Join the first of our quarterly “tools” discussions this year:
Overcoming Fear of the E-Word: A Day Discussing Evangelism
The Commission on Thriving Congregations is charged with increasing the number of congregations in the Presbytery that are thriving in their life and ministry, forming communities of faith that are:
- clear about their purpose,
- equipped with competent leaders,
- intentionally forming Christian disciples,
- celebrating with joyful, relevant worship,
- welcoming new persons into their ministries,
- growing in generosity and stewardship, and
- practicing evangelism effectively.
Working through four teams, and offering a range of resources, the Commission on Thriving Congregations intends to encourage, challenge and equip congregations throughout the Presbytery to become so spiritually alive and so creatively engaged with their communities that those around them will be drawn to share in the abundance of their dynamic life in Christ. Can you imagine your church as a thriving congregation?
Thriving Congregations Teams
What is a Thriving Congregation?
A thriving congregation is a thing of beauty – it exhibits the Kingdom of Heaven to the world. Its worship is focused on the living God. Its members share both a keen sense of call to be in ministry together and a clear understanding of their distinctive mission, of the difference they’re meant to help Christ make.
Its leaders are self-consciously servants whose attentiveness and care keeps the congregation close to Christ, engaged in its mission, healthy in its functioning, and generous in sharing its gifts with the world. A deep trust in God underlies the openness that characterizes it – its members are open to the direction and encouragement of the Spirit, to taking on challenges, to trying and maybe failing; they are open to learning and to growing in various ways; they are open-hearted toward strangers, open-handed to those in need around them, and ready to receive Christ in them all. When members gather, there is much laughter among them, and not a small amount of prayer; and when they part, the praying continues, so the distance does not diminish the congregation’s sense of its unity or the expression of its care.
The congregation sees itself as a treasured part of what God is doing in the world, but only as a part; and therefore it is eager to be in partnership with other congregations, groups and persons through whom God is working. Because it lives both from and for Christ, the congregation is amazingly free, but also intensely engaged; and those who make it up do not hesitate to tell others that their involvement in its life and ministry has been not only life-changing but profoundly satisfying.
Thriving Congregations Grant Program
An online application will be used for congregations applying for grants administered by the Commission on Thriving Congregations – Returning Soon!
Thriving Congregations Commissioners
Chair: Melissa Lopez, TE – First of Bel Air – 2025
Staff: Edwin Lacy, TE – Presbytery of Baltimore
Tina Coleman, RE – Harundale Presbyterian – 2026
Karen Garrett, RE – Knox Presbyterian – 2026
Janna Vander Woude, TE – Northminster Presbyterian – 2025
Jeff Young, TE – Christ Our King Presbyterian – 2025
