Leadership is the ability to initiate an alternative future. It can be a hopeful future fueled by faith and focused on Jesus Christ and God's love for the world.

Taking what we have nurtured with Christ inside and taking it outside in new ways is an opportunity every congregation can embrace. Below are a few exciting developments reflecting a spirit of gift-mindedness to make our church homes more welcoming for ministry. What is your congregation doing to demonstrate the words of Jesus when he said,

"In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal" (John 12.25) MSG.

Our presbytery’s Board of Trustees, Mission Council, and Committee on Ministry, are actively listening to the voices of our sessions. Our self-study process has offered new insights, as well.

Newark Presbytery will ensure that every pastor and session has access to the resources it needs for ministry wellness and effectiveness.

Pastors and elders want to deliver needed ministries, address the challenges of a diminished membership base, remedy the overhead of distressed buildings, and provide sustainable connecting spaces for worship, fellowship, and service. Along with our presbytery staff, leadership teams are preparing to submit for the presbytery’s consideration, new initiatives that can optimize a congregation’s ministry and their building’s usefulness as a church home for mission. Sessions will be invited to dream and imagine what resources they require to fulfill their unique God-given ministries, and an equitable way to access those resources.

What resources, training, support, or funding,does your session require to do the work God has called it to do? How could your congregation be more "reckless in its love" for your community and world?