Resources for Small Congregations
These resources are designed to support the ministry, leadership, and growth of small and rural congregations. They may be used by individuals, ministry teams, or entire communities.
Most studies and asynchronous courses include downloadable handouts that may be reproduced for local use. We invite you to explore these offerings and imagine how they might serve your community’s particular needs and gifts. Materials that work especially well for retreat-style gatherings are clearly noted.
When using Iona-produced resources, please credit Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest. All Iona-produced materials are provided for non-commercial use only.
THRIVING BI-VOCATIONAL CONGREGATIONS
Spring 2025 Workshop
April 3-6, 2025 | Maritime Conference Center
These workshops gather representatives from small and lay-led congregations to train leaders using Iona’s Spiritual Toolkit for Congregations, equipping and empowering faith communities to create change and fulfill their callings in their specific contexts.
asynchronous study
Interesting Characters in Hebrew Scripture
with Dr. Steven Bishop
This 4-session asynchronous course offers video teaching, scripture readings, and reflection questions that work for individual or group study.
Follow along using our CoAssemble platform!
VIDEOS
Strategies for Small/Rural Congregations.
Use this resource as an opening
for a vestry meeting or leadership gathering.
PODCASTS
The Iona Collaborative Podcast Network
Listen on SoundCloud, Apple or Spotify!
Like, Listen, and Subscribe.
BIBLICAL STUDY
Studies for Individuals & Groups
Biblical Overview
Asynchronous Course
Biblical Foundations
5 Part Video Study
Interesting Characters from Hebrew Scripture
4 Part Video Study
The Gospel of Luke
6 Part Video Study
Jesus’ I AM Statements in John
8 Part Video Study
Navigating Paul’s Letters
5 Part Video Study
SPIRITUALITY
Studies for Individuals & Groups
The Spiritual Journey
10 Part Video Study & Asynchronous Course
Our Journey of Belonging
4 Part Video Study
The Masculine and Feminine Spiritual Journey
4 Part Video Study
Service As a Spiritual Practice
Asynchronous Course
Praying What Is
4 Part Video Study
On Earth As It Is In Heaven: Seeking Spiritual Vision as Christian Practice 4 Part Video Study
CHURCH LEADERSHIP/ADMIN
Studies for Individuals & Groups
The Bivocational Journey Orientation
Asynchronous Course
Creating Vestry Covenants
2 Part Video Study
Discerning a Congregation’s Core Vocation
3 Part VIdeo Study – GREAT FOR RETREATS!
Vocation of All God’s People
Asynchronous Course – GREAT FOR RETREATS!
Beginning in Love, Discerning in Faith:
A Starting Place for Small Churches (Video)
Vestry Meeting Opening Meditations
12 Part Video Study
Anglicanism/worship
Studies for Individuals & Groups
Anglican Identity
3 Part Video Study
What Does Liturgy Do?
Asynchronous Course
How to Lead the Daily Office
Asynchronous Course
Using Morning Prayer for Sunday Morning Worship (Video)
PREACHING
Preaching Mark in Lectionary Year B
9 Part Podcast Series
Under the Boot or In the Belly?
Mark and Luke vs. Empire
9 Part Podcast Series
CREATION CARE
Gospel Roots of a Deep Green Faith
6 Part Podcast Series
Gospel Roots of a Green, All-Encompassing Faith Video Study– COMING SOON!
CHURCH HISTORY
Studies for Individuals & Groups
PASTORAL CARE
Videos/Video Series
Theological Conversations (4 Episodes)