Small is beautiful: Readers write
We asked you to write about small, beautiful moments in 250 words or less. Here are some of our favorite submissions.
Black Presbyterian leadership and churches
The whole church is in decline, but more than 80% of Black Presbyterian churches are without installed pastors. Warren Lesane Jr., Shavon Starling-Louis, Stephen Scott and Teri McDowell Ott discuss vital Black leadership.
Doing more with less: Smaller PC(USA) congregations face new leadership realities
What are small churches to do? Gregg Brekke explores the challenges facing shrinking congregations and how some pastors and presbyteries are addressing the issue.
Small is beautiful
"Church vitality is more about spirit than size, and small churches across the country often serve as hubs of connection for small towns and rural areas." — Teri McDowell Ott
The great ends of the (small) church
Budgets and worship numbers matter — but they are not everything, Phil Blackburn believes.
The future of the PC(USA) is pastor-less, and that’s OK.
A church can be viable without a pastor, writes Catherine Neelly Burton. Once we embrace this, churches can go about their work of being Christ’s body.
Feeling the squeeze: Financial pressures add up for PC(USA) congregations
The cost of maintaining an installed pastor with benefits is a growing concern for churches and presbyteries.
Horizons — The lepers’ encounter
Rosalind Banbury's fifth reflection on the 2023-2024 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.
Five free and discounted digital services for churches
Is your church paying for something that it could get for free (or a discount)? Julie Raffety, a pastor and website developer, shares five resources every church should know about.
The opportunity to practice the inclusivity of Jesus
"As rural people and leaders, we have both an opportunity and an obligation to both witness and testify to Jesus’ inclusive ministry," writes Phillip Blackburn.
Back to school for churches
Phillip Blackburn encourages rural churches to embrace the start of the school year. Can we learn something new, too?
How can we care for ruling elders?
In the PC(USA), there’s a lot of focus on pastor burnout — and rightly so. But lay leaders are also facing exhaustion, and we need to care for them, writes Phillip Blackburn.
Podcast review: “No Small Endeavor”
Eric Nolin reviews the "No Small Endeavor" podcast with special attention given to a recent episode on gun violence.
Don’t forget rural residents
Phillip Blackburn encourages the PC(USA) to remember the vulnerable outside of the city — and for Presbyterians in rural areas to utilize the gift of community.
Let’s reframe vitality
Phillip Blackburn offers two tips for thinking about church vitality in rural settings.
Why you should study the rural church
When Phillip Blackburn began as the director of the University of the Ozarks’ Thriving in Rural Ministry Program, he expected to serve small, dying churches. Instead, he has found livelihood and wisdom.
Small churches seek a way forward
PC(USA) minister and small church consultant Deborah Wright shares lessons from small churches across the country. With her partner Jim Kitchens, she asks: What can small churches do well? How can they dream up a future?
2022 General Assembly to consider pressures on small churches and presbyteries
The PC(USA) is changing. In what ways does the polity and funding structure need to change too?
Small but steady witness: Big lessons from little churches
Katy Shevel reflects on the lessons she learned in pastoring a small church and the value of these congregations.
Small contributions add up: Idaho church plays big role to reduce state’s medical debt
So many people are just one car accident, one slip on the ice, one complicated pregnancy, one bad diagnosis away from a..
Smaller congregations are great places for kids to grow up!
Everywhere I have lived, I’ve heard similar sentiments about where people want to bring their kids to church. Nearly every parent I..
Presbyterian Foundation reaches out to small churches
LOUISVILLE (PNS) — Where does your congregation see itself in 20 years? Chances are, an answer to that question doesn’t come quickly...
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