Empowered Servant Leadership Is Not is a very short film by Faith Springs Presbyterian Church in Pewaukee.

Empowered Servant Leadership IS- the very short second feature in the Empowered Servant Leadership film duo by Faith Springs Presbyterian Church, Pewaukee, WI.

Elder Preaching Class 2024

Preaching and Worship Class for Elders (2022)

Interviews

Empowering Not Fussy is an interview with members of First Presbyterian Church of Richfield who share how they've adapted in ministry, taken on new responsibilities, and welcome youth and children as music leaders all while deepening their relationships and faith.  These staunch Presbyterians show that engaging in reformation isn't just a thing of the past; it leads to an engaged and vital future.

Being Connected and Cared For is how Rev. Lisa Lynne Kirkpatrick thinks of Empowered Servant Leadership. Now an Associate at Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church and newly ordained minister, Lisa Lynne comes into ministry with years spent in the church as member, elder, and non-pastoral staff. Her rich experience in the church informs how her leadership has been empowered and how she seeks to empower others and it's all tied to Caring Relationships and ongoing growth in our Lifelong Discipleship.

Just Say Yes is an interview with elders Judy Jaggard and Lee Tan.  Both Judy and Lee have a long history serving not only their congregations but also the Presbytery and PC(USA).  They share what they love about being part of the presbytery and what keeps them saying yes when asked to serve.

In these shorter interviews, Kingsley Ezeuwa (Calvary) and Cindy Stiegler (Forest Park) share what Empowered Servant Leadership means to them.

Elder and Deacon Training

Mini-Manual for Ruling Elders by Winnebago Presbytery: a series of six 15-30 minute training sessions ideal for the beginning of session meetings, grouped into a larger retreat event,  or for individual training.

Coming Alive in Christ: Training for PC(USA) Elders and Deacons Based on the Constitutional Questions: "This resource has been created for the purpose of providing teaching elders/ministers of Word and Sacrament and other congregational leaders with content to adequately train ruling elders and deacons in their ministries with God’s people." 
Leader Guides are available for both a monthly training series or for retreat use.  Access to this free material is through Equip PC(USA) Training; the link above takes you there.

Preparation for Ordered Ministry by Theocademy: "What does one need to know to be an effective leader in the Presbyterian church?  These videos will explore and answer these and other questions about ordained leadership in the Presbyterian tradition." This series includes 13 sessions each with short video and guide great for use in a session meeting, retreat setting, or individual training/learning. 

Presbyterian 101:​ A 43 minute video with Chris Halverson, Associate Stated Clerk of Milwaukee Presbytery going over the structure of the PCUSA and an overview of sessions, presbyteries, synods and the General Assembly and how we're all connected.  A copy of Chris' slide presentation is also available- click here.

Leadership Formation Webinar: Care Ministry: This article includes a 90 min webinar for deacons and elders by ​Ruling Elder Martha Miller and the Revs. Rachel and Matt Rhodes. "Presbyterians are 'a people built for connection,' caring includes welcoming church visitors and reaching out to individuals from different generations in ways that work for them, including personal invitations to meet, as well as care visits with the grieving and elderly that help to lessen a person’s isolation".

The Session Ref: Members of a mock session meeting learn skills for a productive session meeting in this humorous 7min video.

Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully: A monthly article featuring insight and voices from across the PC(USA).  Article: Equipped for Ministry by Frank James

Basics of Reformed Theology: A one hour video with Professor Cynthia Rigby of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

An Introduction to Theology with Dr. Shannon Craigo-Snell by Theocademy: A 27 minute video.

​Leadership and Adaptation

The Church Experimentation Starter Kit by Faith + Lead: "Many churches know they need to change, yet don't know how or are unwilling to risk it. The work of faithful innovation means cultivating an environment where experimentation and adaptation become a key response to shifting cultural and social norms." A free, downloadable pdf.

PRC- Practical Resources for Churches: A growing collection of webinars on various topics for ministry from stewardship to hybrid worship and faith formation.  Use this link for recorded webinars on innovative church: ​www.prcli.org/webinars-res/innovative-church/. 

Additional Resources

Measuring the Quality of Atmosphere- Providing an inclusive and respectful community for youth and young adults in leadership. An article by Ryan Landino in Re: Regarding Ruling Elders.

Asset Mapping- Asset mapping provides information about the strengths and resources of a community and can help uncover solutions. "The Quick and Simple Congregational Asset-Mapping Experience is something you can try with a group of people in about an hour. You can facilitate this process yourself, using the following instructions as a guide."  From the Alban Institute.

We're In the Innovation Business, an article by Dwight Zscheile.

What's Your Congregation's DNA- "By investigating a church’s founding mission — its DNA — today’s leaders can reconnect with the congregation’s history to help it grow and thrive." article by N. Graham Standish

How Do I Know Whether My Church Is Ready to Innovate?- "Creative churches don’t panic when things go wrong. They pivot. But how do you know whether your church is prepared for it?" article by Carmelle Beaugelin