Presbyterian Mission Agency Congregational Vitality Archives

Getting organized without getting partisan

Posted July 11th, 2024

Are there elements of community organizing that churches can learn from? That was among the questions the hosts of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast” had for the Rev. Dr. Aaron Stauffer, Director of Online and Lifelong Learning and the Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at the Vanderbilt Divinity School during an episode that launched last month.

United Korean Presbyterian Church amends its bylaws and enhances its service to the community

Posted June 24th, 2024

Over nearly a year, the United Korean Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland, undertook what the Rev. Josh Park calls “a significant project” to amend its bylaws to align more closely with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Louisville congregation welcomes Mid-Kentucky Presbytery family to celebrate Juneteenth

Posted June 17th, 2024

History is important to Dianne White. And so is her Presbyterian family.

1 John has wisdom for preaching in polarized communities of faith

Posted June 7th, 2024

Preachers ascending the pulpit in a polarized church can turn to the letter of 1 John for, say, inspiration — or even a preaching series.

Author and speaker Brian McLaren makes a second appearance at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church

Posted May 16th, 2024

With his most recent book, “Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart” now available, author, speaker and activist Brian McLaren returned to New York Avenue Presbyterian Church’s airwaves last week for a 90-minute presentation and Q&A on “Creating a Church for the Future.”

Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Virginia, hosts an emotional and ecumenical dedication service on Mother’s Day

Posted May 13th, 2024

Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Virginia, hosted a moving and joyous ecumenical service on Mother’s Day, dedicating a newly renovated Alexa House for hosting families being served by Family Promise of Greater Roanoke.

Preaching that’s both prophetic and apocalyptic

Posted May 6th, 2024

The Rev. Dr. Neal Presa spent 90 minutes last week helping preachers in the Synod of the Covenant to embrace preaching that’s prophetic and apocalyptic.

Seminary professor holds an online Old Testament treasure hunt

Posted March 21st, 2024

“Rediscovering Lost Treasure: Old Testament Resources for Christian Faith and Life” is the title the Rev. Dr. Dennis Olson gave to an online talk he delivered earlier this month as part of the Synod of the Covenant’s “Equipping Preachers” series.

Trinity Presbytery’s Vital Congregations Coordinator says older Presbyterians have plenty of wisdom to share

Posted February 28th, 2024

Dr. Phyllis Sanders, Vital Congregations Coordinator for Trinity Presbytery, took on the study “Gaining Wisdom through Vital Conversations: Voices of the Aging” because of what she calls “my innermost desire to continue to learn from the elderly.”

Synod of the Covenant preaching webinar invites us to join those present for the wedding at Cana

Posted February 15th, 2024

During the Synod of the Covenant’s Equipping Preachers webinar last week, the Rev. Dr. Cindy Halvorson worked with participants to engage John 2:1-11 — an account of Jesus’ first miracle — through the eyes of the person of their choice as part of the story of Jesus transforming water into wine during the wedding at Cana.