The Presbytery of Baltimore’s Congregational Transformation Grants support Presbyterian congregations in fostering evangelism, renewal, and growth. This year, the Ministry Group Conveners awarded grants to ten congregations totaling $62,767. The Enduring Witness Fund provided its annual $50,000, and the Conveners added $12,767 from their own reserves to meet growing demand. Grants ranged from $2,400 to $8,000 and are intended to help congregations implement innovative programs that deepen discipleship, strengthen spiritual vitality, and enhance congregational life.
Worship and Technology
Knox Presbyterian Church in Baltimore’s Oliver neighborhood is investing in upgraded audio-visual equipment and training under the initiative Soaring Sounds for Worship. After more than five years without a pastor, Knox welcomed the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Hankins in February, and this initiative ensures that worship is seen and heard clearly by everyone, in the sanctuary and online.
Light Street Presbyterian Church in Baltimore is using its grant to hire two part-time positions: an AV Booth Operator to support Sunday worship and facility renters, and a Community Outreach Coordinator to manage and grow building rentals. Light Street is contributing $12,400 of its own budget to the effort, with the grant covering the remainder.
Digital Presence and Identity
Havenwood Presbyterian Church in Lutherville is redesigning both its church and preschool websites, developing shared branding, and commissioning updated photography and content. The initiative emerged from a restructured Preschool Council that now includes teacher voices, and it addresses the reality that most families begin their search for a preschool online.
Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church is in year two of its Be the Bridge campaign. This year’s focus includes a congregational retreat with a study workbook, improved visitor follow-up tools including NFC-tag technology, and a dedicated building-rental section of their website to make their facility more accessible to the groups who use it.
Faith Formation
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church is launching Shining Lights: Faith Formation Lab, a children’s and youth discipleship program that combines Scripture, creative arts, literacy development, and leadership training. Serving families in West Baltimore, the program currently reaches 15 children weekly and aims to grow to 25, with partnerships including City Weeds, Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the YMCA.
Maryland Presbyterian Church is continuing Rest Church, a monthly evening gathering that opens with a community potluck and moves into a worship service adapted from the four-fold Reformed structure. The initiative is designed to reach people not currently connected to a congregation and to engage younger adults in spiritual community.
Safety and Accessibility
First Presbyterian of Cumberland is hosting a community-wide CPR certification event, offering hands-on training to up to 100 participants including church staff, preschool teachers, congregation members, and the broader public. The church has a congregation with an average age over 70 and a preschool on site, making the training directly relevant to its daily ministry.
First Presbyterian Church of Frostburg is completing the second phase of a multi-year ADA restroom renovation, following last year’s grant-funded first-floor work. This phase addresses the second-floor men’s and women’s restrooms, adding wider doorways, accessible stalls, grab bars, and updated fixtures.
Wellness and Community Space
Babcock Presbyterian Church is introducing an aeroponic tower garden to supplement its existing food distribution ministry, which serves 40 to 60 families twice a month. The Harvesting for Our Community’s Future initiative will grow fresh produce on site and create hands-on learning opportunities for students in its Carpenter’s Workshop program.
First Presbyterian Church of Bel Air is converting underutilized fellowship and education space into two indoor pickleball courts and a yoga and wellness studio through the Pickle and Peace Project. Programming will be offered at low or no cost, with a focus on intergenerational participation and accessibility for older adults, beginners, and those who may not otherwise have affordable options for physical activity and wellness.
The application season for Congregational Transformation Grants is in the spring, through March and April. Learn more about the criteria and application process.
