The 2019 Parish Development Forum has now concluded. Hosted by St.John the Baptist Church Canonsburg PA, the Forum was attended by 63 persons from six OCA Dioceses, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the Antiochian Archdiocese. Fifteen speakers and panelists contributed to the conference which had the theme "Strengthening Our Commitment to the Community: Growing and Sharing Our Faith and Welcoming Others."

Faculty Biography

Opening Presentation -- Joseph Kormos

Discussion Questions for Becoming Truly Human movie

Evangelization and Growth Insights

Orthodox Convert Survey

Modern Day Mars Hill - Using Social media - Fr. Andrew Jarmus

Christian Education Matushka Valerie Zahirsky

Workshop Summary - Active Charitable Service

Session on Welcoming People to the Parish Kormos

Teaching Video on Good and Less Good Parish Welcoming Practices

Practical Principles of Orthodox Evangelization (Original list)

Practical Principles of Orthodox Evangelization (reduced list based on attendee input)

Grant Backgrounder

2019 Parish Development Grant Application

List of Ancient Faith Radio Podcasts Related to Parish Development -- contributed by attendee John Thompson

Video report Summary of 2019 Parish Forum - Thorough (60+ minutes) and interesting summary from attendee Thomaida Hudanish, Missions and Evangelism Ministry, Metropolis of San Francisco, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

1. Presence of two OCA Bishops Archbishop Melchisedek and Bishop Paul (Midwest)
2. Many excellent speakers including two keynotes – Fr. Maximus Urbanowicz, St James Orthodox Church, Port St Lucie FL. and Fr. Paul Abernathy St Moses the Black PGH.
3. Attending parishes are eligible for cash grants to begin new ministries.
4. A panel discussion with (mostly) recent converts to the Orthodox faith. (What were they looking for. What did they find. How to find more.)
5. A discussion of the movie “Becoming Truly Human”.
6. A variety of great small group discussions on growth, evangelization and active service.
7. Sessions on using social media, resources for growing in faith, tips for welcoming guests, and more.
8. Parish case studies.
9. An opportunity to meet Orthodox Christians from many other parishes. This happens throughout and especially during a Hospitality reception on Friday evening.
10. Link to Archdiocesan Shine Shine Ministry

Click here to register

Materials (pre-work) are available for 2019 Parish Forum attendees.

See this page.