Key Takeaways
- The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is experiencing a decline in traditional religion, but some congregations are renewing and reforming to continue building the body of Christ.
- Congregations like Riverview United Presbyterian Church, New Hope Presbyterian Church, Riverside Presbyterian Church, and New River Presbyterian Church are being reborn and injecting life back into their communities by responding to need.
- These congregations are finding new ways to serve their communities, such as through food distribution centers, free stores, and community development corporations.
- The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is supporting these efforts through programs like the Shared Ministry Program, which provides benefits subsidies to two or more congregations that create a sustainable pastoral position.
Introduction to the State of Christianity in America
The state of Christianity in America is a topic of much debate, with some studies showing a decline in traditional religion. However, despite this decline, there are many congregations in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that are renewing and reforming to continue building the body of Christ. These congregations are finding new ways to serve their communities and are being reborn in the process. As the Bible says, "I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19). This verse is a reminder that God is always doing something new, and it is up to us to be responsive to that.
Riverview United Presbyterian Church: A Story of Renewal
Riverview United Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one example of a congregation that is being reborn. When the Rev. Steven Werth started serving the church in 2014, the congregation had enough resources to keep going for five to 10 years. However, instead of letting the building kill the church, Riverview sold its campus to a nondenominational congregation and is now joyfully reforming. The congregation is merging with Community House Presbyterian Church and is becoming Beloved Community Presbyterian Church. This new church is located in the heart of the city’s North Side neighborhood and is focused on serving the community. With six food distribution centers in the neighborhood, Riverview’s food bank was no longer needed, so the congregations added the Blessing Box at the sidewalk, with hygiene products and everyday household supplies.
New Hope Presbyterian Church: A Story of Dreaming Big
New Hope Presbyterian Church in Anaheim, California is another example of a congregation that is thriving. The church was born out of the legacy of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, which closed in 1967. The congregation was directed to use its assets to plant an African American congregation in Orange County, where Blacks made up less than 1% of the population. After several years of research, the Reverend Chineta Goodjoin was asked to help plant the congregation. Today, New Hope is a thriving church that is committed to inclusion and community. The church has a large campus, which was formerly owned by St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, and is home to the New Hope Orange County Orchestra, the first in the county entirely composed of musicians of color.
Riverside Presbyterian Church: A Story of Fostering Community
Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Virginia is a congregation that is focused on fostering community. The church began gathering in Potowmack Elementary School as a church plant in 1996 and later sold its vacant land to buy an office building. The building is home to Ridgetop Coffee & Tea, a coffee shop that helps the church foster community. The coffee shop and its toddler playground have become a popular gathering spot for parents with young children, and the church also draws 35 to 40 high school students every Tuesday morning before school. Riverside’s outreach doesn’t stop at Ridgetop, as the congregation partners with Sugarland Elementary School and supports Faith Chapel Gathering Place in the nearby hamlet of Lucketts.
New River Presbyterian Church: A Story of Reforming and Being Reforming
New River Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a congregation that is rising to meet the needs of its community. The church emerged from the union of three congregations: First African Presbyterian Church, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, and Calvin Presbyterian Church. Despite the challenges of dwindling membership and aging buildings, the congregations were able to come together and form a new church. Today, New River is a thriving church that is focused on serving its community. The church runs a food pantry, an emergency fund for seniors, and various outreach events, like block parties. The congregation has also spurred the establishment of a community development corporation, which is harnessing public, private, and faith-based support for a mixed-use development next to the church.
Conclusion
The stories of Riverview United Presbyterian Church, New Hope Presbyterian Church, Riverside Presbyterian Church, and New River Presbyterian Church are a testament to the fact that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is still a vibrant and relevant denomination. Despite the decline in traditional religion, these congregations are finding new ways to serve their communities and are being reborn in the process. As the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) supports these efforts, it is clear that the denomination is committed to wholeness and care for its members. As we look to the future, it is exciting to think about what new things God will do in and through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).