The purpose of the Committee on Vitality is to support each congregation as they seek to engage in vital ministries; promote congregational partnerships; provide resources and leadership development opportunities.
vitality@presbyteryofgeneva.org
Committee Members:
Rev. Kirianne Weaver — Ithaca, First (Committee Chair)
Rev. Leah Ntuala — Seneca Falls
CRE Bessie Tyrrell — Atlanta
Rev. Daniel Russell — Hector
Rev. David Barnard — Honorably Retired
Rev. Hodong Hwang — Palmyra
Click here for a more detailed description of the committee’s responsibilities.
The Committee on Vitality Small Church Program Application is now available! Please click here for the application and click here for the program evaluation form, to be completed after funding.
Committee on Vitality – Small Church Network
Please click the link above to find information about our committee’s Small Church Network!
Committee Resources
- Clerk of Sessions Training Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1D21i7njyk
- Resources and Training: https://equip.pcusa.org/
- Ministry Toolbox: The Ministry Toolbox was created with your ministry in mind. Browse through articles, bulletin inserts, leadership guides, and more to create a program for your congregation by clicking here.
- Clerk of Sessions Basic Training
- Clerk of Sessions Advanced Training
- Handbook for Clerks of Session
- Sample Session Minutes
- Treasurer’s Handbook
- Robert’s Rules of Order
- Revised Robert’s Rules of Order
- Robert’s Rules of Order “Cheat Sheet”
- Moderator’s Handbook on Parliamentary Procedures
- Great resources from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership! The Wesley Theological Seminary sponsors a wonderful website. Their 50 Ways Series offer practical advice on popular topics such as “50 Ways to Increase Worship Attendance” , “50 Ways to Take the Church to Community“, and much more! You can also subscribe to their “Leading Ideas” newsletter here.
- Theocademy offers online classes on everything from Elder and Deacon Training, to Confirmation courses, to Bible Study and Reformed Theology.
- Paradise Solar Energy helps churches switch to solar power, cutting down on long-term energy costs and helping to care for God’s creation.
Policy Templates
- PC(USA) Bylaws Template
- Sample Manual of Operations Template
- Sexual Misconduct Policy Template
- Harassment Policy
- Anti-Racism Policy
- Child Protection Policy Template
- Sample Conflict of Interest Policy Template
- Sample Whistleblower Policy Template
- Personnel Policy Template
- Non-Discrimination Policy Template
- Credit Card Policy Template
- Family, Grief, and Medical Leave Policy Template
- Sabbatical Leave Policy Template
- Facility Use Policy Template
- Document Retention Policy Template
- Gift Acceptance Policy Template
Resources for Difficult Times in the Life-Cycle of a Church
- From the Lewis Center – on closing a church as an act of Faithfulness
- From the Methodists – on legacy ministries
- Alternative Models of ministry that are doing well
Vital Congregations Toolkit
The purpose of the Revitalization Initiative is to work alongside leaders of existing congregations continually assessing, discerning, and living into faithful actions that increase vitality through intentional spiritual practices that take them deeper into following Jesus Christ, so that their own lives are changed, congregations are transformed, and the mission of God spreads throughout particular communities and the world.
The resources attached can be used now to begin the work of revitalization in your church or Presbytery. Please note that these are drafts while we are in our pilot phase. Please click here for additional information and to download the kit.
Synod of the Northeast Coaching Network
Coaching is a powerful tool to help individuals in leadership roles and church leadership teams discover and embrace their God-given goals. Applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded based on 1) preference list above and 2) date submitted. Online applications are available here.
Funding is Available For Coaching!
The committee on Vitality has $2000 in funding available for coaching. Please be specific about what coaching you are looking for. If you do not know what resources are available, please let us know of your needs and we will try to connect you with an appropriate resource. Note that these funds would be different from the scholarship funds available from the Synod, and are NOT restricted to Synod sponsored coaching. Contact the committee at vitality@presbyteryofgeneva.org.