Building Congregational Vitality: Resources and Connections

To foster congregational vitality through worship, learning, relationships, actions, and sharing, we offer the following resources and suggestions:

Worship

• Involve Children: Utilize “Creating Space for Children and Their Families in Worship” to engage younger participants.
• Matthew 25 Resources: Incorporate elements from the Matthew 25 worship resource to enhance vitality.
• Lectionary and Worship: Explore resources for “A Year with Matthew 25” for a vibrant worship experience.
• Additional Worship Tools: Seek other resources to create a dynamic and spirit-filled worship environment.

Learn

• Faith Formation: Access resources from the Office of Christian Formation to support faith development across generations.
• Sabbath Practices: Use the Faith Practices Tool Kit to renew interest in sabbath and faith practices.
• Youth Curriculum: Implement “When Did We See You?” for youth engagement.
• Intergenerational Community: Build connections through the Office of Christian Formation.
• Evangelism: Study the 8 Habits of Evangelism to understand its role in your context.
• Vital Congregations: Explore the Vital Congregations initiative for revitalization strategies.
• Engage Curriculum: Use the Engage curriculum to enhance relevance and attract new members.
• Recommended Reading: Consider book studies on:
  • InterGenerate: Transforming Churches through Intergenerational Ministry by Holly Catterton Allen and Jason Brian Santos
  • Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story by Michael W. Goheen
  • Shift: Three Big Moves for the 21st Century Church by Mark E. Tidsworth

Relate

• New Worshiping Communities: Form relationships with new worshiping communities in your area. Find maps and resources to assist you.
• Missional Leadership Events: Host an Exploring Missional Leadership event, facilitated by 1001 New Worshiping Communities. Contact Michael Gerling at michael.gerling@pcusa.org for more information.
• Community Connections: Build relationships with non-profits, other churches, and interfaith organizations to explore joint ministries.

Act

• Community Involvement: Use Mr. Rogers Day Resources to engage with your community.
• Campus Ministries: Connect with PLM’s four campus ministries for campus outreach.
• Neighborhood Assessment: Evaluate your neighborhood to guide your community involvement using the “Starting New Worshipping Communities” guide.
• Global Call: Review the Presbyterian World Mission’s guidebook.

Share

• Collaboration Agreements: Support immigrant New Worshiping Communities through collaboration agreements.
• Video Stories: Share and connect with other worshiping communities like Ebenezer Church, New Creation Church, Hope Presbyterian Church, and Light of Hope Presbyterian Church.
• Space Sharing: Utilize your building space to partner with community groups.
• Volunteerism: Engage in community volunteer activities utilizing your members’ skills and wisdom.

Contact for More Information

For further details, to invite speakers, or to brainstorm additional ideas, reach out to Rev. Carlton Johnson, Coordinator for Vital Congregations, at carlton.johnson@pcusa.org. Alternatively, contact your region’s Mission Engagement Advisor, who can connect you with Rev. Johnson and other PC(USA) staff and resources.