How easy is it to welcome the newcomer to your church? How soon can they feel at home? If the newcomer is a South Sudanese Pentecostal church, we might recognize it can take some time. Friendly Hills Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, NC, opened its doors and hearts to The Great Commission International Church. In time, the pastor, John Nyuon, desired to be a Presbyterian and bring his church into the PCA. Listen to this wonderful story of how one church can reach the world that is coming here.

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

To live is to endure change. As pastors, we are agents of change, yet we are personally averse to change. When life’s transitions come, we are often ill-equipped to adjust. Whether pastor or parishioner, we need to navigate the phases of transitions, whether ending and beginning a new call, changes in our families, or stepping out of our vocation. Our conversation with Vincent Tauriello looks at best practices when facing transitions in life.

Learn more about Vincent's Coaching services at www.bydesigncoaching.net/.

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

Evangelism leads to discipleship, and discipleship should lead to new leaders. The health of a church's leaders, particularly the ordained leaders, is an essential task. Jon Stoddard, in West Jordan, UT, has written a book helping pastors to think biblically about equipping leaders.

You can purchase the book, Lead My Sheep, in the PCA Bookstore.

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

The next 10 years will bring significant shifts in ministry, society, demographics, and technology. How will the PCA navigate these changes? Looking Forward Together is an event to equip young leaders to not just react to these changes but to proactively shape the future of our denomination. On this podcast, we will be joined by Harrison Ford and Marissa Bondurant, who are part of the planning team and will speak at this event, as we discuss why people should attend. 

Learn more: https://pcamna.org/millennial-summit/ 

Register: https://brushfire.com/mna/lookingforwardtogether/598277 

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

There are many ways a church can engage its community. Trinity Presbyterian in Cedar Rapids, IA, does so by offering English classes to immigrants, partnering with other churches, and raising future leaders through their internship program. This young church demonstrates that a church need not be well-established to make a difference. Any church can be an outward-facing congregation. Listen in to this conversation with Trinity's pastor, Isaac Ferrell.

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

While every church should be engaged in ongoing renewal, revitalization is the intentional effort to grow in both inward-facing church life and outward-facing community engagement. A church must flourish to nourish and disciple its members and reach its community. This work requires distinct skills when one serves in a rural community or small town. Tune into the conversation with Erik McDaniel, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in the small town of Jasper, Tennessee.

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

While today’s culture of individualism rejects institutional entities, the church is God’s counter-cultural, redemptive institution that best meets our deepest needs. On this episode of Growing Together, we will talk with Brad Edwards about his new book, The Reason for Church, and hear how the church, as the Bride of Christ, is the necessary institution that alone can answer the longings of weary individualists.

Listen to Brad's podcast: PostEverything

Read Brad's book: The Reason for Church

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

While immigration is a hot topic in today’s news, God’s Word, in Deuteronomy 10:19 instructs us to love the stranger, for we were strangers in the land of Egypt. Today, more people than ever live in a country other than where they were born. MNA’s Refugee and Immigration Ministry assists our churches in welcoming the immigrant and refugee, providing hope that only the gospel can offer.

For more information: https://pcamna.org/ministry/refugee-and-immigrant-ministry/

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

A church plant is borne out of the hope that God's Word will not return void. Therefore, sharing the gospel with folks is key to any church plant. Hope Presbyterian Church in Ocean Springs, MS is a great example of listening, loving, and sharing the gospel with those who need Christ.

For more information:

•  [email protected] 
• https://www.planthopeos.org/.

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/

Steve Jeantet transitioned from being an Executive Pastor in Sarasota, FL, to planting a church in that community. While his pastoral role changed, his engagement in his community remained consistent. Listen to how his passion became an avenue for evangelism and discipleship. 

https://pcamna.org/growing-together/