News/Info

PEC Announces Formation of Commission on Congregational Development

We welcome The Rev. Craver (pictured with family) as our Director of Congregational Development

To download PDF announcement click here:  PEC Announcement Commission on Congregational Development

July 18, 2021

Announcement: Commission on Congregational Development

The Provincial Elders Conference is pleased to announce the creation of a Commission on Congregational Development and the appointment of a director to lead its work.

In response to dynamics of the past two years, including decreased Provincial income and extended pandemic church closings, the PEC has focused on how best to apply reduced resources to support and enhance congregational development. After much study and consideration, PEC is creating this new Commission to provide advising and coaching for pastors and congregation leaders on specific ministry development needs, replacing our current educational programming focused model.

The new Commission will assume most of the functions of the current Board of Cooperative Ministries. It will operate similarly to the Province’s Commission on Ministry, which oversees candidacy and ordination; the Provincial Support Services Board, which oversees the finance office; and the Archives Commission. The Commission on Congregational Development will be led by pastors and laity and will assist the PEC in fulfilling the purpose of the Southern Province: “To equip Moravian Christians and congregations to be agents of God’s transforming love in the world.  We will do this by providing resources for spiritual growth, community and mission.”

We are very pleased that the Rev. Rebecca Craver has accepted a call to serve as Director of Congregational Development. In her 15 years of ordained service, Rebecca has led faith communities in reimagining their structures, practices, and traditions as they embrace Jesus’ call, supporting them through organizational change, worship creation, and adult learning curriculum. Capacity building and innovation have shaped her ministry.

Rebecca earned an undergraduate degree at UNC Asheville and Master of Divinity at Moravian Theological Seminary. Since 2012, she has served as pastor at Edmonton Moravian Church in Canada. Her first pastorate was at Edgeboro Moravian in Pennsylvania, followed by a new church development at Zaccheus’ Tree in Indiana.

For more than seven years, she has served as the chair of the Healthier Congregations Task Force in the Northern Province, which has developed congregational tools and resources for both Provinces. She is the co-creator and co-host of Create in Me, a podcast with Rev. Brian Dixon that explores the intersection between worship and everyday life and imaginative worship experiences that prepare and cultivate vibrant practices for living out faith.  Moreover, Rebecca is a lifelong member of the Southern Province Moravian community and daughter of retired pastor Steve Craver. She and her husband have two small children.

Rebecca will conclude her pastorate at Edmonton and begin her new call on Aug. 30. The PEC expects to name members of the new Commission in the coming weeks. Beth Hayes, director of the resource center, and Heather Stevenson, operations coordinator, will continue in their current positions working with Rebecca.  The Provincial Elders’ Conference expresses appreciation to Ruth Burcaw and Hanna Jackson for their many contributions to the ministries of our Province. As previously reported, both have resigned to accept new positions in the community.