Pittsburgh Presbytery - Small Church Network

Small Church Ministry
Resources for Smaller Congregations
Many of these resources are available at our Resource Center.

Books

Religious Education in the Small Membership Church by Nancy T. Foltz
Religious Education Press, Birmingham, copyright 1990.

Effective Small Churches in the Twenty-first Century by Carl S. Dudley
Abingdon Press, Nashville, copyright 2003.

Small Congregations Big Potential by Lyle E. Schaller
Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tennessee, copyright 2003.

The In-Between Church: Navigating Size Transitions in Congregations by Alice Mann
Alban Institute Incorporated, copyright 1998.

The Learning Congregation by Thomas R. Hawkins
Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, copyright 1997.

Articles

Small churches doing Big things, Presbyterians Today, July/August 2005 edition
- This article highlights some of the exciting ways smaller congregations are serving in mission.

Financial Aid

PCUSA DMin Grant Program
The PCUSA has a grant program for pastors of small (150 member or less) PCUSA congregations. The program provides grants to DMin students, or to pastors pursuing training to improve or enhance skills for ministry. Information about the PCUSA's Continuing Education program can be found on their website at http://www.pcusa.org/financialaid/programs/continuingeducation.htm.

GA Mission Transformation Grant
Transformation of an existing congregation is the redirection of its ministry in light of significant changes among its membership, the community to be served, or both. Transformation includes a planned effort and intent to refocus the congregation’s ministry, under the direction of the presbytery. Transformation is about disrupting the current cycle of a congregation’s life in order to intentionally bring about change. Click here for a grant application. **Please note: All applications must be submitted to the Presbytery office at least two months prior to the GA deadline.

Enhancement Grant
The mission of the Administrative Commission for Transformation is to assist churches of the Pittsburgh Presbytery to reach others for Christ, provide vital worship, and be involved in the mission of Jesus Christ. ACT is pleased to offer Enhancement Grants, one-year grants with a maximum of $5,000. These grants are used to assist congregations who are seeking to enhance or start a new program, activity, or process in their congregations. Money for enhancement grants comes out of the operating budget of Pittsburgh Presbytery. Applications are excepted from January to April. Check back soon for further information.

Miscellaneous

Evangelism in the Small Church, booklet by Vital Faith Resources
Pittsburgh, 412-655-4958, copyright 1988, 2004

Presbyterian Small Church Ministry Network
http://www.pcusa.org/smallchurch/