The Office of Small Church and Community Ministry has produced several excellent new resources that are focused on the needs of small congregations in the PC(USA).
Many of these resources can be downloaded free from the website, or may be purchased for a small fee.
Click here for more information.
Beyond the Ordinary is the blog, sponsored by Research Services of the PCUSA, that tracks information and posts findings from the U.S. Congregational Life Survey. Data junkies (like me) will find this fascinating stuff!
http://presbyterian.typepad.com/beyondordinary/
“The Church is Alive project stems from an idea that the Church is more than what some currently believe. We have heard the worries and anxieties that say that our church is ‘dying’ or ‘already dead,’ but instead we believe that the church is alive, vibrant, and a powerful force for good in the world. We believe that the Holy Spirit is breathing new life into all corners of our denomination, and that our body of believers is rich with stories of giving back, exploring fresh approaches to community, and discovering new ways to worship God.”
From the website www.offthemap.com
“Otherlyness is the spiritual practice of noticing and serving others in ordinary ways. We believe Christians ought to be known for a way of living that is generous and intentionally otherly at its core.”
The Spiritual Discipline of Serving from Recycle Your Faith on Vimeo.
MovieMinistry provides sermon illustrations, small group Bible studies, free movie clips for sermons and more to assist pastors, youth and lay leaders in using the power of film to communicate and discuss our relationships with God.
What is PresbyGrow?
PresbyGrow is the website for the Office of Church Growth of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). PresbyGrow is intended to be a storehouse of information and resources for anyone engaged in new church development, church growth, and/or congregation transformation. It is also our hope that this website will also be a way for you to connect with us at the National Office of the PC(USA) as well as other Presbyterians/Christians.
What’s the best way to “use” this website?
We like to think that PresbyGrow is pretty easy to navigate, but it is helpful to know the basic layout of the website in order that you may more effectively search for resources.
Most of the content on PresbyGrow is divided into three categories:
Be aware, though, that there is usually “overlap” with the categories, and an article filed under “church growth” might also be found under “new churches” or “transformation.”
Each of these three categories can be found in the blue, orange, and green boxes on the home page. Clicking on each of the boxes will direct you to that specific page.
The “tabs” located in the green header are simply other ways to categorize information.
Each “tab” describes the type of information, though not the category (although, once you click on a tab, you’ll discover that each genre is subdivided into category). Make sense?
Or–you can always search terms in the “Google search” box, located on the left side of your screen.
If you need help finding anything, please contact us–we’re here to help you!
How do I submit a post/article/resource/etc. to PresbyGrow?
To submit a post/article/resource/upcoming event/etc. to PresbyGrow, simply email us. We will be more than happy to upload your content!
How to I report a site error or broken link?
Email us or call us at 1-888-728-7228, ext. 5088. We will have the problem fixed ASAP.
How do I sign-up for monthly updates about upcoming events, new resources, and other handy info?
Register for our free, monthly, e-newsletter, Growing Edges. To sign up, click here. We do not sell your email address and you can cancel at any time.
Where can I get access to old newsletters?
Newsletters are archived electronically, and can be accessed by clicking here.
Is PresbyGrow on Facebook?
Yes! Search for “Presby Grow” (two words) and be our friend!
Does PresbyGrow have a Twitter account?
Yes! Follow us @PresbyGrow
Church Talk Radio is a weekly radio broadcast for Church Transformation. Tune in on Tuesdays at 10:00 A.M. CST.
(from the website)
Church-Talk is a weekly online LIVE call-in radio show with Drs. Bill and Kris Tenny-Brittian. Each episode is related to one of the hottest Church Transformation topics in the news and conversation today. With relevant tips, awesome guests, and the occasional reparte between the hosts, Church-Talk is becoming one of the most listened to church transformation shows going.
The Alban Institute regularly hosts webinars that may be of particular interest to those involved in congregational transformation. Some are “live,” others are “on demand,” and the price for any of them is extremely do-able, especially for leadership teams with a limited budget.
Click here for more information.
We are grateful that the Presbytery of Charlotte has allowed us to post their Strategic Plan for Building Healthy Churches that was adopted May 19, 2009. This document has been two years in developmen and is to be followed by a “first 18 month implementation plan” to be presented for adoption at their September, 2009 Presbytery meeting.
You are welcome to adapt/use/print etc., any and all of this document. Warren Lesane, Charlotte Presbytery’s Associate for Church Development and the Charlotte Presbytery Church Development Team, are the primary researchers, thinkers, and writers; however, it has been a holistic process involving the entire infrastructure and staff of the Presbytery.
Click here to download the document (.pdf file)
