Congregational Transformation Team The Congregational Transformation Ministry Team (CTMT) of the Presbytery of Western New York has been asked to develop ways for congregations to discover and describe what they understand to be their God-directed mission, and to provide resources to those congregations willing to engage in a process to transform them from what they are now to what they could be if their institutional life were to better reflect the priorities that flow from their mission. While we, the members of the CTMT, have explored multiple strategies to accomplish congregational transformation, we believe it is the work of each congregation to discern where God might lead the congregation now and in the future. This journey is one of faith, hope and, let’s face it, practical considerations which, we believe, requires a map. This map is to be designed and implemented by the leadership of a congregation. It should be updated and renewed regularly, becoming a living document and witness to the ongoing mission of the church, and not just something pulled off a shelf when the congregation is searching for new pastoral leadership. While we were exploring our mission, we were given a grant by Synod of the Northeast, Western New York Presbytery Partnership Group, to conduct retreats where the leaders of several churches meet, worship and learn, together and separately with their own church leadership group, about the paths to transformation which they might take. The retreats are led by the Rev. Paul Nixon, author of “I Refuse to Lead A Dying Church” and include time
for reflection, consultation with Rev. Nixon, observation of consultations of other churches, food, fellowship and fun! After our first retreat involving five churches and more than 60 people in October, 2008, we held another retreat for three churches and follow-up sessions for the five churches in the first cadre with Paul Nixon in March, 2009. We plan to continue retreats with Paul Nixon as long as churches are willing to explore the transformation process. The next retreat is planned for Oct. 23 and 24, 2009 at Riverside Presbyterian Church, Niagara Falls. Churches interested in participating should contact the Rev. Drew Ludwig, CTMT chair, pastor of Lafayette Presbyterian Church, Buffalo.
Important Links: Bold Churches Blog Percept Contact the Congregational Transformation Ministry Team at ctmt@pbywny.org | 
