Be a Matthew 25 church!
Matthew 25:35–46 calls all of us to actively engage in our community and the world — and to be a relevant presence of Jesus Christ. The PC(USA)’s goal is to help our congregations become radical and fearless disciples by embracing one of more of three focuses:
- Building congregational vitality by challenging people to deepen their faith and get actively and joyfully engaged with their community and world.
- Dismantling structural racism by advocating and acting to break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color.
- Eradicating systemic poverty by working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.
We are glad to hear that you want to get involved in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). There is always a place here for people who are passionate about making the world a better place.
You may find a path through your local congregation, or by joining one of the congregations just forming under the 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement. Many churches have extensive local ministries, and can always use another volunteer.
If you’re interested in doing work at a national or international level, the Presbyterian Mission Agency has an immense array of activities available for you. No matter what your passion is, you’ll likely find a way to explore it here. We support political activism through the Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C., and invite you to participate in protests, rallies and by contacting your congressional leaders. We work to help support our brothers and sisters around the world through our Ministry at the United Nations, and also support demonstrations and learning opportunities there.
Learn ways to further anti-hunger, development and disaster work with partners of the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People near you or around the country and world on the interactive OGHS Engagement Map.
If you’d like to know more about how you can help the planet, and everything and everyone who lives on it, you’ll find calls to action and information within the Presbyterian Hunger Program, which also has extensive programs to address the root causes of hunger. Opportunities abound there for both congregations and individuals.
You can also volunteer with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which sends teams of people into distressed communities following disasters.
Ready for an even larger commitment? If you’re 18 to 30 years of age, you can become a Young Adult Volunteer and spend a year of your life in ministry and partnership at a site in the U.S. or internationally. People of all age are invited and encouraged to consider seminary. You can find information on Presbyterian seminaries here.
You can also become a mission co-worker. Mission co-workers serve abroad in partnership with our global partners, working to make the world a better place. You can also help arrange a mission trip for your congregation or a group of friends who are ready to serve and learn in partnership. Our team in World Mission can help you get started.
Not sure where to start? Call us! We can talk you through many more options. Our team of PresbyTel consultants will be glad to talk to you.
Presbyterian Women’s groups are a vibrant part of many congregations. Connect with PW locally or learn more about how to connect with Presbyterian Women in the presbytery or synod, or at the church-wide level.
If you’re a young adult, check out the various volunteer and service opportunities and work camps, listed by state and perfect for groups and individuals.