The changing cultural context, the shifts that middle governing bodies are themselves already making, and a new domestic mission frontier all make this the right time, God's time for us to examine the role, function and form of presbyteries and synods.
—from the rationale of the charge to the General Assembly Commission on Middle Governing Bodies
The version of the report without Full Data Appendices is available by clicking here.
By David R. Lewis
Men of the Church in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides 11 New Testament Bible studies to aid congregations. Each study is inspired by a book of the Bible and includes seven sessions for open discussion.
The General Assembly Middle Governing Body Commission asked the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Research Services staff to help the commission consult with Presbyterians as it reimagines presbyteries and synods. Research Services staff conducted one-hour telephone focus group discussions with representatives of 11 PC(USA) constituencies. The staff drafted focus group questions (with input from a research subcommittee of the commission), sampled and recruited focus group participants, moderated the discussions, and summarized and analyzed the discussions. Operating mainly in pairs, commission members opened and closed the focus groups and listened to the discussions. The focus groups took place during the second and third …
Food Movements Unite! is a challenging, sometimes disturbing and ultimately hopeful book written by people who are working to enlarge and unite food justice movements in the United States and around the world. Part of the book’s premise is that the globalized and industrialized food system is unjust, unsustainable and fundamentally broken. Download this new companion bible study today!
Create a community garden or other faith-based initiative using the Food Sovereignty for All Handbook for guidance.
As a Christian community based in the United States, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) affirms our heritage of separating government from religious control and yet allowing faith communities to witness for fair and wise public policies. In the Arab world, and the larger Muslim world, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) supports practices of mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding based on principles of international law and diplomacy. Aware of historic differences between Muslim and Christian understandings, the church sees these addressed best through dialogue, diplomacy, and respectful presence that recognize the importance of religion in societies. This approach is to give religious leaders …
This resource shares tips for creating a Youth Covenant and Emergency Form for Youth Ministry.
There is a distinctive, fourfold pattern of action that can be seen each time Jesus shares a meal with his disciples: taking, blessing (or giving thanks), breaking, and giving. This study guide demonstrates that pattern, seeking to deepen and enrich our understanding of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
This brief document responds to four questions commonly asked about mission work.
Fred Tangeman – Presbyterian Historical Society