In 2024, 17 congregations formed Cohort A of the Thriving Congregations Initiative, a program designed to strengthen churches’ values, mission, and community.
“Priority 3 of Project 250 is to multiply ‘missional congregations, movements, and leaders,’” says Bishop Lynn Thrush of the Great Lakes Conference, “and the Thriving Congregations Initiative was designed to pursue this marvelously gospel-central enterprise.”
The Initiative is a comprehensive program that includes qualified, godly trainers; congregational leadership beyond pastors; coaching relationships built over several years; and funding to accommodate the above. Through individual coaching, assessments, and large-group gatherings, participants have been encouraged, challenged, and equipped to fulfill God’s mission in their unique contexts.
At one large group training in October, Bishop Lynn “observed the growing trust of leadership, the pleasure of discovered insight, and the recognition of the Holy Spirit’s presence.” He continues, “I fully believe the Thriving Congregations Initiative is strengthening and preparing BIC congregations for the future God has in store.”
Here’s what Cohort A is saying:
Parker Ford Church in Pottstown, Pa. – It was so helpful for us to participate in a guided process that asked us to dream again. What might Jesus want to do in and through our congregation? What more do we want him to do?
Lakeview Community BIC in Goodrich, Mich. – I’ve been to a lot of corporate meetings in my career which often disappoint more than benefit. This was not like that. The biggest thing we learned so far – which was quite reassuring – was that our congregation and leadership team was generally aligned when reviewing congregational health markers.
New Life Believers in Williamsport, Md. – We are participating in the Initiative because we believe God is calling us to develop ministry programs that will help families in our community thrive. We are evaluating our current ministries to become more family focused and would like to develop counseling programs and family-based seminars to help families in crisis.
Photo caption – In October 2024, representatives from each congregation in Cohort A attended a training on strengthening their congregations’ identity and mission. The training happened twice, once in Pennsylvania (above) and once in Ohio, to accommodate the geographic spread of participants.
This article was originally published in our 2024 Annual Report.
