Thriving Congregations

Strengthening congregations through values, mission, and community.

The Thriving Congregations Initiative enables congregations to strengthen their identity and invest in their community. By focusing on identity, church health, and community connection, congregations will explore their place and mission amid rapid social and cultural changes.

Join a Cohort

Thriving Congregations is a 5-year program. Seventy-five BIC U.S. congregations can apply to participate in one of three cohorts:

• Cohort A – 2024-2026
• Cohort B – 2025-2027
• Cohort C – 2026-2028

Each cohort will consist of 25 congregations and requires a 3-year commitment by Congregational Learning Communities (CLC) to fully take part in the training modules.

Apply

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Program

Over three learning phases, participating congregations will receive:

• In-person training (with travel assistance funding)
• Health evaluation assessment tools
• Plenary sessions by experts in the field
• A local community ministry grant

Program Details

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Funding

The Thriving Congregations Initiative has been funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. This donor-designated grant aims to encourage the flourishing of congregations by helping them deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the vitality of their communities and the world. Read our news release to learn more.

Have questions? Visit our FAQ page.