Accents Programs · 02
Pathways to Belonging
A relational path into the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Learning the Denomination Together
Real moments from the PC(USA) Polity, Benefits, and Mission Conference, Saint Louis, 2023.
Polity, Benefits, and Mission Conference, 2023
Saint Louis, Missouri, learning the structures of the denomination together.
Learning the Denomination Together
Sam, Gad, and Rafael between conference sessions in Saint Louis.
Walking It Out Together
Gad, Lindsay, and Rafael, with Sam joining in from afar.
Building Relationships
Rafael, Gad, and Lindsay with fellow denominational leaders, Saint Louis, 2023.
Pathways to Belonging accompanies immigrant congregations as they enter, navigate, and find belonging within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The pathway offers a relational introduction to the denomination's theology, polity, structures, language, and culture, while honoring the histories, identities, and gifts that immigrant communities bring.
More than an orientation to the denomination, Pathways to Belonging helps congregations develop the relationships, confidence, and understanding needed to participate fully in the life of the church. It equips leaders to navigate Presbyterian systems while ensuring that their communities are not asked to leave their cultural identity behind, but are welcomed as full partners whose experiences, traditions, and perspectives enrich the whole church.
Much of this work happens in relationship with the PC(USA)'s 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement, which has helped fund and convene many of the gatherings where immigrant congregations and denominational leaders meet face to face to build these relationships.
Common Questions
- Do I need to be part of the PC(USA) to participate?
- No. While Accents partners closely with the PC(USA), many of our resources and gatherings are relevant to leaders across different denominations and contexts.
- Does my congregation have to give up its own traditions or language to participate?
- No. Pathways to Belonging is built on the conviction that immigrant congregations are welcomed as full partners, with their traditions, language, and identity intact, not assimilated into someone else's.
- What is Accents?
- Accents Ministries is a ministry of connection, equipping, and support for immigrant and intercultural leaders.
- Who can participate in Accents' programs?
- Pastors, lay leaders, leaders of new worshiping communities, and allies serving in intercultural contexts.
- What languages does Accents work in?
- Primarily English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean, along with other languages represented across our network.
- Is there a cost to participate?
- Some gatherings carry a registration fee, but scholarships and additional support are frequently available to make participation more accessible.
- How can I connect with other immigrant leaders?
- Through our gatherings, trainings, networking groups, and online meetups.
- Does Accents offer training beyond these four programs?
- Yes. Beyond the four pathways above, we offer additional training, workshops, resources, and intercultural learning opportunities as they come up across our network.
Other Programs
Leadership Coaching
Leadership Coaching provides ongoing, culturally informed accompaniment for immigrant and intercultural leaders and their partners connected to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), creating a trusted space for discernment, encouragement, and strategic reflection across cultures.
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Friends on the Journey
Friends on the Journey creates intentional spaces for immigrant and intercultural leaders to step away from the demands of ministry and experience friendship, rest, worship, and mutual encouragement.
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Inspire
Inspire brings immigrant and established congregations together to cultivate deeper, healthier, and more mutual relationships across cultures through immersive learning, storytelling, and dialogue.
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Interested?
Ask us about Pathways to Belonging.
Reach out and our team will help you understand whether this pathway is the right fit.