The Congregational Vitality and Discernment Team
The Congregational Vitality and Discernment Team of the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey accompanies congregations and worshiping communities in discovering, shaping, and faithfully living into their God-given stories. Whether a congregation is experiencing growth, transformation, or concluding its ministry, the team provides spiritual, strategic, and practical support to guide ministry development and discernment.
The purpose of the Congregational Vitality and Discernment Team is to:
● Understand and embrace the current story: Help congregations and new worshiping communities recognize and celebrate their present ministry context.
● Discern and shape future ministry narratives: Guide congregations in imagining and implementing new ministry directions that align with God’s mission.
● Faithfully conclude ministry seasons: Support congregations in closing ministry chapters with integrity when a season of active ministry ends.
● Provide resources and practical ideas: Equip congregations to carry out their ministries effectively in their unique contexts.
Who is My Neighbor? Conversations about your neighborhood
Who is my neighbor? Luke 10: 25 -37
Do we know the answer to this question?
God is in ministry in our neighborhoods and communities. How are we going to respond?
First find those people in your neighborhood to whom God is calling you as partners.
Who is My Neighbor is a process of using your congregation’s demographics to learn about the people in your neighborhood and ministry opportunities.
COMPLETE THE WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR
AND RECEIVE A $1000 TO START A NEW THING WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS.
HOW TO APPLY
Write up a summary of your 12 discoveries and a summary of “What did we learn Conversation?”
Tell us in a paragraph or two what is your one new thing to connect with your neighbors and how you hope to make it happen.
Include your name and church.
Send your summaries to office@highlandspresbyterynj.org
Got questions?
contact Steve Shussett at steves@highlandspresbyterynj.org or Jeanne at jbradak@highlandspresbyterynj.org
This grant is available to churches in the Presbytery of the Highlands only.
Turn the Page – Discernment Process
Retreat 1
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01/22/24
Dwelling in the Word Instructions
Instructions for Dwelling in the Word - Turning the Page
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01/22/24
Turn the Page Part 1 – Introduction
Introduction to the Turn the Page Discernment Process
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01/22/24
Turn the Page Retreat 1 – instructions
Turn the Page Retreat 1 Instructions
Retreat 2
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01/22/24
Turn the Page Discernment Process Retreat 2 Instructions
Turn the Page Retreat 2 Instructions
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01/22/24
Storytelling Season Resource No. 1
Storytelling Season Retreat 2
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01/22/24
Four Basic Rules of Brainstorming
Four basic Rules of Brainstorming
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01/22/24
Dwelling in the Word for the Discernment Process Retreat 2
Dwelling in the Word Discernment Event Instructions
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01/22/24
Mutual Invitation Resource
Mutual Invitation Resource
Retreat 3
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05/07/24
Turn the Page – Retreat 3
The instructions for Turn the Page Retreat 3
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03/22/23
Turn the Page Financial Health Assessment
Turn the Page Financial Health Assessment
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03/22/23
Turn the Page – Financial Strength Worksheet
Turn the Page - Financial Strength Worksheet
