Goals: To assist ISKCON in developing their congregation (both in places where there are temples and where there aren’t) in a systematic, empowering, sustainable way according to the teaching of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya-Vaisnava Sampradaya and in particular of Srila Prabhupada. We wish to assist (through education and consultancy) the building of harmonious, vibrant Vaisnava communities based on universal principles of congregational development such as:
A deeply caring attitude towards all the members.
The organization of the congregation in small groups, to maintain intimacy and to allow easier management and care.
That–according to Lord Caitanya’s and Srila Prabhupada’s teachings–every devotee should be engaged in sharing the message of Krishna consciousness with others, in preaching.
That the congregation receives regular, quality supervision and support.
To establish a culture of training and education, in which all the members are systematically guided to build the necessary knowledge, skills and values for successful spiritual development and effective performance of devotional service.
Long term support/care of devotees throughout their lives (starting from childhood or rather from the samskaras for conception) through their death.
Empowering the congregation to engage in preaching to fulfill Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instruction to give Krishna consciousness to others. We wish to see this culture of outreach and sharing of spiritual knowledge and shelter becoming deeply ingrained in every Vaisnava, either temple- or home-based.
Activities: The Ministry operates through producing books and magazines, producing and presenting courses, and offering consultancy to interested Yatras.
Achievements:
More than 200 presentations and courses in the six continents (presentations range from a few hours to more than 30 hours).
Publishing the quarterly Congregational Preaching Journal.
Published two English editions of the Bhakti-vrksa Manual, translated also in Russian, Spanish, Hungarian, Indonesian, Polish, Slovenian, Italian, Portuguese and perhaps other languages.
Besides shorter presentations and single lessons, the Ministry produced two courses:
1. “Bhakti-vrksa Preaching Workshop” (more than 30 hours) on the techniques and values of the Bhakti-vrksa Program and other aspects related to congregational development (like Siksa Program, Sunday Feast, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, etc.)
2. “Congregational Trainer Course” (around 22 hours) for creating new teachers who can teach congregational preaching techniques and/or train the local congregations.
Established the CP News newsletter, about scores and results in the field of congregational preaching.
Mailing Address:
ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry
Gita Bhavan
No 110A, Motilal Nehru Road
Kolkata – 700 029
India
Minister: H.H. Jayapataka Swami – jayapataka.swami@pamho.net
Secretary: Kaunteya Dasa – kaunteya.jps@pamho.net
Central Office Manager: Advaita Candra Dasa – advaita.candra.bcs@pamho.net
Corresponding Secretary: Hemagopi Devi Dasi – hemagopi.jps@pamho.net
Website: Namahatta.org
Phone: +91-3472-45619
Copyright ©2002 ISKCON Ministry for Congregational Development.