Education Opportunities – National Association of Congregational Christian Churches

Plentiful Gifts Program

Maggie Helmick — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:14:54 +0000

“Plentiful Gifts” is a partnership with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary to help small congregations with part-time clergy nurture lay gifts and leadership. Participating churches will work to identify their mission and talents, after which select members will receive training and support in ministry areas such as preaching, worship, pastoral care, and community engagement. Each church will have a mentor and support network. Funded by the Lily Foundation’s “Thriving Congregations Initiative,” the program is offered to churches free of cost.

The Plentiful Gifts program requires a two-year commitment, starting with a six-month study phase followed by up to 18 months of tailored learning. Approximately 4-7 churches will be selected from those that apply, and 3-4 individuals within each congregation will receive training and support.

For more detailed information, review the Plentiful Gifts program description and program presentation. To apply, complete the 2024 Plentiful Gifts Program Application by October 31, 2024.

For more information, contact Scott Chase at sgc.bts@gmail.com.

Upcoming Webinars

Tracy Bernhardt — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:49:58 +0000

Join us for the following upcoming webinars.

September 30, October 7, 14, and 21, 2:30 – 4:00 pm CT (12:30 pm PT; 3:30 pm ET)
Webinar Series: The Leaders Table Cohort 3
“The Leaders Table” is a four-part webinar training series designed to help attendees become better leaders in times of uncertainty and when facing unfamiliar challenges. Click here for more information or to register to attend.

October 15, 16, 22, and 23, 2025, 12:30 – 3:30 pm CT (10:30 am PT; 1:30 pm ET)
Webinar Series: Effective Transitional Leadership
Now more than ever, leaders of faith communities and organizations need strong transitional leadership skills. This engaging virtual seminar is designed for clergy and lay leaders who are guiding churches or ministries through times of transition. Click here for more information or to register to attend.

Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising Offered

Tracy Bernhardt — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:13:48 +0000

New in the Fall of 2023!

The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) is an eight-week online course and practical application project through the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

The course provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers of faith-based organizations. The focus of the ECRF is on the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving.

For more details and to register, please visit the ECRF event page.

Youth Scholarships

nacccadmin — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 13:22:47 +0000

Scholarships are available through various funds to provide assistance in reducing the cost of registration to the NACCC’s annual youth conference – NAPF/HOPE. Scholarships are awarded according to available funds and can be used to cover part or all of the registration fee to attend the conference. One such scholarship is the Lynn Merkel & Joanne Simpson NAPF/HOPE Scholarship, created in 2018 and named to honor the tireless work and the many years of leadership that Lynn Merkel and Joanne Simpson gave to the youth ministry of the NACCC.

We also encourage you to check with your state or regional association for scholarships that might be available to support attendance of the NAPF/HOPE conference as well as for mission trips and other events.

Scholarship Application

Applications
NACCC youth scholarships can provide assistance to youth wishing to attend an NAPF/HOPE conference, who have financial need, and who have shown outstanding development in any or all of the following areas:

· Christian character
· Participation in local church youth programs
· Community service

Scholarship applications are available to any youth affiliated with a church that maintains membership in the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

Scholarship Application

How You Can Help
Many youth around the country spend time raising funds to offset the cost of attending NAPF/HOPE, but not all youth can afford to attend. You can make a contribution to the youth assistance fund through the NACCC to help bring our youth closer to Christ through this exciting gathering of Congregational Christian youth. Contributions may be made online by clicking the “Donate Now” button. They may also be made by check, payable to NACCC and mailed to:

NACCC – Youth Fund
P.O. Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154

New Workshop Scheduled – Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry

Tracy Bernhardt — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 17:00:39 +0000

The Vitality Ministry Council of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) is partnering once again with the Interim Ministry Network to offer a course exclusively for NACCC affiliated clergy and lay leaders.

This four-day, self-contained Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry: The Work of the Leader course introduces theories that are foundational to interim ministry. The class hours are devoted to providing opportunities for experiential learning through the use of case studies and sacred story. The work of the interim leader is presented and discussed along with tools and resources that facilitate the work of the transitional leader.

While this course emphasizes the work of the transition pastor, it is helpful to lay leaders to make informed and healthy choices about clergy leadership during times of transition.

This specialized offering is available to active and retired NACCC clergy. The Vitality Ministry council is underwriting much of the fee, and rather than costing $750 a person, participants will pay $300. An excellent value! Scholarships are available.

Click for more details and registration.

Recognized Ministries Information

nacccadmin — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:59:26 +0000

NACCC Recognized Ministries either have a historical relationship with the NACCC or are financially supported by member churches. The NACCC Mission and Outreach Ministry Council endorses these relationships and encourages our member churches to learn more about them.

Olivet College

Founded by Congregationalists, Olivet College is a private liberal arts college located in south-central Michigan. The college was the first in the country by charter to accept women and persons of color. Its more than 900 students participate in a unique educational experience known as the Olivet Plan. As part of this effort, students are engaged in both classroom and practical programs incorporating real world experiences with lectures and service learning. The College’s commitment to providing access to a comprehensive and diverse learning environment is reflected in all aspects of the Olivet Plan. The aspirations of Olivet College are advanced in the College’s vision: Education for Individual and Social Responsibility.

Piedmont University

Piedmont is a private liberal arts university founded by Congregationalists and based upon the Judeo-Christian tradition. The Judeo-Christian tradition comprises the humane values upon which Western Civilization is based. It promotes concern for others and the acceptance for individual responsibility that are essential for ethical conduct and citizenship. Through fostering understanding and acceptance of this tradition, Piedmont University strives to further develop the individual’s personal growth through self-understanding and the ability to lead and work effectively with others.

The American Congregational Association (Congregational Library and Archives)

“The Congregational Library and Archives are administered by the American Congregational Association, a non-profit organization founded May 25, 1853. The 1853 ACA charter stated that the organization was incorporated “for the purpose of establishing and perpetuating a library of religious history and literature of New England, and for the erection of a suitable building for the accommodation of the same, and for the use of charitable societies.” It was felt that the latter should be done or the original Puritan literature would be lost. The Congregational Library now holds 225,000 items documenting the history of one of the nation’s oldest and most influential religious traditions.” (from their website).

The Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation

“Some say it is too early for reconciliation, some say it is too late for reconciliation, we say it is always time for reconciliation.” Dr. Arthur Rouner, founder. The Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation recognizes that conflict has marked human history causing pain, trauma, bitterness, and division between individuals, communities, and nations. Cycles of conflict create both brokenness and despair. Their work calls them to places of historic and contemporary conflict with a unique experience of reconciliation to awaken hope and healing in wounded lives and divided communities. Through retreats, courses, and other mediation efforts they create safe spaces where individuals and groups are gently invited to experience repentance, forgiveness, and restored relationships, empowering them to rebuild trust and strengthen the social fabric of their community, all in the name of Christ.

Youth Gathering Resources & Information

nacccadmin — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 16:21:43 +0000

The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches sponsors two annual, concurrent youth gatherings, which provide opportunities for spiritual growth through worship, fellowship, service, and leadership development.

The National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship (NAPF) gathers together youth from around the country who have completed the 8th grade through 12th grade. As these youth meet fellow Congregational Christians, they make abiding friendships and share their faith in a fun-filled atmosphere. Small groups are led by dedicated adult counselors. Vibrant worship experiences with outstanding music may be led by adults or youth. Youth are often asked to prepare morning and evening devotionals. Opportunities to express faith through acts of service are always a highlight of the conference.

Heritage of Pilgrim Endeavor (HOPE) offers a great opportunity for young adults post-high school through age 26 to further grow in faith with peers in an environment similar to NAPF. While still including worship, speakers, small group time, and mission work, HOPE also promotes closer connections with peers and deeper discussion about faith through peer-led small groups. The experiences and perspectives that each person brings to their small group are valued and can enrich discussions about faith in remarkable ways. HOPE provides additional opportunities for leadership involvement through prayer teams, small group leadership, and leadership on the NACCC’s Youth Task Team, hosted by the Growth Ministry Council. HOPE creates a genuine, meaningful, and fun atmosphere to grow in faith while discovering new friends.

Participants often stay connected between gatherings through two Facebook pages:

NAPF/HOPE
NAPF/HOPE Alumni

For more information, or to be placed on the NAPF and HOPE mailing lists, please contact the NACCC office.

For information on the 2026 NAPF and HOPE conference, click here.