Why are there conditions associated with the Investment and Growth grants?
Our desire is to see new ministries form with health and vitality. The conditions are meant to provide helpful resources for new worshiping communities. The PCUSA has both required these resources and raised the grant amount to allow leaders to have the support they need during this important season in the life of the worshiping community.
My Investment Grant commitment letter says I am required to have a coach. Why do I need a coach?
Starting a new worshiping community is hard work, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. A good coach can walk beside you on the journey and help you along the way. Coaches meet regularly with you to listen, ask great questions, help you discover your gifts, and enable you to discern the way forward when you get stuck.
How do I find a coach?
1001 New Worshiping Communities has many trained coaches. You can find more information and an application form here: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/1001-2/coaching/. For additional information, email Jeff Eddings at jeff.eddings@pcusa.org.
What does it cost to contract with a 1001 coach?
We recommend an annual stipend of $1,500 paid by the new worshiping community to the coach. In addition, we recommend one site visit per year, also funded by the new worshiping community.
Is there any way we can get financial help for the cost of a coach?
We strongly recommend that the presbytery or partner congregation share in the cost of the coaching agreement. All parties have a part in the coaching relationship and benefit from coaching. The grant itself may be used to contribute toward the expense of a coach. When coaching was added as a condition for grant recipients, the amount of the grant was increased to address the added cost associated with the conditions. Or consider using the specific cost of a coaching contract + site visit (around $2,000) to gain a new donor to your community. A donor who has experienced the importance of coaching may be pleased to give for that purpose.
Do we have to use one of the 1001-affiliated coaches?
No. Some presbyteries have other resources they can offer. Our 1001 coaches are specially trained to work with leaders of new worshiping communities. We have coaches who speak a variety of languages. But you are welcome to select a coach who works well for you.
How do I inform you that I have a coach?
Please send a signed copy of the coaching agreement to jeff.eddings@pcusa.org or have someone from your presbytery oversight committee write a letter affirming that you have an agreement with a coach for at least one year.
My grant commitment letter says I need to participate in an assessment. Why is this important?
Discerning Missional Leadership Assessments are an important part of your development because faithful and self-aware leaders propel new worshiping communities forward. The assessment also helps your presbytery or partner congregation be certain that you are the right person for the hard work of starting a new worshiping community.
How do I register for an assessment?
Information and registration materials for the Discerning Missional Leadership Assessment are available here: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/1001-2/assessment/
How much does an assessment cost?
$675 for an Individual; $775 for a couple
Full-time Seminary Students (Non-D.Min):
$325 for an individual; $425 for a couple
Recipients of Mission Program Grants are eligible for a reduced rate (see your commitment letter for details).
The cost of the assessment is significantly underwritten by the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Your presbytery or partner congregation may be willing to share in the cost with you. A donor may be glad to provide the cost of an assessment.