PCG staff and board are available to resource your church. We can preach topically or from the lectionary, and we often speak at adult forums or special gatherings.
Find the right program for your group by reviewing the courses (single and multi-session) that PCG can lead in your congregation or organization.
Our course topics are not an exhaustive list. We are often able to customize programs.
Topics on Faith and Critical Issues
Faith and Politics: In Polite Company
This introductory program addresses the intersection between the biblical witness, theology, Christian faith and how these issues play out in public life. The program helps church people have a conversation about biblical justice and public policy and consider ways of integrating advocacy into the congregation’s life and ministry.
When Mercy Seasons Justice: Ex-offender Issues and the Common Good
In American society, once individuals have committed crimes, they are ex-offenders for life. That status affects opportunities for employment, housing, education and participation in the democratic process. This program helps people of faith understand criminal justice issues and their impact on families and communities.
Investing in the Common Good: Children, Families and Communities
Illinois ranks 48th of 50 states in public school funding equity, and low income taxpayers pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than upper income taxpayers. Learn more about how state budgeting and tax policies affect the adequate funding of health care, human services and education, and why these are moral issues for people of faith.
The Earth is the Lord’s: Faith and Global Warming
Human-induced climate change is rapidly altering our common environment — the earth for which God has given us responsibility. This program will examine the current impact of global warming on our communities, the world’s poor and our own most vulnerable citizens. Together, we will focus on actions we can take to curb global warming and safeguard the earth for future generations.
It’s a Matter of the Heart: Health Care for All
This program takes a careful look at the complex health care issues that impact families, communities, the medical community and businesses across the U.S. and Illinois. Participants learn about the inter-relatedness of national, state and county policies and discuss a prescription for improving health care services and the well being of our communities.
Building the Common Good: Advocacy as the Church’s Ministry
This training provides the biblical and theological foundation for integrating advocacy into the congregation’s life and ministry. Using the newly-published book, Weaving a Just Future for Children, as a central focus, the session describes types of advocacy, discusses models of church-based advocacy and presents practical tools and strategies for planning and action. PCG’s position paper, Public Faith, Public Church, is also available as a discussion guide.
Our Nation within the World: Global Issues and the Common Good
The debate over the war in Iraq, and U.S. foreign policies in general, is the focus of this session. The program discusses the concepts of unilateralism and mutuality, the impact of our foreign policy on domestic matters and three principles to shape our foreign policy in the future. The paper, Our Nation within the World, can be sent to the group ahead of time. To extend a teaching invitation to a member of the PCG staff, please contact Courtney Eccles, Assistant Director of Outreach and Policy, 312–673–3832 or Rev. Alexander Sharp, Executive Director, 312–673–3854.
