Matthew 25
Join in the movement of faith and action.
What is Matthew 25?
This transformative initiative calls on mid councils, congregations, and groups to live out the church’s mission through bold and compassionate discipleship. Rooted in Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25:31-46.
Together, we can make a profound impact and bring the vision of a just and loving world to life.
Building congregational vitality empowers churches to be vibrant, engaging communities of faith. By fostering spiritual growth and community involvement, congregations create dynamic spaces for individuals to connect with God and each other in meaningful ways.
Dismantling structural racism is a call to acknowledge and address the deep-seated racial injustices that pervade our society. We strive to create inclusive, equitable communities by promoting awareness, understanding, and action to eliminate racism in all its forms.
Eradicating systemic poverty involves addressing the root causes of economic inequality and providing support to those in need. Through advocacy, service, and partnership, we work to create just systems and opportunities for all people to thrive.
Who is Part of this Movement?
There are 98 mid-councils ( 11 synods, 86 presbyteries), 1,243 congregations and 71 groups that have committed to the helping our denomination become a more relevant presence worldwide.
The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic is a Matthew 25 Synod and 11 of the 14 Presbyteries have committed to helping our denomination become a more relevant presence worldwide.
Is PEVA a Matthew 25 Presbytery?
Presbytery Council has put together a discernment team to discern where God is leading the Presbytery as it pertains to the Matthew 25 focus. The team has recommended that PEVA Council adopt the following principles of the Matthew 25 movement:
• Building congregational vitality
• Dismantling structural racism
• Eradicating systemic poverty
Once Presbytery commits to be a Mathew 25 Presbytery /Mid-Council . We pledge to encourage 20% or more of our congregations to become Matthew 25 churches and embrace one or more of the following areas of focus:*
How Many PEVA Churches have joined the Matthew 25 Movement?
- Bayside Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, VA
- First Presbyterian Church, Hampton, VA
- First United Presbyterian Church, Norfolk, VA
- King's Grant Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, VA
- New Horizons Presbyterian Church, Norfolk, VA
- Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church, Norfolk, VA
- Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church, Suffolk, VA
- Suffolk Presbyterian Church, Suffolk, VA
What is a Matthew 25 Congregation? / How to Become a Matthew 25 Church?
When your congregation commits to become a Matthew 25 church. Your congregation pledges to work on:
Select one or more of the following:
Core Pillars:
- Building congregational vitality
- Dismantling structural racism
- Eradicating systemic poverty
Intersectional Priorities:
- Climate Change/earth care
- Militarism/peacemaking
- Heteropatriarchy/gender justice
Your congregation promises to keep track of the impact of your ministry and share your stories with PEVA and the PC(USA) from time to time.
Resources & FAQ's
Matthew 25 Summit Jan., 2024 Highlights
The first and historical Matthew 25 Summit was held January 16-18, 2024, at New Life Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA. This event was the first in-person gathering for people committed to and interested in learning more about Matthew 25. These videos are of the keynote speakers for all three days. https://vimeo.com/showcase/10891439
Highlights of the Matthew 25 Summit PCUSA news service put together about the summit https://vimeo.com/915725399
Share With PEVA your Matthew 25 Impact & Story
We invite you to tell us how embracing Matthew 25 is impacting your congregation, even if your progress is still in its early stages. The journey is just as important as the end results and we want to rejoice with you and share the good news. Send PEVA just a short blurb (under 250 words with photos or a video, if you’d like). We may get in touch to learn more.
Belonging to Jesus the Christ in every generation and circumstance
A message from the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly/Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency and the Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly - Special to Presbyterian News Service
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