Grants are available from a variety of sources. The following web sites will give you more information and application details.

• PC(USA) Program Grants
  
• Faith Based Community Initiatives Grants
  
• Mustard Seed Grants – Congregations of Providence Presbytery which have been designated as Targeted Church Developments are eligible to receive these matching grants to help fund new evangelistic ministries to reach out to new residents. Contact Dot Killian for information.
  
• Foundations – Many foundations offer grants to churches. A listing of South Carolina foundations can be found online, go to “Indexes”, click on “foundation Program Interest”, go to “church”

Stewardship Resources are available through the PC(USA).

Loans are available through the PC(USA)Investment Loan Program.

Church Financial Campaign Service provides a wide array of services to empower congregations to secure financial commitments from and deepen the stewardship awareness of their faith community.

Providence Presbytery Resource Center provides books, audio/visuals, magazines and audio/visual equipment for borrowing and rent. Click here for more information.

• Synod of South Atlantic Audio Visual Regional Resource Center provides audio/visual resources for a small fee. Churches in Providence Presbytery with under 100 members can get resources free.
• The General Assembly web site has many resources available. Click on "resources". Some resources are downloadable, others can be ordered for a fee.
• Pulpit supply list and honorarium policy are available in the Directory of Providence Presbytery
• Lay School of Theology - The five presbyteries of South Carolina sponsor an opportunity for in depth theological and biblical study each spring and fall. They are held a White Oak Conference Center in Fairfield County. Contact Mark Verdery for information.

Providence Presbytery has a network of consultants available to assist congregations in many ministry areas including: children's ministry, conflict management, curriculum, education, evangelism, financial administration, mission/vision discernment, officer training, program design, stewardship, worship, youth ministry, others. There is a negotiable fee. For more information contact Kathryn McGregor.

Presbytery staff is always available to counsel, advise and support ministers, educators, musicians, youth directors, administrative staff and others who work for the church. They will assist you in setting up needed support networks or groups. A number of such groups are already available.

Read more about our Support for Church Professionals.

We Presbyterians have always prided ourselves in doing things "decently and in order" - and a change in pastoral leadership for a congregation is no exception. This is also a time when we realize and give thanks that we are a connectional church. You will be guided and supported every step of the way by Presbytery through its Committee on Ministry. The Committee on Ministry has a process in place that will enable you to move through this time of transition smoothly and intentionally, and you will be a stronger congregation as a result. For a step by step summary of the process, click here. For more information, contact your General Presbyter / Stated Clerk, Mark Verdery, at Mark Verdery or the moderator of the Committee on Ministry listed in the Presbytery Directory.

If you are considering becoming a Minister of the Word and Sacrament

Speak with your pastor and share with her/him your sense of call.

Contact the Moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry,(see Directory) The Moderator will be glad to meet with you and go over the process you will need to follow. There are three basic phases to this process:

Pre-Inquiry Phase

Inquiry Phase

Candidacy Phase

A helpful resource, Manual for Preparation for Ministry, is available online.

If you are considering becoming a Christian Educator

Speak with your pastor and share with her/him your sense of call.

Call the Presbytery Office (328-6269 or 1-800-922-1609) and ask to speak with Kathryn McGregor, Associate for Education & Resourcing. She will be glad to meet with you and go over the process you need to follow. A helpful resource, Calling to Educational Ministry, is available online.

If you are considering becoming a Lay Pastor

Speak with your pastor and share with her/him your sense of call.

Contact your General Presbytery/Stated Clerk, Mark Verdery, by E-Mail or at 1-800-922-1609/328-6269). He will be happy to share with you the process you must follow to become a lay pastor in Providence Presbytery. A helpful resource, "Behold, We Are Doing a New Thing - Commissioned Lay Pastors in the Presbyterian Church", is available online.