An exciting opportunity for small churches in the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia!

Small Church Cohort - Thursday, 3/5/26, 10 am via Zoom.

For many small churches, the building is both a gift and a challenge — holding our history and ministry while also requiring significant care, resources, and leadership energy. In this cohort conversation led by Karen DiLossi (Partners for Sacred Places), we’ll explore how buildings can support or hinder ministry, and share practical ideas for faithful stewardship, creativity, and possibility. Join us for an honest, collaborative conversation with others navigating similar realities.


Karen DiLossi, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Partners for Sacred Places, works with congregations and outside organizations to find the mission and vision alignment between them that will solidify their partnership and provide a solid foundation for their future together. Karen has developed a Manual of Best Practices for Space Sharing, guided contractual agreements between entities, written Space Assessment Reports, and led community engagement activities. Karen negotiates and finds compromise for partnerships to sustain themselves and thrive from sharing space with one another. Karen has her BA in History and Drama from Washington College and an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. She has completed the classroom requirements for a Level One (ACC) coaching credential from the International Coaching Federation

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


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