Resources for Small Congregations
Small congregations embody the heart of the Church. With deep roots in their communities, they nurture faith, foster belonging, and respond with creativity and compassion to the needs around them. Their witness reminds us that vitality is not measured by size, but by the care, courage, and faithfulness of God’s people.
Below are resources designed to support the ministry and growth of small congregations. They may be used by individuals, groups, or entire communities. Some materials are especially well-suited for retreat-style gatherings, and these have been noted. Many thanks to Trinity Church NYC for their support in creating these resources.
When using Iona-produced resources, please attribute their creation to 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
SPIRITUALITY
Studies for Individuals & Groups
The Spiritual Journey – COMING SOON!
The Masculine and Feminine Spiritual Journey
Service As a Spiritual Practice
On Earth As It Is In Heaven:
Seeking Spiritual Vision as Christian Practice
CHURCH LEADERSHIP/ADMIN
Studies for Individuals & Groups
The Bi-Vocational Journey Orientation
Discerning a Congregation’s Core Vocation
GREAT FOR RETREATS!
Vocation of All God’s People
GREAT FOR RETREATS!
Videos/Video Series
Beginning in Love, Discerning in Faith:
A Starting Place for Small Churches
Vestry Meeting Opening Meditations (12 Episodes)
Anglicanism/worship
Studies for Individuals & Groups
Using Morning Prayer for Sunday Morning
Worship (English Language) – COMING SOON!
Using Morning Prayer for Sunday Morning
Worship (Spanish Language) – COMING SOON!
Lay Eucharistic Leader Training – COMING SOON!
Videos/Video Series
PREACHING
Podcasts
Preaching Mark in Lectionary Year B (9 Episodes)
Under the Boot or In the Belly? (9 Episodes)
Mark and Luke vs. Empire
CREATION CARE
Podcasts
Gospel Roots of a Deep Green Faith (6 Episodes)
Studies for Individuals & Groups
Gospel Roots of a Deep Green Faith – COMING SOON!
CHURCH HISTORY
Studies for Individuals & Groups
PASTORAL CARE
Videos/Video Series
Theological Conversations (4 Episodes)