Program

Strengthening church health and community connection.

The Thriving Congregations initiative is a three-phase program designed to help congregations discern and live out God’s mission in their context. Over three years, the program aims to strengthen church health and community connection:

Church Health

Phase 1: “Who are we?”

Phase 1 will guide congregations to a deepening sense of identity and mission. Participating congregations will receive and complete congregational health assessments that have implications for both the internal and external workings of a congregation’s ministry. In this process, congregations will enlist its covenant members to dialogue honestly about the health of the congregation, establishing baseline data to be utilized throughout the program.

Community Connection

Phase 2: “Where are we?”

In Phase 2, community surveys and demographic reporting will help congregations better understand their locale and region. By understanding the strengths and challenges of their geographic neighbors, congregations can identify opportunities for outreach and foster a sense of community among individual congregants and their neighborhoods.

Phase 3: “What is our impact?”

Using the insights gained in the first two phases, in Phase 3 congregations will receive a community ministry grant to strengthen existing outreach or launch a new ministry. With a clear sense of identity and mission, this will both build on assets of the congregation and meet community needs.

Congregational Learning Communities

Each participating congregation will form a Congregational Learning Community (CLC) comprised of pastoral staff, church board member(s), and congregation member(s). The primary purpose of the CLC is to serve as the connection point between the congregation and the Thriving Congregations program. CLC members will commit to participate in semi-annual in-person gatherings with the cohort, as well as facilitate local congregational meetings to ensure completion of and engagement with the various assessments.**

Coaches

In Phase 1, each congregation will be paired with a BIC-trained coach who will journey with them through all three years of the program. These uniquely qualified coaches will help congregations process and apply what the CLCs are learning, discern God’s direction and mission in their specific context, and build relationships across the denomination.

Have questions?

Read our FAQ page or contact the Thriving Congregations Program Director.

**Costs related to travel and other expenses will be offset by the program.