information and models for CLP programs.
$7.50 • PDS #7221303003
Beyond Survival: Revitalizing the Small Church
by James E.
Cushman
Written by one who has served small churches as pastor and governing body
staff, this book analyzes the question: the small church: problem or opportunity?
A guide to small church revitalization follows the analysis.
$3.00 • PDS #30590110
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