Congregational Development

The Eastern PA Conference is deeply committed to fostering the healthy development of new faith communities and congregations, along with revitalization and redevelopment of existing congregations, all to expand our faithful witness for Christ through evangelism, worship, fellowship and ministry. We are always seeking, sharing and strategizing around creative ideas and energetic efforts to expand the definition of church and the experience of congregational life. We strive to reach new people in new ways and to find, support and develop new leaders with new abilities, all in the vibrant spirit of living out Christ’s Great Commission.

Congregational Development, guided by the conference Congregational Development Team (CDT), provides many cutting-edge training and leadership opportunities, resources, and clergy and church assessment and development tools. Our goal is to help the conference and its congregations grow as they become more effective at winning souls for Christ and “making disciples for the transformation of the world.”

Evangelism

"The winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ," reads one dictionary definition of "Evangelism." And according to Wikipedia, "Evangelism is the preaching of the gospel or the practice of giving information about a particular doctrine or set of beliefs to others with the intention of converting others to the Christian faith." No wonder so many people recoil at the very mention of what some shyly call "the 'E' word." Even our United Methodist Church mission statement is "Making disciples of Jesus Christ..."

Yes, our evangelism is indeed mission-focused on "winning," reviving, "preaching," "converting" and "making disciples." But the task is not intended to be so transitive or imposing. "Evangelism is one beggar showing another where to find bread," said famed theologian D.T. Niles. It is about showing the way or sharing the bread of life, if you will, but not force-feeding it to the hungry soul. To avoid the offended reaction "Evangelism" too often draws, we are now more apt to call it "Faith-sharing." Indeed, it is literally sharing a message, not a mandate, that Christ is and has the answer one seeks.

The Eastern PA Conference teaches and encourages faith-sharing that focuses on relationships more than religion. We encourage churches to find and come alongside seekers and sojourners on their journeys of exploration, to share their pain and struggles, hear their questions, suggest some answers, and point the way that leads to hope, peace and maybe even joy.

Intentional Discipleship 

“Over this next year, I am going to require that every local church develop a plan for forming disciples.” – Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, 2026 Annual Conference

Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is the first step. Bishop Moore-Koikoi invites every congregation to create a clear, intentional pathway that helps people move from initial faith exploration to mature discipleship and active participation in Christ's mission.

There are a number of resources that can support you in your efforts.

The Connectional Ministries team created an excellent Discipleship Pathway. This simple guide is designed to help your congregation build a more robust discipleship plan using programs and activities your congregation may already have planned.

Download the Discipleship Guide here

Additionaly, Discipleship Ministries has also created, Developing an Intentional Discipleship System: A Guide for Congregations

This booklet serves as an excellent first step, offering a framework for supporting people who are searching, exploring, beginning, growing, and maturing in their faith journey. This resource is available in multiple languages as a free download or for purchase at the Discipleship Ministries Store.

Focus deeper on one area of discipleship.

In addition to the guidebook for Intentional Discipleship, Discipleship Ministries also has created practical resources designed to help your congregation engage you communities, strengthen online worship, and cultivate generosity.

Click the link and scroll down to find resources that will help you focus in on one area of discipleship.

Stay tuned for more resources, but in the meantime we hope that this helps you get started!

The Culture of the Call

Creating a culture of calling to pastoral ministry is crucial now (Part 1)
Creating a culture of calling to ministry (Part 2)
The culture of the call: The Influence of the Church (Part 3)
Call to ministry worship service: ‘Here I Am, Send Me’