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Who We Are
When people speak about "the Presbytery" they may be thinking of it as a regional governing body, as a group of churches sharing the same faith tradition, as a geographic area, as an agent of mission, or as an office with a staff serving the congregations and clergy within its bounds. The Presbytery is all of these things and more.
The Presbytery of the Western Reserve is a geographic area encompassing 50 churches, 3 new church developments, and over 13,973 members spread across nine counties in northeastern Ohio. The Presbytery is also a regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), consisting of all the churches and approximately 150 ministers serving in churches, institutions, and specialized ministries. As a governing body it has certain decision-making powers which are carried out by the clergy and representative elders from each congregation. This Presbytery supports over 10 Mission Partners, the United Protestant Campus Ministry, mission groups and agencies working for justice, and outdoor ministry for all ages. Through its elected representatives and staff the Presbytery provides a variety of services to congregations from assisting with the search for a new pastor, advising about building and financial concerns, leading church officer training, and supporting efforts to face changes in our community and society. The Presbytery office serves as a vital communication link for congregations, pastors, agencies, other Presbyterian entities, ecumenical and interfaith colleagues, and friends of all kinds. The Presbytery of the Western Reserve seeks to be a community of ministers and representative elders, and a community of congregations, joined as partners in Christ's service.
How the Presbytery Responds
Here's how the Presbytery of the Western Reserve responds:
- By helping local churches to carry out their ministries more effectively.
- By assisting congregations to cooperate in mission projects that cannot be accomplished alone.
- By providing resources for member churches.
The Mission Directions
As servant leaders who seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, to be obedient to the Scriptures and filled with the Holy Spirit, we believe we are called to:
- Spiritual Nurture
and Community
Offer renewal opportunities, design meetings to include small group dialogue, theological reflection, prayer, and create a network of faith communities.
- Partnership
with Congregations
Provide opportunities and resources that enhance the life of local congregations. Support, encourage, inspire and challenge the congregations in their programs.
- Evangelism
Plan for the planting of new churches. Support and provide resources to local churches for fhe revitalization of their own congregational lives. Equip members to spread the Gospel. Give special attention to the needs of urban churches.
- Pastoral Care
and Leadership Development
Provide pastoral care or our clergy and their families. Arrange educational opportunities for clergy and laity in theology, leadership, ministry skills.
- Justice and
Mission
Encourage congregations and the Presbytery to engage in ministries of justice and mission that include hunger, peacemaking, legislative advocacy, youth outreach, and ethnic concerns.
- Outdoor Ministry
Nurture Christian faith and fellowship with children, youth and adults in environmental settings.
Last
Updated February 4, 2008
© 2000 Presbytery of the Western Reserve
2800 Euclid Ave. Suite 500 · Cleveland, OH 44115-2496
216-241-3966 · FAX 216-241-3969 ·
info@preswesres.org