This ministry supports the leaders and members of small churches -- congregations that make up the overwhelming majority of POJ churches -- by providing engaging opportunities for education about growth and mission, networking among leaders, and promoting the Good News of the vital small church.
Programs for Small Churches
Website Grants
New for 2020, Small Church Ministry is offering a program to help small churches develop and host websites. Selected churches will work with POJ's communications associate to create websites with hosting costs for three years funded by POJ.
Emergency/New Ministry Grants
Small Church Ministry offers grants of up to $5,000 for emergency repairs or to promote a new ministry within their community. The grants are determined by need and the grant fund is limited.
Intern Program
With the majority of PC(USA) churches considered small, preparing for the unique aspects of life as a solo pastor in a small church is an important part of seminary education. The Small Church Intern Program plans seminars to educate seminary-approved interns in this particular calling of ministry. It also provides financial support to small churches who support an intern for an academic year, helping to defray the costs of stipends and mileage.
Read about Union Presbyterian Seminary's Supervised Ministry (internship) program.
For specific questions, contact:
- Seminary requirements: Rev. Dorothee Tripodi (dtripodi@upsem.edu or 804-278-4220)
- Financial support: Rev. Dr. Jason Cashing (jason@gregorymemorial.org or 804-732-1081)
Members
Deborah Rexrode, staff liaison
Jason Cashing
Sandra Collins
Kerra English
Lisa Salita
Mark Sprowl
Donald Steele
Kathleen Steele