Church in today’s world is complex
and challenging.

But what if churches could embrace their potential to THRIVE instead of accepting the pressure to simply survive?

Helping Churches Thrive is a new program of CBF North Carolina that intends to foster congregational vitality in North Carolina Baptist churches. The program is made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc’s Thriving Congregations Initiative.

Read the grant announcement press release here

Helping Churches Thrive aims to journey with congregations in a shared learning experience as they identify, celebrate and grow the characteristics of thriving through the empowerment of God’s Spirit.  The program seeks to foster congregational vitality through the employment of collaborative learning communities for church leaders, both clergy and laity, by:

  • Deepening their relationships with God
  • Enhancing their connections with each other
  • Contributing to the vitality of their communities and the world

Click here to learn more about the characteristics of a Thriving Congregation.

Components of Helping Churches Thrive

Shared Learning Cohorts

Shared Learning Cohorts will focus on rethinking congregational thriving, church sustainability and emerging young adult ministries.

  • Churchwide process with facilitated workshops, worship focus and small group discussions.
  • 24-hour training & celebration retreats for up to 8 team members of a church.
  • Monthly collaborative learning with other churches.
  • Thriving Guide (coach & facilitator).
  • Creative Ministry Grants.

Collaborative Workshops & Retreats

Collaborative workshops and retreats will facilitate learning labs across the state and support retreat opportunities for congregations.

  • Regional workshop events for laity and clergy focused on thriving.
  • Overnight creative workshop retreats for clergy and laity to gain new tools for thriving now and in the future.
  • Beginning in 2025.

Join a Shared Learning Cohort!

The Helping Churches Thrive application period for the 2025 Shared Learning Cohort is from June 1 to July 19.

Want more info?

To learn more about the program and be included in further announcements, please email Andy Hale.

Equip With CBFNC

MINISTRY JOB BOARD
HELPING PASTORS THRIVE
MINISTERIAL TRANSITIONS
CHURCH & MINISTERIAL RESOURCES