A new and exciting opportunity for small churches in the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia!

At our next meeting on 1/8/2026

Many small churches wonder about the future—including the possibility of closure. Naming this helps us discern faithfully. The Good Friday Collaborative supports congregations in all kinds of transitions: mergers, partnerships, renewed mission, and, when needed, closing well.


Before We Meet on January 8th at 10:00AM

  • Please try to complete the free Quick Assessment
    (add to cart and check out).
  • I also encourage you to explore their website ahead of time—they offer many free resources that will help you prepare.
  • Their article on 5 Stages of Closure is especially helpful.


Our Focus

  • Brief intro to the Good Friday Collaborative 


  • Your assessment results


  • Honest questions you have about your church’s future.



If your church may face major change—or possibly consider closure in the next five years—we especially hope you’ll join us. You can register (if you haven’t already) using the link below

We are excited to invite small churches within our Presbytery to join a new and innovative opportunity: the Small Church Cohort. The cohort will begin on March 6, 2025, and continue monthly on the first Thursday at 10:00 AM via Zoom.


More than a quarter of PEVA's churches are small congregations, and we truly value their significant role in our communities. Our commitment to supporting these churches reflects our belief in their importance. Small churches foster close relationships, create a strong sense of community, and offer regular worship and local mission opportunities. Through their efforts, they share Christ's love and strengthen their members' faith. We wholeheartedly affirm that PEVA cares deeply for our small churches and is dedicated to walking alongside them in their vital work.


Over the past decade, we have faced the difficult decision to close ten small churches, each for various reasons. The Presbytery of Eastern Virginia wishes to break this troubling trend. However, to do so, we recognize that it is essential that our congregations take the time to think creatively about their future. Every church, regardless of its size, is grappling with the challenge of engaging the next generations at a time when attending church on Sundays is not as prevalent as it once was. As members of the Wellness Team, we feel a profound responsibility to support small churches as they navigate this reformation era intentionally. We fully recognize that it can be daunting for your congregations to envision and plan for the future, especially when many lack a full-time minister, sufficient staff, volunteers, funding, or even the energy it takes to research and initiate critical discussions.


The Wellness Team of the Committee on Ministry has established the Small Church Cohort to address these challenges. This cohort will create a structured space for discussion on topics relevant to small church ministry, provide resource-sharing opportunities, and foster collaboration among participants.
 
We kindly ask your church to select at least one elder, past or present, to participate in the cohort and regularly report to your church session.


To register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/76L7vmiCQeGuNE9c9y6clw#/registration.
 
As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that with God’s guidance and our collective efforts, we can navigate this new era of ministry with hope and faith. We look forward to your church’s participation and the possibilities that lie ahead.
 
In Christ’s love,
The Wellness Team
Presbytery of Eastern Virginia


RESOURCES