The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio

The Rev. Brad Purdom

Canon for Congregations
(216) 774-0452
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The Rev. Vincent E. Black

Canon for Christian Formation
(216) 774-0453
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Antoinette Taylor

Administrative Assistant
(216) 774-0476
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Christian formation and congregation development are one office in the Diocese of Ohio because we recognize the integral relationship between these two areas of our lives as Christians. Healthy, growing Christian individuals form the heart of vibrant Christian congregations. Equally so, vibrant Christian congregations create fertile ground for healthy, growing Christian individuals. The Canon for Congregations and the Canon for Christian Formation work together to provide resources, planning, and assistance to all congregations in the Diocese as we grow in these ways.

Broadly speaking, if you have questions, seek resources, or want assistance with anything having to do with the health and life of your congregation, the Office for Congregations and Christian Formation is a good place to start looking. If we can't help you we will do our best to connect you with others who can.

Specifically, we can assist with:

• Natural Church Development (NCD) - NCD is our Diocese's primary vehicle for congregational assessment and development in vitality and health.
• Parish Christian Formation Planning and Programming - We can help you assess your current status and develop specific programming for your congregation, including train the trainer, small group leader training, and more.
• Liturgy and Music Development - We can provide resources and help you find training and support for your worship team.
• Evangelism - We can provide a range of assistance from financial to hands on training to help your congregation share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
• College Work - If you want to develop a college ministry at a local institution, we can help with resources and planning.
• Diocesan Grants for Congregations - There are a variety of grants available to congregations through the Diocese for projects like youth programs, evangelism and growth programs, outreach programs, general assistance, building improvements and major repairs, worship development, lay and clergy continuing education and more. We may be able to help you find a grant for something God is calling your congregation to do or be.
• Diocesan Resource Center - At Trinity Commons is a collection of books, videos, VBS and Sunday School curriculum, adult formation materials, and more.
• Youth Ministry Planning and Development - If you want to renew or build your youth ministry we can help.
• Parish Strategic Planning/Vestry Retreats - We can lead or assist with parish planning.
• Parish Spiritual Retreats - We can help lead and/or plan such events.
• And More - Again, if you want help with the life of your congregation and the health of your relationships with God in Jesus Christ, we're a good place to begin.

Congregational Development policy is set by the Congregational Development Commission (CDC), a Commission of the Diocesan Council. Members of the Commission come from all over the Diocese, and serve on a number of different subcommittees. The current subcommittees of CDC are given below, with the names of their chairs.