Christendom is dying,
but the Church is about to THRIVE!
Feel stuck as a church? Have you tried these three steps? Getting started is easy. Name the reality that Christian influence and power is about to cease in the West.
1. The Power of Naming
Like a doctor who does not tell a patient they have cancer, Christian leaders fall short when they do not clearly state that Christendom is coming to an end. Without honest communication about our state of being, the church can not move forward to more fully embrace God’s near Kingdom of healing, wholeness, assurance, forgiveness, and salvation.
Discussion Questions
2. The Power of Grieving
After having several honest conversations about the death of Christendom, it is time to help our people grieve the loss of the church that we once knew. As we mourn, it is important to remember that Christendom, established by the Roman Emperor Constantine, is not the church. In fact, as Christendom falls, we have the opportunity to reclaim the church in more powerful ways.
Discussion Questions
3. The Power of Empowerment
After naming the state of our churches, and providing opportunities to lament what we have lost, it is time for the church to reform.
We will reform as we learn what it means to proclaim the good news of God as expressed by Jesus, “The Kingdom of God is at hand…” During this transition we will more fully learn and experience what it means to live into God’s near Kingdom which is characterized by healing, wholeness, assurance, forgiveness, and salvation.
Training for the Reformation
It is no secret that the church is fully entering into a seismic Reformation as Christendom falls. This is good news! However, there is a dire need to shed old routines and embrace the mission of the church in more substantial ways.
The following trainings are essential, and will help us get started. Ask how you can host these trainings in your region. Each offering can be tailored to your need as 1/2 day or whole day events.
PRESENCE
Help leaders of your church learn the practice and art of providing spiritual care. This is not the job of a pastor alone. It is the responsibility of the whole church.
EXPLORE
Local church leaders need to understand the DNA of their congregation and their larger community.
This workshop will help your people explore what makes your church and larger community unique. From this knowledge, you can better provide options that will bless Christ’s ministry among you.
NEAR
Jesus proclaims that “God’s Kingdom has come near.” During this training, explore how God’s Kingdom embraces the struggles and needs of your specific and local context.
BLESSED
God has uniquely blessed each follower of Jesus to serve at the intersection of their spiritual gifts, passions, and community needs. In this training, provide an opportunity for your people to connect with God’s call.
ALIGN
As churches, we often spend time spinning plates from yesteryear. God bless us!
When we blindly follow the past, we often miss the center of what God is doing in the moment.
In this workshop, learn to realign your efforts to the specific ministries of Jesus.
ACTION
As presbyterians we have a lot of room to grow in matters of activation. We are skilled at thinking and dreaming. But we do not often know how to put plans into meaningful action.
In this gathering, learn how to build consensus, bring people along, and get moving.
ELDERS and WORSHIP
More and more of our churches are returning to a time when there is less and less pastoral leadership.
The elders are the spiritual leaders of a local congregation. Over a series of classes, empower your elders to lead worship without a pastor. Today is the day to get start eldering.
COMMUNITY
One sign of health within a local congregation is learning how to be in community together. This means that we help one another grow, gently guide one another, share open and honest communication, and name unhealthy behavior. If you have ever heard a phrase like, “I am leaving the church if…,” you need this training.
SESSIONING
In most congregations, our sessions are organizers of church work and events. There is a time and place for this. But the spiritual leaders of a congregation are called to so much more!
In this workshop, learn how to reframe, restructure, and rework what you do at session meetings. Chances are, session meetings can be so much more life-giving than what you currently experience.
Journeying Ahead
The church
is moving forward!
What has the church learned during COVID-19? Here is one of many lessons.
Ask for a partner! Your church is not alone:)
Available Trainings
Because no Christian community should lack vitality.
Empowering Elders Beyond Old Routines
This 1 hour workshop is designed for elders and pastors and is designed to help local leaders empower elders to lead the church in this new world.
You may have missed this training or want a refresher for your congregation or session. Just ask for more training and we will find a way to help you out.
Working with Difficult People
None of us is perfect, but now and again we run into situations when tension is high or when the personalities among challenge our patience and leadership. In this workshop, learn skills that will help you lead with strength and love.
You may have missed this training or want a refresher for your congregation or session. Just ask for more training and we will find a way to help you out.
Hiring, Overseeing, and Firing within the Church
Sometimes we make the wrong hire because we ask the wrong questions. Other times we do not manage people well. Still, there are those rare moments when we need to end an empolyment relationship.
Request this training
Budgets in a Time of Uncertainty
Does the mission drive your budget or does your budget drive your mission?
How do we plan when we do not know what is coming?
In this workshop, you will go away with skills that will help you make a positive impact in your ministry.
Finding Ways to Serve as a Senior Citizen
Muskingum Valley is filled with seniors who love their church and communities. They have a passion to share God’s love. Yet, sometimes we struggle to find new ways to serve as we age.
In this workshop, you will share your passions, but also help one another find new ways to serve.
Church after COVID
What have we learned in the age of COVID? What does it mean to be a church with people who worship from around the world? How do we engage, interact, and build community in an age of technology?
Request this training!
Elder Round Table
Inspired by our “Empowering Elders Beyond Old Routines” Training and by request,
each 1 hour gathering will include a check-in, and a short training to help elders grow as spiritual leaders.
Helping People Find Their Place to Serve
Request this training
Developing a Hybrid Community
Request this training
Praying as a Session
Request this trainingInside-Out Faith
Jesus goes to people and so did the early church.
Instead of asking where all of the people have gone, our churches will be more faithful to ask: where is Jesus going?
Living in community with those who are outside of our bounds is the setting of God’s good news and the context of discipleship.
Contact Us
Want to add to our shared ministry? Have a question? Let us know!
Subscribe to our eNewslettersMAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 946, New Philadelphia, OH. 44663
Call 855-603-0604
Ext. 0 = Administrative Assistant, Bev Potts
Ext. 1 = General Presbyter, Matt Skolnik
Ext. 2 = Chair of Parish Elders, Ben George
Ext. 3 = Stated Clerk, Tim Pollock
Ext. 4 = Chair of Administration, Sheila Ellenberger
Ext. 5 = MVP Treasurer, Mike Mast
The Presbytery office is located inside the First Presbyterian Church in Uhrichsville
at 633 N. Main St., Uhrichsville, OH. The conference room is across the hall from the sanctuary. The business office is located upstairs.