Resources

As 2021 unfolds, events in the public arena once again demonstrate the dehumanizing reality of racism.  

The existence of racism is a grievous fact. For people of color, racism is pervasive.  This pervasiveness is evident in every aspect of life, including the life of congregations.  

Yet, congregations of color represent resilient strength with robust voices and true hearts. The Center for Congregations learns each time testimonies and stories of such strength are shared.  

Many white congregations are seeking resources about anti-racism. There is the desire to listen, learn and become allies. The Center is committed to connecting congregations to resources that will support learning journeys leading to a more just world.   

Here is a link to additional anti-racism resources.  You will find even more as you search the CRG.   

The 2020 election is just days away. The CRG has provided resources to keep congregations informed of how they can navigate the stresses of dealing with contentious politics in and around their communities. But what about after the election? What about the possible conflicts that may arise as a result of the election? 

Auburn Seminary hosted a multi-faith conversation entitled, “Faith Leaders Call for Moral Courage Now” with Auburn President, Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson, along with Dr. Keisha McKenzie and Dr. Sharon Groves from Auburn’s program team, in conversation with Auburn Senior Fellows Stosh Cotler (CEO, Bend the Arc) and Rev. Brian McLaren (Activist and Public Theologian).

Watch as these five faith and justice leaders discuss how they prepared for the 2020 election and for its possible aftermath. What will our responses communicate to the world about who we are? How will we leverage the outcome of the election to build a better world? Will relationships and trust really help create change and if so, how can our congregation do the work

Click here to visit this resource

Though the #MeToo movement has brought greater media attention to sexual assault, it is not a new phenomenon. There are countless examples of congregations and denominations acting in ways that proved harmful to victims. Even the most well-intentioned leaders can inflict pain due to a lack of information and preparation. 

The Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault has put together a host of resources for congregations seeking to get ahead of the game. As any great leader will tell you, the best plans are laid well before they’re needed. If your congregation would like information on working with law enforcement and other professionals to form Sexual Assault Response Teams, check out the SART guide. There are also other workshops and trainings offered through ICESA that congregations can take advantage of. Finally, to gain a better perspective on the ways sexual assault impacts victims, watch the Break The Silence video.

 

 

 

This book coaches congregations through transition with leadership strategies and group discernment excercises.

This resource helps congregations take the first steps towards becoming more energy efficient and provides solutions to those issues that places of worship may face.

This how-to guide offers tips and tools for integrating special needs children and youth into worship and other programs and activities.

The findings of this national survey provide insight into how the pandemic has effected giving, budgets, and future congregational plans.

This article summarizes alternative worship's history and offers eight alternative worship priorities.

This 24-page toolkit from the Department of Health offers opioid-awareness resources for faith-based organizations.

This web resource offers a professional yet succinct overview of mental health issues, written in lay language, and summarizes the basics about common mental illnesses, suicide, diagnosis, treatment, the connection between mental and physical conditions, recovery, wellness and building resilience while also addressing the many ways in which faith leaders can provide support for people with mental illnesses.

These 12-page pamphlets about "close to home" issues help individuals acknowledge hard problems and access support. Topics include eating disorders, anxiety and depression, addiction, child abuse, elder abuse, and bullying.

This website, provided by Prayerscapes, a group of Christian musicians, dramatic readers, and worship and prayer creators, offers videos and films that have both spoken and musical content and include daily prayers, a house blessing, and well-known prayers, such the Lord’ s Prayer and Psalm 23.

This consulting group led by Rev. John E. Girton provides marketing services and media training so congregations can get their message to the right audiences.

This center offers worship resources such as grants, events, online tools for worship planning, and Spanish language resources.

This organization helps local faith leaders create new kinds of church and meet modern people where they are.

This video outlines basic steps and principles for nonviolent communication (NVC).

This video articulates ways Christians can use nonviolent direct action to stand against oppression.

This video provides mental health ideas and resources to cope with racial trauma and social distancing.

This training prepares participants to respond to personal and societal conflict with nonviolent action as a means to build peace.

This conference offers extensive workshop options, speakers, and lectures focused on examining and celebrating the practices of preaching and worship.

This series of education events hosted by Rebekah Simon-Peter equips participants to lead congregational change.

This member management software connects congregations in its giving, volunteers, small groups, child check-in, communication, and a customized app.

This member management software has a suite of tools to track attendance, member engagement, and donations. It's easy to use from any computer or mobile device.

This company makes online donation software that can be used with computers, tablets, and smartphones, and through credit cards, debit cards, or electronic transfer of funds.

In this bi-monthly online magazine issue of Net Results, readers will find a number of related themes around the topic of Generations.

The National Association for Temple Administration (NATA) is an active professional network of Reform Jewish Synagogue Executive Directors that publishes a twice-yearly journal with articles written by members and Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) staff. Topics include: collaboration, giving, communication (including social media), technology, and leadership transition.

The quarterly Church Health Reader recognizes the challenge of maintaining spiritual, emotional, physical and social well-being in a world of stress, violence, confusing value systems and social turmoil and offers practical, timely instruction and helpful options.