Congregational Vitality Archives

Panel discussion looks at why some congregations have seen giving increase during the pandemic

Posted September 2nd, 2021

One result of the pandemic is that members of organizations — churches included — are reimagining their common life together as well as their giving practices.

‘We shouldn’t sit back and wait for folks to come’

Posted August 27th, 2021

Who are the “nones,” the more than 50% of the U.S. population who told Gallup pollsters last year they no longer belong to a church, synagogue or mosque?

Maintaining an outward focus

Posted August 26th, 2021

As the Vital Conversations series moved toward one of the most important marks of Vital Congregations — keeping the focus outward rather than inward — organizers landed four speakers for Wednesday’s session uniquely qualified to offer up their experiences and share their views.

Going where Christ went

Posted August 19th, 2021

“What does it mean to actively follow Christ?” the Rev. Carlton Johnson asked three PC(USA) church leaders during a Vital Conversation panel discussion on Lifelong Discipleship Formation Wednesday, which is one Seven Marks of Vital Congregations (see section two).

Among the most vital of conversations

Posted August 12th, 2021

Based on the new commandment Jesus gave in John 13:34, where he instructed his disciples “to love one another, just as I have loved you,” four church leaders were asked how that passage applied to vital congregations — and how this kind of love has been demonstrated or even changed during the pandemic.

‘We don’t own God or the gospel’

Posted August 6th, 2021

What is Intentional Authentic Evangelism? How is it being practiced in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)? And how has your understanding of evangelism changed during your time in ministry?

‘Between Two Pulpits’

Posted August 4th, 2021

Presbyterians love a well-crafted sermon and well-written prayers. But the Rev. Carlton Johnson, coordinator of Vital Congregations, believes that sometimes PC(USA) congregations need to return to vibrant prayer.

Mental health panel discussion leads pastors to reveal the stress of their pandemic losses

Posted July 29th, 2021

During a Pastors and Church Leaders Mental Health panel discussion held this week, four church leaders discussed ways that stress has manifested itself in their lives — and in the lives of those they serve.

Presbyteries and congregations can apply now for 2022 Vital Congregations initiative

Posted July 9th, 2021

Applications from interested presbyteries and individual congregations that have the blessing of their presbytery are now being accepted for the fourth wave of the Vital Congregations Initiative.

‘We don’t always have to get it right. We just need to wrestle with it’

Posted July 8th, 2021

About 20 minutes into Wednesday’s 90-minute webinar on prophetic preaching, the Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert paused to answer questions. After one about preaching in “purple” churches (a mix of political conservatives and progressives in the pews) Gilbert got this question from one of the 30 participants, a pastor also serving a purple congregation: Have I spent enough time understanding the complexity of the lamentation of these people?