Church Revitalization

Congregational Development

Sustaining and enhancing the spiritual health and vitality of our congregations is a priority in the New York Conference.  Our mission is to equip, resource, and strengthen our congregations in their ministries as they evolve, move, and develop.  

Vitality Coaching

  • New Beginnings offers to congregations an opportunity to clarify their contexts, explore options, and make informed decisions concerning their future direction.  Over 1,000 congregations have participated in New Beginnings, 99% of which have decided on a future path.  New Beginnings is offered to our congregations thanks to a joint collaboration between the United Church of Christ and the Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation, a ministry of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ.  If your congregation is seeking to explore options and imagine new future direction for your ministry, visit www.hopeecu.org
  • Convergence offers a variety of learning and coaching opportunities for church growth and development.  For more information please go to https://convergenceus.org

Readiness 360  – A Vitality Measure for Congregations

Readiness 360 – Congregations meeting eligibility criteria can participate in Readiness 360, an online congregational assessment in areas of Spiritual Intensity, Missional Alignment, Dynamic Relationships, and Cultural Openness.  This survey assists leaders in understanding and acting upon issues that drive vital, healthy congregations.  You may also learn more about Readiness 360 by visiting www.Readiness360.org or by contacting the Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development.

Program Grants

The United Church of Christ offers the program grants each year.  For a full list of annual grants visit the UCC website.

Other Resources

In addition to the above, you may find a number of helpful resources for your congregation through the following links:

  • Practical Resources for Churches has three locations in New York (on Long Island) and offers workshops, webinars, consultants, and resources.  Our conference membership means that New York Conference Churches can access these resources free of charge.  Go to www.prcli.org
  • The Center for Congregational Health offers coaching, consultation in areas such as Strategic Planning, Conflict Reconciliation, Team Building, and decision making and governance restructuring – Go to www.healthychurch.org
  • The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center offers several trainings geared to congregational health, conflict resolution and spiritual growth – Go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings#Single-DayTrainingSessions

While the New York Conference seeks to share information about a variety of church revitalization opportunities, program information or a link to any website does not imply endorsement by the New York Conference.