Innovation begins with imagination, grows through faithful action, and flourishes through intentional leadership and sustainability. Join us as we continue exploring what God is making possible!
What new possibilities for ministry might emerge if we began seeing our communities through a different lens? Don’t miss the next exciting installment of the Synod of the Northeast’s Innovation Laboratory Webinar Series, featuring the Rev. Dr. Gad Mpoyo, Organizing Pastor of Shalom International Ministry, an intercultural New Worshiping Community led by immigrants and refugees in Clarkston, Georgia. Dr. Mpoyo also serves as Eastern Associate for the PC(USA)’s 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative, helping nurture innovative ministries throughout the region.
Through inspiring storytelling, interactive conversation, and collaborative brainstorming, Dr. Mpoyo will challenge participants to look beyond familiar approaches, recognize overlooked opportunities, and imagine bold new possibilities for their own congregations.
Whether your congregation is thriving, navigating change, or searching for a new direction, this webinar promises fresh perspectives, practical inspiration, and renewed hope for the future of ministry.
We’ll conclude the 2026 portion of our Innovation Laboratory Series with another important conversation focused on turning innovative ideas into lasting, sustainable ministry. The Rev. Patrick O’Connor, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, will explore the essential ingredients for nurturing, strengthening, and sustaining flourishing ministries for years to come. Discover how congregations can move beyond launching new initiatives to building ministries that continue to grow, adapt, and make a meaningful difference in their communities.
The second Innovation Laboratory webinar brought innovation to life through two remarkable stories of ministry transformation. The Rev. Dr. Debra J. K. Bronkema shared how a simple request for online worship grew into Connect Faith, a creative ministry that has helped establish eight new worshiping communities. The Rev. Karen Hernández-Granzen highlighted the Trenton Microloan Collaborative, an innovative partnership helping formerly incarcerated individuals establish businesses and rebuild their lives. Both stories illustrated how listening to community needs, developing meaningful partnerships, and embracing new approaches can lead to powerful and sustainable ministries. Their experiences offer encouragement and practical inspiration for congregations seeking new ways to share God’s love and make a lasting difference in their communities.
The Synod of the Northeast launched its Innovation Laboratory Webinar Series with an inspiring presentation by the Rev. Dr. Eustacia Moffett Marshall, founding pastor of New River Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Through the story of three historic congregations coming together to form a new faith community, Dr. Marshall demonstrated how churches can build upon their history, existing resources, and community relationships to discover exciting new opportunities for ministry. Her message encouraged congregations of every size to look beyond their walls, listen to their neighbors, and recognize where God is already at work. Innovation does not always require additional resources, but rather the imagination, courage, and faith to use what God has already provided.