seven marks of vital congregations Archives

South Carolina church grateful for ‘the gift’ of the Vital Congregations initiative

Posted February 25th, 2020

When the Rev. Dr. Jeri Parris Perkins became pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, South Carolina, she knew the congregation needed to revitalize. It’s what the Pastor Nominating Committee was looking for when the church called her in 2014.

Three presbyteries finishing up Vital Congregations initiative pilot program

Posted November 18th, 2019

As 14 Presbyteries prepare to launch the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)’s Vital Congregations initiative in January, three presbyteries — Trinity, Newark and San Jose — are finishing up a pilot program of the two-year revitalization process.

‘Meeting of Great Minds’ opens with smart, high-powered worship

Posted October 4th, 2019

Friday’s “Gathering of Great Minds” opened with inspired, Spirit-infused worship in the Chapel of the Presbyterian Center.

Seldom is heard a discouraging word

Posted May 20th, 2019

The Rev. Dr. Tom Bryson, who is part of the Vital Congregations (VC) writing team, said he was floored at what he heard at VC gatherings in Denver and Atlanta the last two weeks.

From anger and lament to wonder and awe

Posted May 16th, 2019

As Dr. William P. Brown, professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, confessed his personal anger and lament, Fairfield Hall at First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta went silent

Vital Congregations East Coast gathering opens with news of ‘God doing a new thing’

Posted May 14th, 2019

During opening worship at the East Coast Vital Congregations gathering at Atlanta’s First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Amantha Barbee told nearly 100 mid council and other church leaders that if they want a vital congregation, they should “tell the truth, listen, take risks and above all preach the gospel.”