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Congregational Transformation

Video: Let’s Talk about a Green Snowball

Oct 13, 2025
In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Rev. Carol Devine (Co-Minister for Green Chalice and Director of Blessed Tomorrow) talks about the “Green Snowball” strategy for using the cost savings from green energy solutions to fund further green energy solutions for congregations.  

Video: Let’s Talk about a Green Snowball

October 13, 2025 by Brian Frederick-Gray

In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Rev. Carol Devine (Co-Minister for Green Chalice and Director of Blessed Tomorrow) talks about the “Green Snowball” strategy for using the cost savings from green energy solutions to fund further green energy solutions for congregations.  

Learn more by visiting:

  • www.greenchalice.org
  • www.onehomeonefuture.org


At Green Chalice Our mission is to connect Christian faith, spiritual practice and creation consciousness in order to demonstrate the fullness of God’s shalom.  Out of our call to “do justice” (Micah 6:8), we strive to demonstrate the fullness of God’s shalom through living out our faith by caring for God’s creation. In keeping with this demonstration, a resolution concerning carbon neutrality was passed at the 2017 General Assembly. From Hawaii and Washington to Ontario and Florida, and everywhere in between, Disciples congregations are caring for creation in unique and inspiring ways.

Justice and Advocacy Ministries empowers Disciples to use our voices and our actions to promote greater justice and mercy in the world. Disciples Home Missions seeks to bring a coordinated approach to influencing the church’s work for justice with a focus on three key areas: 1) Refugee & Immigration Ministries; 2) Racial Justice; 3) Environmental Justice.

Green Chalice Zoom Gatherings

Oct 9, 2025
Presentations from Green Chalice churches, Ambassadors, and Justice and Creation Fellows. Each of these gatherings include inspirational wisdom from people and communities around our denomination. Green Chalice Gathering Oct. 2, 2025– Highlighting 2025 Justice and Creation Summer Fellows from Camp Crystal, First Christian Church in Fullerton, CA and St. Pauls Christian Church in Cary, NC. […]

Green Chalice Zoom Gatherings

October 9, 2025 by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Presentations from Green Chalice churches, Ambassadors, and Justice and Creation Fellows. Each of these gatherings include inspirational wisdom from people and communities around our denomination.

Green Chalice Gathering Oct. 2, 2025– Highlighting 2025 Justice and Creation Summer Fellows from Camp Crystal, First Christian Church in Fullerton, CA and St. Pauls Christian Church in Cary, NC.

Green Chalice Gathering Feb. 20, 2025- Featuring Green Chalice Ambassadors: Apostle Sharyn Cosby with National Convocation and Yoli Barragan with Obra Hispana. and Rob Morris, E.D. of Christmount Christian Assembly shares impacts and responses to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.

Green Chalice Gathering April 23, 2024– With Sharing from First Christian Church Princeton, Kentucky, Brentwood Christian Church, Kansas State University Ecumenical Christian Ministry and Camp Caroline in North Carolina

Green Chalice Gathering Jan. 2024- Featuring University Christian Church in Hyattsville, Maryland, Cypress Creek Christian Church, and The Woodlands Christian Church in East Texas.

Green Chalice Gathering June 6, 2023–Featuring wisdom and insights from Mission Hills Christian Church in Los Angeles (Carbon Neutral!), Christmount Christian Assembly, Black Mountain, NC and Highland Park Christian Church, Des Moines, Iowa. 

Green Chalice Gathering, Jan. 2023 – Apostle Sharyn Cosby, In the Spirit Christian Church, Oklahoma https://inthespiritcc.org/ Rev. Rebecca Sundquist, First Christian Church, Highland, Indiana & Seeds of Hope Garden and Farm https://www.fcchighland.net/ Cathy Cralle Jones, St. Paul’s Christian Church in Raleigh, NC https://www.stpauls.net/

Milkweed double butterfly

Extreme Heat- Community Needs, Faithful Responses.

Sep 15, 2025
Education, Conversations and Community Resources As extreme heat events become increasingly frequent and dangerous, faith communities are called to respond with both compassion and action. Community leaders and local experts shared vital information and seeds for ministry during an online Green Chalice gathering on Sept. 3rd. The video can be viewed solo, as a congregation or […]

Extreme Heat- Community Needs, Faithful Responses.

September 15, 2025 by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Education, Conversations and Community Resources As extreme heat events become increasingly frequent and dangerous, faith communities are called to respond with both compassion and action. Community leaders and local experts shared vital information and seeds for ministry during an online Green Chalice gathering on Sept. 3rd. The video can be viewed solo, as a congregation or green team.  We heard from Rev. Katie Sexton, Director of the Arizona Faith Network, Dr. Eugene Livar,  Arizona’s first Chief Heat Officer, Arene Rushdan,  Community Resilience Program Manager at the Arizona Faith Network  Rev. Dr. Job Cobos, Pastor at Larkspur Christian Church. You can view the recording here. https://youtu.be/RbkiF0wFJfw

This resource is based on a gathering with Green Chalice collaborators in 2025. The resources below can be used independently or paired with the recording of this conversation here.

EDUCATION Template for Class or discussion

Extreme Heat: Community Needs and Faithful Responses

Education, Conversations and Community Resources

Overview

As extreme heat events become increasingly frequent and dangerous, faith communities are called to respond with both compassion and action. This 30-90 minute resource explores the sources, impacts, and responses to extreme heat for faith communities. It can be used in Sunday School classes, community groups, or Green Team meetings. This can be used with or without the webinar regarding linked below. Video Resource: View the recording here You can find a PDF version of this Class Here.

Featured Speakers from webinar

  • Rev. Katie Sexton – Director of the Arizona Faith Network
  • Dr. Eugene Livar – Arizona’s first Chief Heat Officer
  • Arene Rushdan – Community Resilience Program Manager at the Arizona Faith Network
  • Rev. Dr. Job Cobos – Pastor at Larkspur Christian Church

Facilitator Guidelines

  • Make space for everyone to be heard
  • Pay attention to those who share too often or those who are silent
  • Consider using Parker Palmer Circles of Trust practices for small group guidance
  • Adjust timing based on whether you watch the full webinar (60 minutes) or portions

Suggested Schedule

1. Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

2. Check-in (10-15 minutes)

Every person should have an opportunity to speak briefly without interruption. Use full group sharing or the 1-3-All method ( 1- write a response in solitude, 3-share responses with two other people then briefly share summaries with the whole group).

Option 1: Share what is bringing you life these days

Option 2: Grief and Gratitude Practice

  • Set up a central altar space with notecards and pencils at each chair
  • Ask participants to write their gratitude and grief
  • Share aloud in trios or with the whole group (depending on group size)
  • For small groups: Consider a ritual with candles where each trio lights a candle and brings it to the center altar

3. Bible Exploration (15-20 minutes)

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40 (Read together or invite different readers for each verse)

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, an expert in the law, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Reflection: Before exploring the response from Jesus in verse 37 ponder the question. “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Even though the religious elite were coming together to challenge Jesus in the previous texts, he did not shy away from helping those gathered to prioritize certain behaviors and practices. Among the vast ways to follow commandments, Jesus combined historic wisdom from the Hebrew texts of Deuteronomy and Leviticus to help people prioritize what is great and first among so many options. How can you and your congregation prioritize from among the many good options regarding following Jesus?  

 Look at verse 37 and 39 for hints.  Today with so many options for how we receive and share information, spend money, choose and gather with friends and how we act we can hear echoes from Jesus saying “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ and ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  

4. Watch Extreme Heat Webinar (Optional – 60 minutes)

5. Reflection Questions (20-30 minutes)Consider using the 1-3-All method again  

Personal and Congregational Discernment

  • How can you and your congregation prioritize among the many good options for following Jesus?
  • In our information-rich world with countless choices for spending time, money, and energy, how do we hear Jesus’s call to “love God with all your heart, soul, and mind” and “love your neighbor as yourself”?How do you prioritize what to do in your life (daily, weekly, yearly)?
  • How does your congregation discern the best next step or ministry idea?
  • With so many good ways to follow Jesus, how do you select priorities?

Faith and Community

  • What does loving God look like in your community?
  • What does loving your neighbor look like in your community?
  • How do you receive love from yourself?

Extreme Heat Responses

  • What should faith communities know about the health risks of heat—especially for vulnerable populations?
  • How could extreme heat impact your community?
  • How can faith communities best partner with local governments, nonprofits, or health agencies in responding to extreme heat?
  • What data or tools are available that congregations can use to guide ministries?
  • Where do you see gaps that faith communities are uniquely positioned to fill?

6. Benediction: Invite each person to share one word that represents what they are carrying forth with them from the gathering.

7. Closing Prayer

News Highlights and Resources from Arizona Faith Network Ministries  

News Video Glendale residents can cool down at respite centers,

News Video Glendale Respite Centers

News Video Cooling centers offer refuge and employment during extreme heat

AZ Faith Network 2023 – Program Spotlight – Heat Relief

Guidebooks

Arizona Faith Network- Heat Relief Guidebook

AZ Faith Network- Heat Relief Overview

Extreme Heat Resources-The resources below can be found on the One Home One Future Website Here.  

  • (Multi-Faith) Global Heat Action Day Webinar by ecoAmerica
  • (Multi-Faith) Heat Relief Overview by Arizona Faith Network
  • (Ecumenical) Heat and Health by Creation Justice Ministries
  • ​(Ecumenical) Extreme Heat Webinar by Creation Justice Ministries
  • ​(Methodist) Extreme Heat Resources by NC Conference of The United Methodist Church
    • (Methodist) High Heat Response by NC Conference of The UMC​
  • (Presbyterian) Ways Churches can Respond to Extreme Heat and Climate Change by Presbyterian Church USA
  • (Multi-Faith) Simple Ways Your Church Can Be a Heat Wave Haven by Rebekah Simon-Peter
  • (Secular) Beat the Heat: Cooling Strategies to Stay Safe by the Nicholas Institute at Duke
  • (Secular) Climate and Extreme Heat by ClimateRx
  • (Secular) American Climate Perspectives, Volume III – Extreme Heat by ecoAmerica

Videos

  • (Multi-Faith) Sacred Home: Creating Shelter, Building Resilience, and Living Carbon Neutral by Blessed Tomorrow
  • (Multi-Faith) Finding Hope Despite Record Heatwaves and Smoke-Filled Skies: a report from Los Angeles by Path to Positive
  • (Multi-Faith) Ready for the Storm: Faith Communities are Key to Climate Resilience by Blessed Tomorrow
  • (Multi-Faith) Raising Resilient Children Amidst Climate Change by Blessed Tomorrow
  • (Multi-Faith) Nature vs. Climate & COVID-19: Security, Love, Restoration by Blessed Tomorrow
  • (Multi-Faith) Climate Resiliency as an Act of Love by Blessed Tomorrow and Mennonite Church USA
  • (Ecumenical) Disaster Preparedness, Climate, and Faith Communities by Green Chalice
  • (Multi-Faith) Pulling It All Together: Walk the Walk by Blessed Tomorrow
  • (Multi-Faith) Congregational + Community Resilience​ by Blessed Tomorrow
  • (Lutheran) Disaster Resilience and Response Playlist​ by Lutherans Restoring Creation

More Preparedness Resources

  • Mental Health and Climate Change Resources
  • (Christian) After the Storm: Cultivating Hope/Healing after a disaster by Green Chalice
  • (United Church of Christ) A Disaster Preparedness Manual for Churches by Disaster Ministries, United Church of Christ
  • (Christian, Ecumenical) The Fierce Urgency of Now by Creation Justice Ministries
  • (Presbyterian) Disaster Preparedness and Training Materials by PCUSA
  • (Multi-Faith) Willing to Respond
  • (Disciples of Christ) A Congregational Guide for Disaster Preparedness and Response by Week of Compassion
  • (Disciples of Christ) Guía Congregacional para la Preparación y Respuesta Ante Desastres by Week of Compassion
  • (Episcopalian) Disaster Preparedness for Churches by The Episcopal Church
  • (Christian, Ecumenical) Faithful Resilience by Creation Justice Ministries
  • (Unitarian Universalist) Climate Resilience Through Disaster Response and Community Care by UUA Side with Love
  • (Ecumenical) Weathering the Storm by Creation Justice Ministries
  • (Ecumenical) After the Storm: Cultivating Hope/Healing After a Disaster by Green Chalice

Conversation Café For Congregations

Sep 12, 2025
This bi-monthly virtual experience is designed to bring Disciple pastors, lay leaders, and church staff from across the country together to discuss, reflect, and engage relevant resources for congregational life and innovation. This one-hour lunch-time session offers participants a chance to be Church together and share resources that help our congregations thrive in their local […]

Conversation Café For Congregations

September 12, 2025 by Derrick Perkins

This bi-monthly virtual experience is designed to bring Disciple pastors, lay leaders, and church staff from across the country together to discuss, reflect, and engage relevant resources for congregational life and innovation. This one-hour lunch-time session offers participants a chance to be Church together and share resources that help our congregations thrive in their local contexts. Grab a meal, settle at your computer, and join the conversation. We look forward to seeing you at the café.

Green Chalice Online Gathering- Oct. 2, 2025

Aug 19, 2025
Green Chalice Online Gathering- October 2, 7-8:30pm ET At this free gathering you will meet Green Chalice Justice and Creation Fellows and learn about congregational efforts to care for creation, love their neighbors and accompany young people in faithful formation.  We will also share impacts and responses to current challenges in the US.  Clergy, Lay […]

Green Chalice Online Gathering- Oct. 2, 2025

August 19, 2025 by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Green Chalice Online Gathering- October 2, 7-8:30pm ET At this free gathering you will meet Green Chalice Justice and Creation Fellows and learn about congregational efforts to care for creation, love their neighbors and accompany young people in faithful formation.  We will also share impacts and responses to current challenges in the US. 

Clergy, Lay Leaders of established or emerging Green Chalice churches and people interested in active hope are welcome to join in this informative and spirit led conversation. Together we will learn and offer support and prayer for one another as we care for creation and our neighbors in these times. You could invite your whole Green Chalice team to participate together over a plant rich meal!  Make it a Green Chalice Picnic!  

You can register for the free event here.

Extreme Heat: Community Needs and Faithful responses- Green Chalice Event

Aug 19, 2025
View a recording of this Event Here. Responding to our community needs in times of extreme heat. Join us to learn the dangers of high heat days, the needs of communities during extreme heat days, explore responses and how faith communities are already responding with wisdom, intentionality and compassion.   Our guide will be Rev. Katie […]

Extreme Heat: Community Needs and Faithful responses- Green Chalice Event

August 19, 2025 by Scott Hardin-Nieri

View a recording of this Event Here.

Responding to our community needs in times of extreme heat. Join us to learn the dangers of high heat days, the needs of communities during extreme heat days, explore responses and how faith communities are already responding with wisdom, intentionality and compassion.  

Our guide will be Rev. Katie Sexton, Executive Director of Arizona Faith Network since 2019. She has a proven track record of building impactful communities that work to transform our world for the common good. She is an innovator and seeks to empower congregations as they respond in the midst of crisis. She helped develop a network in Arizona of 14 relief sites providing 38,000 visits in 2024.  We will learn from her lifesaving work in Arizona and from other leaders in the field.  
We will hear from experts about the implications of high heat on health and community resilience as well as practical tips for offering support in the midst of extreme heat. 

We will be hosting a conversation with these community leaders. 
Dr. Eugene Livar Arizona’s first Chief Heat Officer, appointed in 2024, leading the state’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan under Governor Hobbs. Over a decade at ADHS—from epidemiologist to Assistant Director of Public Health Preparedness, overseeing six major public health bureaus. Learn more about him here: Dr. Eugene Livar’s bio on the ADHS


Arene Rushdan Community Resilience Program Manager at the Arizona Faith Network (AFN). Previously assistant nursing director and utilization review nurse in Riverside County’s inpatient mental health facility. Holds a master’s degree in nursing education from California State University Dominguez Hills, and grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist/Christian household. Served as the cooling center organizer starting in 2021, with a passion for service. Facebook+8Arizona Faith Network+8Arizona Faith Network+8 Learn more about Arene here: Arene Rushdan’s bio at Arizona Faith Network Arizona Faith Network 

Rev. Dr. Job Cobos Pastor at Larkspur Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who is deeply involved in city-level resilience efforts. 

Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference Sept. 16-19, 2025 Christmount Conference Center

Aug 4, 2025
Join Colleagues for Creation Care and Resilience: Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference Mark your calendars for September 16-19, 2025, and consider joining clergy colleagues at the Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference at beautiful Christmount, North Carolina. This retreat, designed and supported by the Green Chalice team, focuses on “Resilience and Restoration in the Mountains” with […]

Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference Sept. 16-19, 2025 Christmount Conference Center

August 4, 2025 by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Join Colleagues for Creation Care and Resilience: Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference

Register Now

Mark your calendars for September 16-19, 2025, and consider joining clergy colleagues at the Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference at beautiful Christmount, North Carolina. This retreat, designed and supported by the Green Chalice team, focuses on “Resilience and Restoration in the Mountains” with clergy and community resilience and creation care in mind.

You’ll spend transformative days with distinguished speakers including Rev. Dr. Heber M. Brown III (keynote speaker and founder of the Black Church Food Security Network), Rev. Carol Devine (Faith and Climate Educator with Blessed Tomorrow), Rev. Dr. Dara Cobb Lewis (Spiritual Director and Pastoral Counselor), Aaron Price, (Music & Worship Arts Director at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church) and Luke Cannon (Mountain Ecologist), alongside ecumenical colleagues and pastoral innovators.

Whether you’re new to creation care or a long-time advocate, you’ll gain new language and tools to inspire your congregation to care for the environment, interwoven with space for rest, relationship, prayer, and excellent food.

Registration is currently open to Disciples and Ecumenical clergy with sliding scale options and scholarships available- Contact Shardinnieri@gmail.com for more information. Register now: https://www.christmount.org/oreon-e-scott

Circles of Awareness and Care-Green Chalice Resource

Jul 7, 2025

Circles of Awareness and Care-Green Chalice Resource

July 7, 2025 by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Circles of Awareness and Care – July 2025(1)Download

Juneteenth 2025 Resource: Celebrating African-American Freedom

Jun 4, 2025
Remembering The Past, Maintaining Courage For The Present & Participating In Hope For The Future.

Juneteenth 2025 Resource: Celebrating African-American Freedom

June 4, 2025 by Elijah Darden

Remembering The Past, Maintaining Courage For The Present & Participating In Hope For The Future.

The Formative Power of Your Congregation: Faith & Human Development

Jun 4, 2025

The Formative Power of Your Congregation: Faith & Human Development

June 4, 2025 by Elijah Darden

Black Leadership Project Grant Applications

May 2, 2025
It is time for Black Leadership Project Grant Applications! Thanks to generous donors, we are able to offer $1,500 grants to strengthen African American leadership in your congregations. The application deadline is May 31, 2026. Apply now!

Black Leadership Project Grant Applications

May 2, 2025 by Elijah Darden

It is time for Black Leadership Project Grant Applications! Thanks to generous donors, we are able to offer $1,500 grants to strengthen African American leadership in your congregations.

The application deadline is May 31, 2026. Apply now!

Green Chalice Online Gathering

Jan 30, 2025
Green Chalice Online Gathering- February 20, 7pm ET At this free gathering you will meet Green Chalice Ambassadors: Apostle Sharyn Cosby with National Convocation and Yoli Barragan with Obra Hispana. Rob Morris, E.D. of Christmount Christian Assembly will also share impacts and responses to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.   Clergy, Lay Leaders of established […]

Green Chalice Online Gathering

January 30, 2025 by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Green Chalice Online Gathering- February 20, 7pm ET At this free gathering you will meet Green Chalice Ambassadors: Apostle Sharyn Cosby with National Convocation and Yoli Barragan with Obra Hispana. Rob Morris, E.D. of Christmount Christian Assembly will also share impacts and responses to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.   Clergy, Lay Leaders of established or emerging Green Chalice churches and people interested in active hope are welcome to join in this informative and spirit led conversation. Together we will learn and offer support and prayer for one another as we care for creation and our neighbors in these times. You can register for the free event here.

Weightlifters

Jan 2, 2025
This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator--one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time. It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Weightlifters

January 2, 2025 by Brian Frederick-Gray

2025 Laity Readiness Resource

This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator–one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time.

It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Rev. Monique Crain Spells
Vice President for Mission, Advocacy, & Programs

WHAT’S INSIDE?

  • Laity Sunday Litany
  • (7 ) Trainings Videos
  • (3) Downloadable Workshops
  • (1) Youth Study
  • (1) Men’s Study

Family Systems Theory course – 2025

Dec 12, 2024
Disciples Interims presents our newest opportunity: Family Systems Theory! Here is a chance to learn more about Family Systems Theory and apply it to our own lives and to the lives of our congregations. Students will gain insights into Bowen Theory concepts, increase self-awareness, use genograms to learn about their family of origin, and use case studies to practice "systems thinking" in their congregations. Led by Rev. Donald Chase, Rev. Dale Matherly, and Rev. Scott Woolridge.

Family Systems Theory course – 2025

December 12, 2024 by Scott Woolridge

Disciples Interims presents our newest opportunity: Family Systems Theory!

Here is a chance to learn more about Family Systems Theory and apply it to our own lives and to the lives of our congregations. Students will gain insights into Bowen Theory concepts, increase self-awareness, use genograms to learn about their family of origin, and use case studies to practice “systems thinking” in their congregations.

Led by Rev. Donald Chase, Rev. Dale Matherly, and Rev. Scott Woolridge.

When: Tuesday evenings, January 14-March 4,2025 from 6pm-8pm Central Time and are on Zoom.

Cost: $600

Email Scott Woolridge (swoolridge@dhm.disciples.org) for more information and the registration link.

Killing Church Softly: Generational and Identity Formation

Dec 2, 2024
From the Theological Manna series — Killing Church Softly: Generational and Identity Formation with Dr. Jason Santos

Killing Church Softly: Generational and Identity Formation

December 2, 2024 by Brian Frederick-Gray

From the Theological Manna series — Killing Church Softly: Generational and Identity Formation with Dr. Jason Santos

Communal Faith Formation for Today

Dec 2, 2024
Theological Manna Conversation: Communal Faith Formation for Today. A Webinar featuring Dr. William Crowder, Dr. Young Lan Kim, Dr. Kimberly Johnson, Dr. Bill Kincaid, and Dr. Yara Gonzalez-Justiniano

Communal Faith Formation for Today

December 2, 2024 by Brian Frederick-Gray

Theological Manna Conversation — Communal Faith Formation for Today

A Webinar featuring Dr. William Crowder, Dr. Young Lan Kim, Dr. Kimberly Johnson, Dr. Bill Kincaid, and Dr. Yara Gonzalez-Justiniano

Developing Consensus on Congregational Transformation (Korean)

Jun 7, 2024

Developing Consensus on Congregational Transformation (Korean)

June 7, 2024 by Brian Frederick-Gray

A Simple Assessment Tool for Church Boards

Jun 7, 2024
Congregations have a life cycle, like all living things; birth, then growth, then stability. At stability, you can either redefine the ministry, or the congregation declines. Ministry can be redefined by answering these questions.

A Simple Assessment Tool for Church Boards

June 7, 2024 by Brian Frederick-Gray

Hybrid Faith Formation

Jan 9, 2022
The key to hybrid faith formation is the integration of in-person faith forming with online faith forming into one holistic integrated experience. A program design can begin online and then move to in-person and back to online or it can begin in-person and continue online.

Hybrid Faith Formation

January 9, 2022 by Brian Frederick-Gray

by Tim Roberto

The key to hybrid faith formation is the integration of in-person faith forming with online faith forming into one holistic integrated experience. A program design can begin online and then move to in-person and back to online or it can begin in-person and continue online.

​

Hybrid programming can be synchronous (real time) and asynchronous (on your own time)—thereby expanding the opportunities for people to engage in faith-forming experiences that are responsive to their time, commitments, and availability. We can deliver synchronous faith formation using physical gatherings, livestreaming, video conferencing, online courses, and online small groups. We can deliver asynchronous faith formation using online playlists, video and audio programs, online discussion groups, online learning platforms, websites, and more.

The Jesus Way

Jan 1, 2022
The Jesus Way ministry is built on several core beliefs: 1) Each man is uniquely gifted by God; 2) God established relational principles and priorities foundational to the life God wills for each individual; 3) Each man is the center of his own “realm of influence.” Within this realm, he influences the lives of those around him. His influence can build up or tear down those within his realm; 4) As one who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, each man holds citizenship in the realm of God; 5) Jesus shows us the way to live into those relational principles and priorities that build up rather than tear down as citizens in the realm of God.

The Jesus Way

January 1, 2022 by Brian Frederick-Gray

A New Men’s Ministry for the men in your congregation

Welcome to The Jesus Way!

This ministry is built on several core beliefs.

  1. Each man is uniquely gifted by God.
  2. God established relational principles and priorities foundational to the life God wills for each individual.
  3. Each man is the center of his own “realm of influence.” Within this realm, he influences the lives of those around him. His influence can build up or tear down those within his realm.
  4. As one who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, each man holds citizenship in the realm of God.
  5. Jesus shows us the way to live into those relational principles and priorities that build up rather than tear down as citizens in the realm of God.

This journey will enrich each man’s life and the lives of those around him. Each man will (re)discover God’s unique purpose for his life and what active citizenship in the realm of God can mean for his life.

The Learning Congregation

Apr 13, 2017
This essay from the President of the Center for Congregations, discusses eight behaviors of congregations that learn well.

The Learning Congregation

April 13, 2017 by Brian Frederick-Gray

by Tim Shapiro
Center for Congregations

This essay discusses eight behaviors of congregations that learn well.

The Special Meaning of the Word “Practice”

Jul 12, 2016
Congregations often invite us to deeper thinking, not just about beliefs but about life. The congregation in which I grew up had an open forum Sunday School class. This class helped people talk about so many important things in life: parenting, politics, marriage, vocation, education, health, medical ethics, science and much more.

The Special Meaning of the Word “Practice”

July 12, 2016 by Brian Frederick-Gray

by Tim Roberto
The Congregational Resource Guide

Congregational life includes beliefs. Some congregations ask folks to believe certain things in order to be members. Your congregation may welcome questions about certain beliefs. Your congregation may host learning experiences that help you go deeper into theology. Yes, congregational life includes beliefs.

Congregations often invite us to deeper thinking, not just about beliefs but about life. The congregation in which I grew up had an open forum Sunday School class. This class helped people talk about so many important things in life: parenting, politics, marriage, vocation, education, health, medical ethics, science and much more.

Handprint on Congregational Transformation

Oct 1, 2013
What is Congregational Transformation?Transformation is the intentional spiritual journey that a congregation systemically undertakes in order to realize what God has called it to be as church and to do in mission in today’s world. Transformation is a fundamental change in the congregation’s conception and implementation of ministry. A transforming congregation will be oriented around […]

Handprint on Congregational Transformation

October 1, 2013 by Brian Frederick-Gray

What is Congregational Transformation?
Transformation is the intentional spiritual journey that a congregation systemically undertakes in order to realize what God has called it to be as church and to do in mission in today’s world. Transformation is a fundamental change in the congregation’s conception and implementation of ministry. A transforming congregation will be oriented around mission to the unchurched, nurturing them into the loving, caring fellowship of Christ. It will be notably different from one oriented primarily around ministering to current members. The needs of members will still be met. In the context of a church in mission, everyone is important, both churched and yet-to-be churched.

Is this something new?
Since 2005, Disciples Home Missions has been working to provide events and resources geared to congregational transformation. There have been six events with 677 individuals (from pastors, lay leaders, regions and the general office) interested in congregational transformation. They have either attended one of the transformation events, served on a transformation team or are part of a transforming congregation. These individuals and congregations are under the umbrella of 30 regions within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Is there a goal?
By the year 2020, the goal of congregational transformation is for 1,000 transformed congregations to realize the 2020 Vision of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Congregations currently in transformation The list of transforming congregations is growing. Within this booklet is a list of congregations in transformation, each of which has signed up on the DHM website.

What about resources?
Some of the resources available through DHM are included. You will find resources geared to those just beginning the process and other resources geared to those further along in the process. This list is not exhaustive. There are many other resources available for your use at www.discipleshomemissions.org or by contacting the office of Evangelism and Congregational Transformation at (317) 713-2641.

Benchmarks for Transformation

Oct 12, 2012

Benchmarks for Transformation

October 12, 2012 by Brian Frederick-Gray

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