Canadian Ministries
Canadian Ministries
Resources for Congregations
- providing accessible, thorough and prompt responses to requests for information in all aspects of congregational life;
- producing on-line and print resources for the church in the fields of evangelism, Christian education, youth, congregational development, change and transition, worship and leadership development;
- assisting presbyteries as they evaluate, vision and execute programs as a part of their strategic planning emphasis including support for presbyteries in the development of workshops, consultations and conferences for growth and renewal;
- supporting and providing grants to congregations and to presbyteries as they oversee new church development, renewing ministries, aboriginal ministries, chaplaincies, rural and remote ministries and other specialized ministries;
- aiding presbyteries in their search for new and innovative mission and ministry initiatives by providing grants from regular budget sources, from internally restricted funds and from designated bequests;
- providing grants to presbyteries which are involved in the appointments of personnel for new church development and specialized ministries;
- drawing upon the gifts and talents of the leadership of the Presbyterian Church and connecting those people and their ideas to the wider church through leadership opportunities and print resources; and
- being current, creative and innovative in all aspects of congregational ministry as Canadian Ministries/The Vine seeks to carry out its mandate.
Contact Canadian Ministries at 1-800-619-7301 x275 or e-mail canadianministries@presbyterian.ca.
Ministries Supported
Visit the ministries page »
Through gifts to Presbyterians Sharing we help create new ministries, sustain and renew ministries and support specialized (inner city, chaplaincy, refugee and native) ministries. Together we are sharing the good news in word and action across Canada.
Native Ministries
Visit the Native Ministries page »
Canadian Ministries supports a number of native ministries which promote healing and reconciliation in the communities they serve.
Information regarding the ministries that Canadian Ministries supports and the wider involvement of The PCC in native ministries can be found here.
What's new?
Gifts of God: The Sacraments (videos and study guide)
What is a sacrament? Why are the sacraments important to the church? What
does my baptism mean for me? The DVD – Gifts of God: The Sacraments – provides an entrée into the rich feast of meaning and deep mystery of the sacraments. The DVD is divided into two parts: “Baptism: A Sign of Promise” and “Communion: A Feast of Grace.”
The DVD can be purchased from the Book Room for $5 and the study guide for $2.
Glorifying and Enjoying God: The people, practice and promise of The Presbyterian Church in Canada
As Presbyterians, throughout our long history, it is our goal - to glorify and enjoy God forever. God's love for us in Jesus Christ ignites the spark of our love for God and others. This seven session study on what it means to be Presbyterian and glorify God through our work, worship and practise of ministry has been revised for congregations to use in youth, young adult and adult studies. You will find updated information on the Presbyterian Church in Canada and our ecumenical and global partnerships.
- Download the PDF
- Also available for purchase from the Book Room for $7
Congregations in Transition
As congregations develop over time and live out their calling, they experience a natural ebb and flow in their shape and size. We acknowledge that transitions are part of our communal life and we welcome the Spirit of God guiding us through times of change.
This annotated bibliography is designed to refer congregations and church leaders to the most up-to-date and practical resources available today to assist in times of transition in different contexts and circumstances.
Partners 2011 Resource
Katelyn’s Cariboo Adventure: Meeting Partners in Cariboo Presbyterian Church, A Mission Learning/Sharing Experience for Children and Youth is now available for download.
Welcome to the Cariboo – a vast region of forests, ranches, reserves, scattered communities and people in the Central Interior of British Columbia. It is into this widespread region that this five-session study takes us as we visit five of the many ministry points that are together Cariboo Presbyterian Church. Through the eyes of Katelyn, the author’s 13-year old niece, you will experience a house church, a Carrier First Nation church, a family church and a children’s church. Through stories, crafts, activities and worship you can get excited about what God is doing right here in our own country.
This resource has been designed to be used with children and youth from six to 12 years old. With some adaptation, it can also be used with older ages and with intergenerational groups.
Equipping Elders resource
This PDF contains the resource Equipping Elders, a compilation of For Elders and Equipping for Elders publications that have been produced quarterly since 1997. In most cases the articles are copied directly into this resource; in other instances, they are edited or parts are selected and placed into appropriate sections.
Download the Equipping Elders PDF »
It is also available for purchase as a binder from the Book Room for $20.
Church Matters: A Board of Managers Handbook
This handbook was written primarily for members of the board of managers to help them understand their work in the church. However, ministers and members of session will also benefit from reading it.
Download Church Matters: A Board of Managers Handbook »
It is also available for purchase as a binder from the Book Room for $10.
Newest Equipping Resource now online at equippingfor.ca
The quarterly Equipping for... resource contains information for congregations on a variety of church-related topics. The full edition is now available at equippingfor.ca. Be sure to sign up for regular updates, delivered directly to your inbox.
Clergy Resources for Session Meetings and Retreats
Clergy Resources for Session Meetings and Retreats is a compilation of session
starters and workshops designed with the above questions in mind. These resources
have been selected from the For Elders and Equipping for Elders publications that
have been produced quarterly since 1997.
Download Clergy Resources for Session Meetings and Retreats »
It is also available for purchase as a binder from the Book Room for $20.
Christian Education
Curriculum Chart
This PDF contains the 2011-2013 Church School Curriculum Chart. It also lists resources for youth, adult, and family ministries, as well as profession of faith options.
Opening Doors to Discipleship
Announcing a brand new course available now on Opening Doors to Discipleship!
Course “D” Discipleship joins the previous Opening Doors courses:
- Course A: Teaching Skills
- Course B: Bible Background
- Course C: Presbyterian/Reformed Faith
Opening Doors to Discipleship offers congregations FREE online volunteer training, leader development and faith formation for groups and individuals. Each online course has 12 sessions packed with engaging life stories, solid biblical material, and opportunities for group and individual reflection. Contact The Vine to receive your Presbyterian Church in Canada login number.
Teacher/Leader Courses
Teacher/Leader Courses (TLC) are workshops led by experienced facilitators who are rooted in a congregational setting. The program is flexible, nation-wide, and now includes a new series of workshops on Congregational Development.
You pick the courses and help to coordinate the event. Together, you and the TLC Advisory Team identify leadership. You look after hospitality and invite at least 20 people...and away we go! Courses are structured to address both small and large settings. They may be held anywhere in Canada at any time of the year.
Other CE links
Congregational Development
- The Parish Paper — Each monthly issue of The Parish Paper provides ideas, insights, research-findings, and practical methods that strengthen the effectiveness of congregations in accomplishing God’s purposes through their various ministries.
- What is Your Conscious Intent? — January 2011
- Accomplishing Worthy Goals: Being Smart Is not Enough! — February 2011
- When Does Success Lead to Failure? — May 2011
- What Is the Pastor’s Role in Church Finances? — June 2011
- How to Select Quality Staff — July 2011
- How to Prevent Bad Behavior during Times of Change — August 2011
- Natural Church Development (NCD) information
- congregational development programs
- TLC Congregational Development Stream - Teacher/Leader Courses (TLC) are workshops led by experienced facilitators who are rooted in a congregational setting. The program is flexible, nation-wide, and includes a new series of workshops on Congregational Development.
Evangelism
- links to Evangelism Connections
- a wide collection of evangelism resources
- resources on growing a hospitable church
- sharing faith through storytelling
Leading with Care
- support from a national resource person
- copies of the policy
- checklists for presbyteries and synods
Funds
- The Creative Children and Youth Ministry Fund Application form - This fund assists PCC congregations sponsoring groups in planning new one-time or on-going ministry projects within Canada.
- Worship & Liturgy Fund Application form - The Worship and Liturgy Trust Fund was established to encourage and assist persons who are committed to improving their knowledge and skills as leaders in worship in The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
- Bursary Fund for Lay Training Application form - This bursary fund has been established to provide financial assistance for lay people of The Presbyterian Church in Canada to receive short term training, instruction and enrichment for Christian service.
- Conference Fund Application form - The Conference Fund of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, which assists sponsoring groups in running small or larger conferences within Canada.
- Fund for Ministerial Assistance - The purpose of the Fund for Ministerial Assistance is to provide financial support for ministers and diaconal workers of the Presbyterian Church in Canada who are at or near minimum stipend as set by the General Assembly.
Worship
- services for special days
- baptism and communion resources
- Worship planners and church year resources
- Prayer Partnership
- Worship in Long Term Care Settings: and especially persons with Alzheimer's disease/Dementia
- Worship & Liturgy Fund - The Worship and Liturgy Trust Fund was established to encourage and assist persons who are committed to improving their knowledge and skills as leaders in worship in The Presbyterian Church in Canada.