The Congregational Resource Guide
This is one-stop “shopping” for many resources. Basically a “Google Search” for congregational resourcing! Scroll down the page to find resources for the following topics:
- Communication Resources
- Worship Resources
- Opioid Overdose Training
- Counseling | Coaching | Mental Health | Congregational Care
- Mental Health Resources
- Congregational Coaching
- Educational Resources
- Disability Ministries/Special Needs
- Stewardships/Funds Development
- Congregational Change
- Gun Violence Prevention – Congregational Toolkit
- Clergy Resources
Worship Resources
Counseling & Consulting
If you are in need of mental health or coaching resources for yourself or your congregation we highly recommend the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Capital Region. Samaritan has offices around the Presbytery and is our go-to resource for clergy and congregations. Contact Dr. David Olsen who is the Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center.
Another possible source for Clergy and Congregational Consulting is Dr. Keli Rugenstein who is president of Eastern Door Counseling Center. Keli’s firm can assist your congregation with needs around organizational change, conflict management and they administer the Congregational Assessment Tool through Holy Cow! Consulting.
Congregational Coaching
Congregational coaching seeks to bring a group of representative leaders together to discover and plan for a new path forward for the church. Can a congregation do all this without a coach? Perhaps, but why would you want to do so. It is much easier with a coach. A congregation is less likely to get off track than without one. You can learn more by reaching out to COMAC or presbytery staff.
Educational Resources
- Association of Presbyterian Church Educators
- Theocademy Membership Training, Elder and Deacon Training, Confirmation via Open Source Video
- Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Disability Ministries/Special Needs
Connie has many years of working with Special Needs Families and would be happy to talk with you. You can reach her at: connievooys@yahoo.com
- What Does It Take to Offer Hospitality to an Individual with Disabilities by Connie Vooys
- Everyone Belongs and is Needed in the Body of Christ by Connie Vooys
Stewardships/Funds Development
- Lake Institute
- Presbyterian Foundation (click on their resources tab for congregational resources)
- Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate
- New York Council on NonProfits (Albany Presbytery is a member and they have excellent resources on just about everything)
Congregational Change
- Article: Tod Bolsinger Addresses Presbytery in First Educational Meeting by Tim Coombs
- Adaptive Change Workshop with Tod Bolsigner – September 30, 2017
- Additional Resources
Gun Violence Prevention – Congregational Toolkit
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship offers Gun Violence Prevention Information and Toolkits.
- Click here for more information.
- Download a PDF file for free or order a hard-copy for $12.
- The Presbytery Office has a copy which may be borrowed. Contact Dan Rogers for more information at: drogers@albanypresbytery.org.
Clergy Resources
- NYC Hotel – Reduced Rate for Albany Presbytery Clergy
- Leo House, a catholic hotel in NYC, offers a significant discount.
- A clergy single room is $89!!! Lots of amenities.
- For some reason a double (queen) room is the same price for clergy. Regular price is $235.
- Go to their website for contact information: https://leohousenyc.com
- (Pricing may change. This was posted 9/2017)
We continue to build resources all the time!
If you have resources to add please send them to info@albanypresbytery.org and we’d be glad to add them to this growing resource list.
