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.
Members of
the commission:
The Rev. Elizabeth Broschart, Gladden Presbyterian Church
Elder Jane Gieske, Oakmont Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Dr. Karl McDonald, Ken Mawr United Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Mark Plumb, Lebanon Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Jeffrey Potter, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Marsha Sebastian, Brookline Boulevard United Presbyterian Church Elder Marjorie Smith, John McMillan Presbyterian Church
Elder Mary Yearsley, Swissvale Presbyterian Church
Pittsburgh
Presbytery staff supporting the commission includes:
The Rev. Judith
Slater, Associate Pastor
Elder Jeff Walley,
Business Administrator
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. The deadline for 2008 Enhancement Grants is
April 30, 2007. This is a firm deadline. No applications will be received after this date.
Enhancement Grant
Purpose & Requirements
Enhancement
Grant 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.
For more information contact Jeff Walley.
