Along the Road: A Podcast for PC(USA) Leaders: Recent Episodes
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Be inspired, hear the stories of others, and practice the tools of faith and leadership through conversations that nourish, enrich, and aid in the formation of leaders in the church. Mid Council leaders will integrate foundational values with the practice of faith and ministry. Congregational leaders, particularly ruling elders and deacons, will experience practices to connect faith to everyday life.
Deacons, ruling elders, and teaching elders are companions in ministry and are responding to call by fulfilling particular functions in Christ’s church. The language we use about them is important and sends messages about what we believe. Christian Boyd, pastor and presbytery stated clerk, helps us understand more about some of our word origins and their significance, calling us to lift up all of the ordered ministries
Hello Church People! In this episode, our guest Rodger Nishioka shares how he discovered he was a Presbyterian! We discuss the spiritual developmental process from youth to adulthood and how Presbyterian identity is reflected during different life stages. Rodger provides a profound view of his childhood experiences and explains how being a professor, pastor, and youth coordinator throughout his career has equipped him with tools to help others understand what being a Presbyterian is all about.
We'd love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts with us by writing to alongtheroad@pcusa.org. Thank you!
Who wears a collar? How about a robe? Christian Boyd, pastor and presbytery stated clerk, explores the history and symbolism of these outward signs of ministry and the direct connection to our Presbyterian beliefs about the ordered ministries of teaching elder, ruling elder, and deacon
What is Presbyterian identity? When did you know, at your core, that you were a PCUSA Presbyterian? In this episode Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shares how the interplay of the theological aspects of our faith and the polity side of things came together and played a role in her realizing that she was indeed a Presbyterian.
How does Presbyterian identity inform our practices and how we live out God's mission in the world as the covenant community of faith? Why does it matter?
We'd love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts with us by writing to alongtheroad@pcusa.org. Thank you!
The hosts of the Encounter and Nourish episodes join together to think back on all of the gifts that the second season brought to the listeners – and the hosts. Contribute your own feedback and reflections by emailing them at alongtheroad@pcusa.org.
In this episode referencing the document, Seeking to be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians in Times of Disagreement, Ruling Elder Sara Pottschmidt joins us to reflect on navigating difficult conversations or conflicts that may raise uncomfortable feelings of disappointment, anger, or even defensiveness particularly as we serve in the various councils of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and beyond.
The Standing Rules of the General Assembly remind us that “As Presbyterians, we are called to work for the peace, unity, and purity of the church as we seek to be faithful in God’s work in the world."
In addition to using the Guidelines linked above, commissioners, advisory delegates, and participants to the General Assembly attest that they will abide by the GA Code of Conduct.
- Seeking to be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians in Times of Disagreement
- General Assembly Code of Conduct
Mark Koenig provides a reflection on call with a capital “C” and call with a lowercase “c”, and the way that our calls connect us to community.
More on these aspects of ministry as presented by Jack Stotts, are available here.
The 225th General Assembly (2022) introduced and the 226th General Assembly will continue to use equity primes-- prompts and questions to lessen bias, ensure that multiple and diverse perspectives are considered for inclusive decision-making. Join Amanda Craft, Office of the General Assembly and Robin Pugh, Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, who serve as GA226 Equity Support Coordinators to learn more about creating and utilizing equity practices in your various contexts.
Resources:
PCUSA Equip Course on Choice Points and Equity Primes: https://equip.pcusa.org/course/view.php?id=540
OGA Leader Formation Webinar: Practicing Inclusion: https://vimeo.com/761091588
- Discernment Equity Primes for Groups/Committees (pdf)
- Equity Primes for Individuals (pdf)
- Practicing Inclusion Webinar - List of Resources (pdf)
The work of a commissioner isn't just to one meeting and then they are done? While this may be a surprise to some, Jihyun Oh helps us understand a little more about the service of PC(USA) commissioners and how the rest of us can support them.
Hello Church People! As Mid Council Leaders with years of valuable experience, and also as former Commissioners to the General Assembly and advisory delegates, Fran Lane Lawrence, Forrest Classen, and Eliana Maxim share with us their thoughts, strategies, and ideas on how to prepare commissioners for the overwhelming mental, physical and Spiritual encounters they will have in the next General Assembly. Join us!
Deacon and college student, Axel Obed Nieves Torres, shares his story of call to church leadership and how he connected to the ministries through his God-given gifts, giving all of us a chance to reflect on our own gifts and call.
Hello Church people! Director for General Assembly Planning, Kate Trigger Duffert, and Manager for General Assembly Business, Ken Tolley, share the ins and outs of this year's processes for Overtures, PC-Biz, and some great pointers for Commissioners, Mid Councils, and church leaders to get involved in the democratic process that GA provides.
kate.duffert@pcusa.org
ken.tolley@pcusa.org
Joyce Lieberman helps navigate the call we have to vote – in our churches and assemblies but also in our general elections – and how our faith can, and should, connect as we consider our choices.
Our histories, our stories are a vital part of who we are and more and more we include storytelling as part of our conferences, workshops, meetings, and ministries. Complexifying, countering, re-examining the stories we tell, and the narratives we believe is not easy work but faithful work. Join Allison Davis and Kyna Herzinger from the Presbyterian Historical Society, Office of the General Assembly, and Lee Catoe, Editor of Unbound, Presbyterian Mission Agency, as they share how engaging our stories more critically can deepen our understanding of our collective experiences.
You can learn more about the Presbyterian Historical Society and Office of the General Assembly | Department of History colleagues Allison Davis and Kyna Herzinger.
As well as the online journal, Unbound and podcast A Matter of Faith and Presbyterian Mission Agency colleague, Lee Catoe.
Thank you for taking time to listen!
Sometimes hobbies can connect us to God and to each other and become a deeply meaningful spiritual practice. Priscilla Andre-Colton tells us all about her ministry of praying for others and demonstrating care through her ministry of making and sending cards.
Rev. Brian Heron shares with us his experience creating conversations and actions with pastoral ministries that envision the legacy of the communities and congregations that are working on transforming their ministerial purpose. As a former Executive Presbyter and now in a transitional position, Rev. Heron provides mid council leaders with tips and guidelines on how a grief-specialized ministry can give a new life to those involved.
You can contact Rev. Brian Heron at brian@pedalpilgrim.com
As Christians, we are called to seek justice for all of God’s children. Lee Catoe helps us unpack what justice means, ways we can be active in ministries of justice in our contexts, and resources for the journey.
As leaders in the church we attend many meetings, but we also may be responsible for leading these groups. Marissa Galván-Valle shares her perspective on meeting preparation and how she uses Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Resource for Serving Faithfully when leading session meetings.
In this episode that accompanies the Jan. 3, 2024 Encounter episode on Church Safety and Security, guests Kathy Riley and Jim Kirk explore the importance of a comprehensive approach and attentiveness to both physical safety and emotional well-being as sessions and presbyteries live out their call to nurture the covenant community of disciples.
We recommend also listening to the Nov. 15, 2023 Encounter episode on Trauma-Informed Decision-Making which complements both the Church Safety and Security and Emotional Well-Being episodes well.
Web Resources recommended by Kathy Riley and Jim Kirk, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program
National Center for Trauma-Informed Care. SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care - Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center - Resource (chcs.org)
Another podcast through Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI). Power and Abuse in the Church | The Better Samaritan with Jamie Aten and Kent Annan | Practical ways to do good, better (christianitytoday.com)
Another resource through HDI is the Trauma-Informed Church Checklist.Trauma-Informed Church Checklist (spiritualfirstaid.org)
Link to the ESC/Resilience programs offered by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (pcusa.org)
Print Resources
Flourishing in Ministry: How to Cultivate Clergy Wellbeing. 2019. Matt Bloom. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.
Wounded Pastors. 2024. Carol Howard and James Fenimore. Westminster John Knox Press.
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies. 2017. Resmaa Menakem. Central Recovery Press.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma. 2014. Bessel Van Der Kolk. Penguin Books.
Trauma + Grace: Theology in a Ruptured World (2nd edition). 2019. Serene Jones. Westminster John Knox Press.
Fractured Ground: Preaching in the Wake of Mass Trauma. 2023. Kimberly R. Wagner. Westminster John Knox Press.
Recovering from Un-Natural Disasters: A Guide for Pastors and Congregations after Violence and Trauma. 2017. Laurie Kraus, David Hoylan and Bruce Wismer. Westminster John Knox Press.
In this PC(USA) General Assembly year, become introduced to process of overture creation through the experiences shared by Susan DeGeorge and Gregory Simpson of Hudson River Presbytery.
Hello church people! In our effort to highlight new things Presbyteries are thinking and acting in their ministries, we have as our guests Annika Lister Stroope, Administrative Executive and Stated Clerk; Amgad Beblawi, Ministry and Mission Executive; and Ian McMullen, Pastor to the presbyteries. Mid council leaders whose roles have been transformed in an effort of various presbyteries in Iowa to unite their resources and efforts.
Listen, reflect, and take from this episode some inspiration in patience, persistence and partnership,
Jake Jacobs, Executive Director of Camp Henry in Newaygo, MI, shares the story of a path away from cultural appropriation to forming relationships, challenging us to look at our own ministries and continue to take steps toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Our churches serve as places of community, warmth, and spiritual nourishment. Yet in the world in which we live, work, and worship, the importance of physical safety and security cannot be overlooked. Mike Kirk, General Counsel, PCUSA, A Corp, and Jim Kirk, Associate for Disaster Response, US Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, share ways in which ruling elders and sessions can be proactive about church safety and security as an outgrowth of the call to care and nurture the life of the congregation.
Resources:Articles from the PCUSA, A Corporation website:
- Article on Cybersecurity
- Article on Weapons at Church
Additional Resources:
- Protecting Houses of Worship | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA
- Protecting Places of Worship: Six Steps to Enhance Security Against Targeted Violence (cisa.gov)
- CTEP Fact Sheet: Faith-Based Organizations (cisa.gov)
- The Power of Hello
Simon Doong, of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and co-host of A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast, shares a part of his call story and some of the spiritual practices through which he has experienced discernment along his journey.
Join Jessica Vazquez Torres and Tricia Dykers-Koenig as they engage in an open dialogue about the impacts of our commitment to diversity, participation, and representation.
Groups engaging this issue may want to also return to two previous Along the Road podcasts on participation and representation (3/8/23 and 3/22/23) as additional resources as well as access the Theology of Representation, a document prepared by Dr. Raj Nadella and Rev. Dr Eric A. Thomas on behalf of the GA Committee on Representation
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wxEqkQowCMOTdr04sO24Zn9MpjzUQLV7I8h4_Y0b3v4/edit?usp=sharing
While the liturgical season of Advent provides a time of waiting and noticing, these times can extend far beyond the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth. Sarah Moore-Nokes, PC(USA) teaching elder and certified coach, shares about the significance of these holy practices as we serve as spiritual leaders in the church.
Your feedback is invaluable! Please take time to share in the short survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/DMaazwMH86
Jessica Vazquez Torres, National Program Director, Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training and Tricia Dykers-Koenig, Associate Director for Mid Council Relations, Office of the General Assembly explore how using The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity as a theological framework for utilizing Robert's Rules of Order in ways that promote the Great Ends of the Church and help us to interpret them as guidelines for promoting fairness and equity.
The PC(USA) is often called a connectional church. Ruling Elder Marta Pumroy joins the podcast to share her story of connecting with various councils of the church and how other ruling elders might also serve beyond the local congregation.
Interested in other ways of serving? Seek opportunities within General Assembly committees through the General Assembly Nominating Committee process at www.pcusa.org/nominations.
As councils fulfill their responsibilities to nurture a covenant community of disciples of Christ, how might their decision-making processes be influenced by the effects of past trauma on individuals and groups? Join Ruling Elder Laurie Griffith, Associate Stated Clerk, and Associate Director for Constitutional Interpretation as she shares how trauma-informed decision-making not only fosters a sense of belonging but also promotes a more inclusive decision-making process.
For additional information please feel free to contact Laurie Griffith at laurie.griffith@pcusa.org
Learn more about the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care at https://www.cdc.gov/orr/infographics/6_principles_trauma_info.htm
Bruce Grady, Executive Presbyter for New Hope Presbytery provides a reflection on the story of the Road to Emmaus, reminding all of us to recognize Jesus and sense the presence of the Lord in our ministries as we live in hope.
Megan Acedo (YAD, Youth Advisory Delegate, 2003), Anwi Fomukong (YAAD, Young Adult Advisory Delegate, 2022) and Marta Pumroy (TSAD, Theological Student Advisory Delegate, 2022) share how they became aware of the opportunity to servenand the rich experiences and the lasting impact of their pivotal roles as advisory delegates.
YAADs must be between the ages of 18-23 on June 25, 2024. Presbyteries may elect one YAAD who is an active member of a one of its congregations or participant in a New Worshipping Community or immigrant fellowship that has a relationship with the presbytery. The names of YAADs for the 226th GA are due from presbyteries no later than December 28, 2023. TSAD names are due from eligible theological institutions no later than December 28, 2023.
Not only do Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs) and Theological Student Advisory Delegates (TSADs) bring a special perspective to the General Assembly, their service fosters stronger connections and cultivates future leaders for the church.
Kristen Gaydos and Sonia Prescott from the Presbyterian Historical Society share the story of the Presbyterian origin of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and the ways that this story and others like it are preserved for re-telling.
Read more about the highlighted story at https://www.history.pcusa.org/blog/2015/10/trick-or-treat-unicef and find out more about the ministries of the Presbyterian Historical Society at https://www.history.pcusa.org/services
Join Ruling Elder, Willye Bryan and Prince Solace, Director of Community Outreach, Lansing First Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of Lake Michigan as they share the work and ministry of the Justice League of Greater Lansing, Michigan. Willye and the work of the Justice League exemplify W-3.0502, the Directory for Worship's encouragement for ruling elders to speak the charge that calls the church to go forth as agents of God's mission in the world. Willye and Prince have used resources, particulary in white spaces, from previous General Assemblies in educational events about antiracism and restorative actions. They have seen the transformative power of the Apology to African Americans for the Legacy of Slavery (RGJ-08) approved by the 225th General Assembly (2022) and talking about how to put the Apology into action in opening peoples hearts and minds. The power of an overture; the Apology overture was birthed in Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery, approved by the Assembly, and can now be embraced by all presbyteries and beyond!
Learn more about the Apology and previous assembly actions at pc-biz.org and about the Justice League of Greater Lansing, Michigan at https://www.justiceleagueglm.org
Whether a relatively new Presbyterian or born and raised in the denomination, join PC(USA) Acting Stated Clerk Bronwen Boswell in a conversation about who we are as Presbyterians.
The Office of Immigration Issues plays a crucial role in supporting and assisting mid councils, congregations, ministers, and religious workers from other countries who are called to serve in the United States. Join Teresa Waggener, Assistant Stated Clerk, Manager of Legal Services and Immigration Attorney, Office of the General Assembly as we together navigate the complexities of immigration law to ensure that these ministers and immigrant communities, and the whole people of God, receive the support they need to flourish.
The Church is to be a community of witness, pointing beyond itself through word and work to the good news of God’s transforming grace in Christ Jesus its Lord. (F-1.0301)
Contact Teresa Waggener at teresa.waggener@pcusa.org and Amanda Craft, Assistant Stated Clerk, Manager, Immigration Advocacy at amanda.craft@pcusa.org
Thank you for supporting the work of the Office of Immigration Issues through your per capita contributions. If you wish to further support immigration education and advocacy efforts you may do so through an Extra Commitment Opportunity; please note EC52074 on your check and send gifts to - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | Extra Commitment Opportunity | P.O. Box 643660 | Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Jerrod Lowry, General Presbyter and Stated Clerk of Coastal Carolina Presbytery, explores the importance of self-care and the intentionality of how we are filling ourselves.
We often prioritize the importance of academic learning and knowledge and the hierarchy of the written word. Do these values align with the core value that "the unity of believers in Christ is reflected in the rich diversity of the church's membership [F-1.0403]" where different ways of knowing and embodied learning might also be valued?
Join Kate Trigger Duffert, Office of the General Assembly and Marissa Galvan Valle, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, a ruling elder and the pastor of Beechmont Presbyterian Church, Louisville, Kentucky as we explore the transformational imagination of our embodied values.
We can seek to create more equitable and inclusive systems and spaces that embrace multiple ways of knowing and learning and foster a sense of belonging highlighted in the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, F-1.04.
*We would love to have your insights and reflections about how embodied knowledge may or may not be utilized in your context.
A short survey can be found here: https://forms.office.com/r/gDUiLx8WMr
Thank you for taking time to respond after listening to this podcast. Have a great day!*
As we kick of Season Two, be inspired by some of the youngest members of the body of Christ as we hear from Rachel Pedersen, Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, and learn more about how we can connect to the joy and wonder that children can bring to our ministries.
Our hosts reflect on the First Season of "Along the Road" - the joy, the things that impacted them, the guests, the purpose.
We would love to hear how you have been Nourished and have enjoyed our Encounters. Send us your reactions, experience, and suggestions to alongtheroad@pcusa.org and you can fill out an online survey for the podcast at https://forms.office.com/r/VRWSawwAVd
Join Rev. Dr. Rebecca Davis, Professor of Christian Education and Director of the Masters of Arts in Christian Education Program at Union Presbyterian Seminary | Richmond & Charlotte, as we explore the Directory for Worship and its importance as a theological and polity foundation that it essential for ecclesial formation and thinking theologically.
Consider a variation on the ancient spiritual practice of examen by using aspects of one of the constitutional questions and reflect upon how we can learn from those in other generations. Neil Myer, Director of Christian Education at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and Campus Minister with UKirk at Michigan State University joins us to talk about it all.
It may be hard to imagine how the Book of Order might inspire a journey of faith but it was an integral part of deepening the faith and an invitation to engage together in a covenantal community of faith for our guests Tim Cargal, Associate Stated Clerk and Associate Director, Ministry Leadership Development, Office of the General Assembly; Fran Lane-Lawrence, Executive Presbyter|Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Lake Michigan, and Stated Clerk, Synod of the Covenant; and John Kim, Senior Translator, Korean Language, Office of Global Language Resources, Administrative Service Group, PCUSA, A Corporation.
Join deacon, ruling elder, and presbytery moderator, Shani McIlwain, in her inspiring story of connection to the larger church and the gifts of preaching as a church leader.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) places great emphasis on the importance of nurture and care in the ministry of presbyteries. In fact, the Book of Order (G-0307) speaks of the presbytery's role as Pastor, Counselor, and Advisor to Its Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and Congregations (as well as commissioned ruling elders and certified Christian educators) in terms of the presbytery's call to serve faithfully in the life and ministry of the presbytery and its congregations. Join guest Manuel Silva-Esterrich as he helps presbyteries discern their hope for ministry of care
Manuel Silva-Esterrich would welcome your questions and conversations.
Andrew Miller, pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Pleasant, MI, shares several of the ways that church leaders are nourished and formed within one congregation, and the ways that all church leaders can consider their service and call.
To contact Andrew directly for specifics of these ministries, email him at AndrewMiller@fpcmp.org.
Warren McNeill, stated clerk and Wilfredo Garcia, co-chair of the Commission on Ministry share how the flexibility of the “new” Book of Order plays a critical role in enabling the Presbytery of New York City to adapt to changing circumstances while strengthening their mission and ministry and covenantal community of faith.
We'd love to hear about polity innovations you are using in your councils in your context. Please share with us here: https://forms.office.com/r/wZ03DnH8zm
Writing can connect us to God and each other and can transform us in ways we might not expect. Julie Hester, pastor and writer, shares her own story of how writing helped her in a time of deep grief and how we, too, can grow closer to God through this practice.
To receive Julie’s weekly writing prompts and find out about her writing workshops, visit juliehester.com.
Ellen Crawford True, pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Concord, NC, offers a reflection on I Peter 5 while providing inspiring words for the invaluable ministries of ruling elders and deacons.
This is not your ordinary conversation about representation!
Join Anna Kendig Flores and Eric Thomas, co-moderators of the GA Committee on Representation, and Jihyun Oh, Director of Mid Council Ministries and Associate Stated Clerk in the Office of the General Assembly as we continue delving into the nuances of F-1.0403 from the Foundations of Presbyterian polity focusing on the GA Committee on Representation's Theology of Representation and gain a better understanding of the unique nature of representation work in comparison to advocacy and anti-racism work.
We invite you to read and study the Theology of Representation and put it into practice by studying and praying together with the scriptural references and sharing your testimonies and stories with us.
THEOLOGY OF REPRESENTATION
Dr. Raj Nadella and Rev. Dr Eric A. Thomas on behalf of the
GA Committee on Representation
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wxEqkQowCMOTdr04sO24Zn9MpjzUQLV7I8h4_Y0b3v4/edit?usp=sharing
Nancy Taylor, deacon and executive director of the Presbyterian Historical Society, shares the story of how her call was identified, her service in the church and as a deacon, and her learnings about ministry while living with multiple roles.
Join Jihyun Oh in the first of two insightful episodes, as she delves deep into the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity F-1.0304 and challenges us to deepen our understanding of our call to live together in a covenantal community of faith.
Presbyterians have a rich history of advocacy and speaking out in faith. This is not just a role for the experts around us. Amanda Craft, manager of Immigration Advocacy in the PC(USA) Office of the General Assembly, talks about the importance of sharing our faith with others and on behalf of others.
Spending time doing something you love can bring you closer to God. In Stephen Park Choi’s case, that has been making time to hike and enjoy God’s creation, both alone and in the community of others. Stephen serves as the pastor of Stewartsville Presbyterian Church in Stewartsville, NJ.
How do you start conversations with a Session on the Sexual Misconduct policies? What do we do with those bulky insurance coverage documents every year? Am I covered in my state?
We talk with Flor Vélez-Díaz (OGA), April Davenport, and Mike Kirk (Legal Services, A Corp) about the important tasks Mid Councils and Sessions must do every new year as corporations with fiduciary and legal responsibilities.
More information in these links:
- Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation webpage, Resources: https://www.pcusa.org/acorp/resources/
- Creating Safe Ministries webpage: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/legal-resources/creating-safe-ministries/
- Avoiding financial fraud: https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/static/assets/avoiding_financial_fraud.pdf
- Business continuity checklist: https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/static/assets/Checklist_for_Business_Continuity.pdf
Angela Duffy and Greg Rousos of New Covenant Trust Company share their vast knowledge about how our investments can reflect our values and spirituality, including the ways that the PC(USA) has been involved in responsible investing
Hello Church People! Today Greg Rousos from Presbyterian Foundation will share and explain how we can multiply the congregation's income with new tools of investment and responsible planning. We talk about how to decide what to look for and will provide guidance into local and federal laws that bind the churches and their finances.
(We apologize for our audio problems...it's Zoom)
Join Kerry Rice, ruling elder and Deputy Stated Clerk of the Office of the General Assembly, to think further about how our shared governance in the PC(USA) means that all of our roles are important in Christ’s church
We are all in constant transition, and sometimes we don’t even recognize it. Today we talk with Reverend Mason Todd about transitional ministry and how it supports all types of congregations in all the stages of life and ministry. The tools discussed here are meant to inspire other Mid Councils and Congregations to expand their ministry search and explore new ways to reexamine their ministry.
Mason Todd serves as Transitional Pastor in Salem Presbytery.
Jenna Campbell, Director of Children and Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK and the 2023 APCE Enrich Educator of the Year, reminds us of the importance of education in discipleship and offers advice to inspire church leaders as they seek to serve faithfully
"Parranda!", is the word that Puerto Ricans surprise their friends after hours singing Christmas songs outside of their home. We surprise you with gifts of caroling and Christmas joy. Please enjoy these 5 amazing interpretations from people around our denomination:
- Joy to the World, sang and played by Rev. David Gambrell.
- Una Estrella, original song by Rev. Jorge Zijlstra and by Eliud Serrano.
- O Come O' ye faithful, sang and played by Rev. David Gambrell.
- 찬미의 캐롤 (A Tribute of Carols), sang by Bethel Korean Presbyterian Church Choir, directed by Dr. Min Jin. Youtube: @Drcholmingo
- Alegria, Alegria Villancico Español, a Classic Spanish Carol sang and arranged by Eliud Serrano. Youtube: @eliudserrano7523
Enjoy! Merry Christmas! We will be back in the New Year!
- Martha and Manuel
Join Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, Regional Liaison for the Caribbean and Co-Moderator of the 223rd General Assembly, on a journey through the liturgical seasons surrounding Christ’s birth
We celebrate the calendar holidays and the liturgical events while reflecting with the Stated Clerk, J. Herbert Nelson II on disciplines that transform leaders and also passive actions that will give strength to your ministry in the long run. These Christmas and Advent stories shared, formed a small pastor's kid from South Carolina to the highest elected official in our denomination. Let's rest and reflect.
A reflection by Chip Hardwick, Executive at the Synod of the Covenant, on Hebrews 11 - living out our faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen
We encounter Tricia-Dykers Koenig and Alex Evangelista, who share stories of how Presbyterian Polity served as an influence for where God called them to ministry. We explore the questions on how our polity is based on Faith, Theology, and the Welcoming and recognition of all voices. Listen to their stories and reflect on how you came to be on this road.
Tell us how these stories help you in your ministry at: alongtheroad@pcusa.org
Join Michelle Thomas-Bush, Associate Pastor for Youth and their Families at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC, as we look at the importance of the practice of mindfulness as a church leader
We dive in on the topic of worship in our history, in our resources, and in our lives. Have an Encounter with Kate Duffert and David Gambrel, on how worship is an essential part of forming leaders as individuals, a community, and a Kin-dom.
An exploration of the process of ecclesial formation of ruling elders and deacons with Jihyun Oh, Director of Mid Council Ministries and Associate Stated Clerk in the Office of the General Assembly
In this episode, Tim Cargal and valerie izumi share with us insights on two terms that surround the work and purpose of the leadership in Church: The Call and The Ministry. We will explore theological aspects, personal experiences on both ways of service and how we can provide a space for a Call to grow and a Ministry to bloom. Take your notebooks out, let's ENCOUNTER, we have a lot to talk about.
A reflection on call, vocation, and discernment for ruling elders and deacons with Martha Miller, PC(USA) manager of ministry education and support