"... we were very intentional over the last year to really talk about new life rebirth and the fact that our ministry wasn’t ending. It was going to take on a completely different form, is going to be unrecognizable to what we had done before, but our ministry wasn't ending and the session and the congregaton were really able to be generous in ways that they had not been able to be generous before."
Rev. Greg McMinn
former pastor
Pilgrimage Presbyterian Church
Lilburn, Georgia

Congregations that have made transformations

Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Oregon
Congregation opted for new ministry for homeless
using their church property...read more

Glencliff Presbyterian, Tennessee
Congregation decided, after completing the "New Beginnings" assessment, to allocate a percentage of its resources to join a "parallel start" for a Hispanic new church development...read more

Jan Hus Presbyterian Church, New York
Congregation does not judge its health by how full the sanctuary is on a Sunday morning. During the week the building is used to host neighborhood programs...read more

 

Services provided throughout the PC USA

    Your presbytery office can help.

As your congregation embarks on this journey to discern where God might be calling you, your presbytery office can help. They can offer resources and referrals to those who can help.

    Assistance to transition church assets

The Presbyterian Foundation can walk along side you when you need to transition church assets for a new ministry, to leave a legacy of your congregation's ministry, or to work with you to determine other creative solutions to be a good steward of the resources that your congregation has been blessed to receive.

Call 800-843-9547 to discuss your situation.

    Help with the discernment process

New Beginnings is designed to work with churches in the later stages of their life cycle to assess both a congregation's strengths and the challenges it faces, as it seeks to engage in ministry that is not just surviving, but thriving. Your congregation makes the ultimate plan for the future, the New Beginnings program helps to facilitate and compile the analysis. Offered through the Evangelism and Church Growth Ministry of the General Assembly Mission Council. Contact Rev. Ann Philbrink or visit http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/church-growth/

 

Worship Resources

The closing of each church is different as are the emotions of the congregation surrounding the decision. Universally there is a sense of thanksgiving for God's gracious gifts, past, present and future. The liturgy provided is a resource for you to adapt to your particular situation.

Worship Resource for Vacating a Church