+ ADMINISTRATIVE
   COMMISSION FOR
   TRANSFORMATION
+ COMMISSION ON
   MINISTRY
+ COMMISSION ON
   PREPARATION FOR
   MINISTRY

Administrative Commission for Transformation (ACT)

The Administrative Commission for Transformation (ACT) was commissioned in December 2000 and began its work in March 2001 to administer the $1,000,000 set aside by Pittsburgh Presbytery to transform churches over the next five years.

The MISSION of the Administrative Commission for Transformation is to assist churches of the Pittsburgh Presbytery to reach others for Christ, provide vital worship, and be involved in the mission of Jesus Christ.

Click here for highlights of the last ten years.

Members of the commission:

The Rev. Elizabeth Broschart, Gladden Presbyterian Church
Elder Jane Gieske, Oakmont Presbyterian Church
Pastor Robert Henry, Logans Ferry Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Dr. Karl McDonald, Ken Mawr United Presbyterian Church
Elder Sylvia Nanji, Bethesda United Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh
The Rev. Larry Ruby, Hiland Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Marsha Sebastian, Brookline Boulevard UP Church
The Rev. Michael Wilson, First Presbyterian Church, Edgewood
Elder Mary Yearsley, Swissvale Presbyterian Church

Pittsburgh Presbytery staff supporting the commission includes:

The Rev. Carol Divens Roth, Associate Pastor
The Rev. Douglas E. Portz, Associate Pastor

Grant Opportunities:

• Transformation Grants have been granted to churches that demonstrate a solid vision for changing the culture of a congregation to better reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. All Transformation Grants have been distributed at this time; there are no more available.

• Enhancement Grants are one-year grants with a maximum of $5,000. These grants are used to assist congregations who are seeking to enhance or start a new program, activity, or process in their congregations. Money for enhancement grants comes out of the operating budget of Pittsburgh Presbytery. Click here to view the guidelines and to download an application.
  

Ongoing Projects :

Acts Initiative

God has a transformational future for our congregations – and for each of us personally. The Acts Initiative of our Presbytery is designed to stimulate conversation, imagination, and new directions in the vitality of our shared Christian experience.

We understand the truth of the words of W. Edward Deming, “Every system is perfectly designed to achieve the results its gets.” If we are fully satisfied with the life of our congregation as it is, there is no need to think about a transformational future. However, if we want to grow in the vitality of our worship, our fellowship, and our discipleship, as well as in our missional impact on the surrounding community, then we need to think in terms of ministry design – how do we honor the work of our present ministries and members while creating the new to reach new people?

The Acts Initiative does not offer a simple checklist of things to do in order to grow congregational vitality. Rather, it offers a theology of transformational ministry, essential defining practices, and a wide variety of potential “next steps” that a congregation may take. Since every congregation faces different issues and possibilities, the Acts Initiative involves a great deal of freedom for each pastor, leader, and team in discerning appropriate next steps.

Ministry Partnerships

What Do Ministry Partnerships in Pittsburgh Presbytery Look Like? The Gospel, God's Good News in Jesus Christ, is the power to transform lives and change the world. Proclaiming the Gospel in word and in deeds of love and mercy is the church's joyful calling. We can do this best when we work together, partnering in ministry and mission that links congregations, pastors and resources, crossing all kinds of boundaries — even Pittsburgh rivers! No matter the shape, size or service, partners in the Gospel, giving and receiving, make a difference.  Click here for a partnership sampler describing how congregations in the presbytery have been connected.

New Dolloars/New Partners for Your Sacred Place Application

Through the work of the Administrative Commission for Transformation (ACT),  Pittsburgh Presbytery is partnering with an organization known as Partners for Sacred Places.  An opportunity for churches to see themselves through new eyes and learn new skills for ministry in their context is being offered called “New Dollars/New Partners for Your Sacred Place.”  Pittsburgh Presbytery has received a grant from a local foundation that allows this program to be offered to approximately ten churches at minimal cost.  The core training program will offer four learning modules plus an array of supporting resources and technical assistance over the course of six to nine months.

• Saturday, May 14

The ROCK
Oakdale United Presbyterian Church
62 Hastings Avenue
Oakdale, PA 15071
724-693-8950

• Saturday, July 16

Logan’s Ferry Presbyterian Church
750 Church Street
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-335-8237

• Saturday, October 22

McKeesport Presbyterian Church
1510 Versailles Avenue
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-678-2000

• Saturday, November 19

Glenshaw Presbyterian Church
300 Glenn Avenue
Glenshaw, PA 15116
412-486-8400

Each module will take place from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Lunch and beverages will be provided. A free-will offering will be received to help defray those costs.