Dr. D. Douglas Whiting

Douglas Whiting first envisioned the Parish Resource Center about 30,000 feet over Nebraska. He was flying home to a congregation he was serving in the Washington, D.C., area and was thinking about those people - both clergy and laity - who had accepted responsibilities in communities of faith and needed guidance, encouragement, training, and materials. What he envisioned was a new kind of local, educational center where practitioners - lay and professional - could discuss challenges and share successes; make contact with peers in other congregations; locate, examine, and adapt new materials; and most importantly, learn the skills needed to become more effective in their congregational commitments. With the support and assistance of the Union Church of Hinsdale, Illinois, Dr. Whiting gathered an ecumenical group of clergy and laity to conduct research and develop a business plan. The results of the Hinsdale effort finally took form in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The Parish Resource Center opened its doors in 1976 on the campus of Lancaster Theological Seminary, where Dr. Whiting was the Frederick Rahauser Professor of Education and Parish Development. The Center began with 50 charter subscribing congregations and the support of the Lancaster Theological Seminary and the Lancaster County Council of Churches. Seed money was provided by the John F. Steinman, Lancaster County and Arcadia Foundations.

In 1991, the Center designed and built an inspiring home to provide its singular services to subscribers. Today, the Center serves congregations from 18 religious traditions in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Every month, between 500 and 1,000 individuals use the Center's consultants to help them with all aspects of congregational work.

Parish Resource Center, Inc., also has helped other communities establish their own Centers. Today there are three Affiliate Centers, located in New York City; Long Island, New York; and Denver, Colorado. The Centers are free-standing, not-for-profit organizations, governed by non-sectarian Boards of Directors. Together these Centers serve congregations from 49 religious traditions.

The Parish Resource Center is non-sectarian and open to all churches, congregations, and religious societies who would like to use its services to develop leadership. It is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization whose funding comes from services and contributions from persons interested in strengthening communities of faith.