resources

Welcome to the resource section of the Mission West website.  Here you will find resources that might be helpful to your ministry.  Some resources are Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denominational resources, others are ecumenical, still others are from different denominations and faith traditions. Some are free, others require a cost. These resources have been recommended by clergy and lay leaders.  Mission West has intentionally included diverse resources and does not agree nor disagree with opinions offered in the links below.


Resources are broken down by

  • Children and Youth Resources
  • Congregational Resources
  • Preaching Resources

Resources are listed in alphabetical order for the section. "us, we, and our" language is sometimes used and from that resource, not from Mission West.


Each description comes from the "about us" section found on the resources website.


If you have resources you would like to add, please call 806-358-9590 and we will add them to the group.

children and youth resources


  • http://www.docfamiliesandchildren.org/ and https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/


    "To curate relevant, authentic and effective tools and resources for children, families, and church leaders within all covenanted ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
     
    To bring together all generations in the worship, leadership, and work of God to create a strong foundation for children, families, and church.
     
    To establish and maintain a network of mutually beneficial covenant relationships.
     
    To respond through relationships, technology, advocacy, and other communication tools to the ever changing needs of children, families, and church leaders in our increasingly racially, culturally, sexually diverse congregations and communities.
     
    To advocate for and nurture children, families, and church leaders in our congregations so that they are spiritually formed and biblically and theologically informed."
     

  • http://www.disciplesummermission.com/


    Mission Trips for Disciples 6th to 12th grade with their sponsoring adults.  Started in Midland, TX in 2011 with 80 participants.  In 2015 there were over 520 particpants in two trips to Albuquerque, NM and Nashville, TN.  2016 will also have two trips, Central Texas and St. Louis, MO.

  • website: http://www.dymn.org/; most up to date info is in their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/DYMNetwork/


    March 29-31,2016 Networking and Learning Event at Disciples Crossing in Athens, TX with author Andrew Zirschky of the Center for Youth Ministry Training.


    The Disciples Youth Ministry Network is a partnership of ordained and licensed persons working in full-time youth ministry, to connect, and provide or create resources, across congregational, regional, and general church borders.

    DYMN is bigger than any of our events. The connections we share span geographic regions, time, and memory. New members are constantly attending, while others choose to take the retreats when they best fit their situations.

  • http://www.faithink.com


    "Faith Inkubators is dedicated to the health and welfare of all God's children and the whole Christian church, its congregations, families and children.


    Our mission is to equip church leaders to effectively train their congregations in holistic, biblical, theologically sound faith formation systems. It is also our goal to catalyze a revolution in home-based faith education and spawn a home devotional movement across the church.

    We strive to make the home the primary inkubator of faith for disciples of all ages by replacing classroom models of education with parent-involved small group models."

  • Kid Min from Group

    Kid Min Conference held annually for Children's Ministry associated with Group Publishing

  • http://ministryarchitects.com/


    "Ministry Architects is a highly-skilled team of pastors, teachers, executives, youth workers, children's pastors, writers and professors. We're fanatical about success and we can help your church find clear direction and sustained momentum backed up by properly aligned resources.

    Ministry Architects has partnered with nearly 600 churches from 23 different denominations. We’ve grown from being a youth ministry consulting group to being so much more. Big and small churches are working with Ministry Architects to do church-wide strategic planning, build sustainable children’s ministries and reach young adults, too."

  • http://ncym.org/


    The overall purpose of the National Conference on Youth Ministries is to provide professional level training for men and women involved in youth ministry all across the nation. It was established to offer training and education for the growing and maturing efforts of the youth minister and lay youth workers.

  • http://www.whatisorange.org/

    ORANGE IS SIMPLE.  IT’S A STRATEGY.
    It starts with two individual influences in a child’s life: home and church
    Alone, these two work hard to ensure that every child has a: better future.
    But when they’re COMBINED, the home and church will have a: greater impact.
    And that is… ORANGE.

    "A COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM STRATEGY THAT’S FOCUSED ON 4 STAGES OF LIFE, 2 INFLUENCES, 1 END IN MIND"

  • http://iym.ptsem.edu/


    "Princeton Theological Seminary established the Institute for Youth Ministry in 1995, providing fertile ground where a new conversation about theologically informed youth ministry could take root and flourish. Committed to integrating theology and practice, The Institute for Youth Ministry (IYM) collaborates with church leaders, congregations, scholars, and adolescents to promote the strategic importance and practice of ministry with young people from early adolescence through college age. The IYM seeks to revitalize ministry with adolescents by helping the church integrate youth ministry into the total mission of the congregation and by encouraging a theologically rich approach to this ministry.

    The IYM initiates and integrates research related to the church’s mission with young people through offering programs, events, and resources for leadership development. Princeton Theological Seminary’s professors and doctoral students intersect with the work of the IYM through research in practical theology as well as lectures at Forums and in the online classroom."


  • http://pym.thejopagroup.com/


    It can be difficult for a youth worker who identifies as “progressive” or “liberal” to find a tribe. Most events, conferences, camps, and curricula cater to evangelicals. But as progressive theology gains more of a foothold in the church, we need a place to gather as well — a tribe to meet with, and new ideas to stoke our imaginations.

    In 2012, John Vest and Tony Jones, both veteran youth workers, began talking about a conference that would allow progressive youth ministers to gather, exchange ideas, worship, and network. In 2014, they founded PYM as an opportunity to do just that, and the immediate response was overwhelmingly positive. By 2015, in its second year, PYM had sold out the original space at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago.

    In February, 2016, The Jopa Group and Cathedral of Hope in Dallas are hosting the third Progressive Youth Ministry Conference. We are committed to presenting a diverse line-up of speakers, fresh ideas for the theory and practice of youth ministry, and space for you to share your voice as well.

    The theme for PYM16 is “Faith in an Age of Reason.” In the plenary sessions, we will tackle issues including race, religion-and-science, and creativity, and our seminars will cover a wide variety of topics, everything from the Enneagram to the doctrine of original sin to ministry to trans* youth. We hope you will join us

  • http://www.sermons4kids.com/


    The goal of Sermons4Kids is to help those who are in children's ministry or who may work with children in Christian schools or organizations.  Your comments and suggestions on ways which we can improve our service to you are always welcome.

  • http://www.wearesparkhouse.org/


    Sparkhouse develops faith formation resources for children, youth, and adults. We strive to spark new life in Christian communities.


  • Sustainable Youth Ministry

    Book sold at your favorite retailer or on Amazon

  • http://vibrantfaith.org/


    Vibrant Faith, more than anything, is a state of heart. When the people of God live an active and vibrant faith, the world is changed. As an organization, we are a team of passionate ministry leaders on a mission to explore the changing landscape of faith formation in the hearts of people today. We serve God by serving the Church and its leaders. That’s what matters most to us.

  • The Weekend Teacher

    podcast with 46 episopeds on "Quick tips for better teaching and better learning. Listen for ways to make your job easier. You'll learn about resources and gain skills to implement immediately in classes and small groups so that your next teaching experience will be extraordinary!" Through iTunes from Abilene Christian University Professor Houston Heflin.

  • http://www.youthspecialties.com/


    Youth Specialties has been helping Christian churches of every denomination lead students to find and follow Jesus for more than 40 years. Each year we serve more than 100,000 youth workers worldwide through our training seminars, conventions, resources, and online communities. Whether you’re new to youth ministry or a veteran, we’re here to help you.

congregational resources


  • http://adminisministry.com/


    The goal of AdminIsMinistry is resource congregational pastors and leaders with bite-sized resources on church administration.

  • https://alban.org/


    Alban at Duke Divinity School helps leaders connect and learn from one another by sharing practical wisdom, stories of thriving congregations and transformational models of ministry.

    Through our work with congregations and the networks that support them, we have observed three trends:

    Congregations are hungry to learn what is effective in other congregations and learn best from each other, but they have limited opportunities to do so.
    Denominational and thought leaders address issues that impact congregations, but they often work in isolation from each other.
    All leaders need ready access to innovative ideas and practical resources.
    Alban is uniquely positioned to respond to these trends, offering ready access to books, online publications, and learning opportunities.

    Together with our partners, we enable congregations to connect and learn from one another so that they might flourish and impact their communities and the

  • http://www.centerforfaithandgiving.org/

    The Center for Faith and Giving exists to create a culture of 
    generosity across the life of the whole church.
    Our Mission is to encourage and promote the understanding of stewardship 
    as a faith discipline and life practice in response to a generous God.

    Christian stewardship is grateful and responsible use of God's gifts in the light of God's purpose as revealed in Jesus Christ. Christian stewards, empowered by the Holy Spirit, commit themselves to conscious, purposeful decisions.Stewardship is lived out in:

    • living and telling the Good News
    • sharing God in seeking justice, peace, and the integrity of creation in an interdependent universe
    • wisely employing God-given human resources, abilities, and relationships
    • sharing the material resources we hold and giving them in service, justice, and compassion
    • providing for future generations
    • sharing in the life, worship, and responsible stewardship of the Church and of its mission
    • both for the individual and for the community, stewardship is a joyful act for the sake of God's world.





  • http://missionalchurch.org/


    The ministry of the Center for Parish Development supports the transformation of the church for the sake of God's mission.


    Center support is responsive to what you are discovering you need and what your church is ready for. Center resources and consulting supports are responsive to the challenges and opportunities of  your organization.


    Center services include a wide range of downloadable Learning Modules, on site or distance Consulting and Resources.


    Center support focuses on designing and implementing processes of congregational formation and transformation.

  • http://progressiverenewal.org/


    The Center for Progressive Renewal seeks to renew Christianity by training entrepreneurial leaders, supporting the birth of new congregations, renewing and strengthening existing churches, and growing a network of progressive ministries that support and nourish each other for vibrant witness in the world.


    We believe your church’s best days are still ahead.

  • https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/congregations/


    About DHM
    Disciples Home Missions is committed to equipping disciples for Christ and connecting people to the life changing love of God.

    Disciples Home Missions is the enabling and coordinating division of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the area of congregational program and mission in North America.

    The third millennium is an exciting time to be the Church. DHM staff are responsive to the ongoing needs of congregations while keeping an eye on the future to help Disciples congregations remain relevant in an ever changing world.

    DHM’s priorities

    • Leader development
    • Congregational transformation
    • Faith formation
    • Christian vocations
    • Pro-reconciliation/Anti-racism

  • http://www.hopepmt.org/

    The purpose of Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation is to empower courageous leaders as they guide the Church into life-giving expressions of God’s mission. Hope Partnership serves transforming congregations and their leaders; nurtures leaders through coaching and peer support; and identifies, equips and supports leaders to plant new congregations.



  • Manual for Congregations in Search and Call

    If your congregation is entering into search and call, please contact Rev. Charlotte J. Hoppe, Lead Minister for Mission West.  If you have already done so, you may download the manual for congregations.   You will also need to fill out your congregational profile, either in word or pdf format.

  • http://disciples.org/resources/


    Resources for pastors, leadership, and congregations. Has the following categories.

    • Education/Worship
    • Pastoral/Leadership
    • History
    • Ecumenical
    • Financial
    • Publications
    • Additional

  • http://www.wellfedspirit.org/


    Spiritual formation & wellness resources for Disciples of Christ and our wider spiritual communities.

  • A Symposium on Repurposing ... Our Buildings, Our Outreach, etc...

    Join other church leaders at an ecumenical gathering Friday, Oct 28, 2016 to explore new ways to use our buildings and be the church. For more information click here

    Register here

  • Adoption and Foster Care Information

    For Midland, San Angelo, Odessa and Big Spring find more information here

preaching and worship resources


  • Center for Faith and Giving


    Worship Resources

    Here you will find liturgical and informational items that can help you integrate stewardship related themes into your weekly worship experience. Calls to Worship, Offering Reflections (Invitations), Lectionary resources, and other materials are just a "click" away.  Also, you will find over 30 texts that have stewardship themes and a brief summary of how they may be used in preaching or teaching if you click the "Texts for Preaching and Teaching Stewardship" link.

    Link for Text for Preaching and Teaching Stewardship

    link


  • Homebrewed Christianity
    Since March 13, 2008, Homebrewed Christianity Podcast has been bringing you the best nerdy audiological ingredients so you can brew your own faith.  You will find conversations between friends, theologians, philosophers, and scholars of all stripes.  What started as a reason for Tripp to interview the authors of his favorite books has turned into a community of podcasts, bloggers, & Deacons (what we call our regular listeners) invested in expanding and deepening the conversation around faith and theology.  We hope you listen, question, think, and then share the Brew!

    Previous guests have included Rob Bell, N.T. Wright, Catherine Keller, Marcus Borg, Brian McLaren, John Dominic Crossan, Walter Brueggemann, Bart Ehrman, Tony Jones, Phyllis Tickle, Elizabeth Johnson, Diana Butler Bass, John Caputo, Richard Rohr and many other influential and emerging Christian thinkers


  • narrativelectionary.org


    The Narrative Lectionary was created by Profs. Rolf Jacobson and Craig Koester of Luther Seminary to present scripture in a way that helps people become fluent in the first language of faith.  The Narrative lectionary is an attempt to take nine months to do just that.

  • Art, Prayer, and sections for the Revised Common Lectionary from the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.


    http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/



  • www.textweek.com


    This site features a wide variety of resources for study and liturgy based on the 3-year Revised Common Lectionary* cycle. I intentionally include a diverse variety of resources for scripture study, reflection and liturgy, and purposefully do not restrict the resources to any particular theological/ideological position, including my own. The site is a work-in-progress. I spend between 40 and 60 hours each week updating links and finding more resources to link. 

    The purpose of this website is to provide links to resources for study, reflection and liturgy which correspond to the RCL readings you may be using for study, teaching & preaching. The lectionary tables on this site are the easiest way I could think of to provide easy, lectionary-relevant access to study and liturgy resources. I am not attempting to provide calendars for official readings for any particular denomination. Please check your denominational sources for the official readings for any particular occasion. If/when you find any errors at The Text This Week, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know about them.

    At The Text This Week, you will find conveniently-organized links to a treasure of resources for study, reflection and liturgy pertaining to each week's lectionary texts - both as individual pericopes and as a group of readings within their liturgical setting -- a virtual study desk of sorts, laid out for your weekly exegetical work. Try the Art Concordance if you're looking for lists of artwork indexed according to Biblical themes. Currently the art concordance and the movie concordance are not updated. I'm working toward an easier way to collect and manage this information.

    Consider joining The Text This Week's Facebook Page, where you will find recommendations, conversation, etc .

    Jenee
    jeneewd comcast net (supply the @ and the .)


  • https://www.workingpreacher.org/

    Working Preacher is a ministry brought to you by Luther Seminary. The Working Preacher team believes that God uses good biblical preaching to change lives.

    We have enlisted almost 300 of our closest friends -- biblical scholars, theologians, homileticians and pastors dedicated to the craft of biblical preaching -- to provide you timely, compelling and trustworthy content for today's working preachers.

    On the site you'll find:

    What you won't find is someone else's sermons, sermon outlines or illustrations. Our hope is to make you a better preacher, so that God's Word in Scripture comes alive every time you preach.



  • Life In Liturgy from the West Virgina Region of the CC(DoC)