Thrive

What is Thrive?

Thrive is an exciting two-year learning initiative for clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Chicago. Its purpose is to bring together committed leaders who care about and want to strengthen the overall life and health of their congregations. Drawing on the latest studies on leadership development and congregational vitality, Thrive combines experiential learning with reflection and worship to energize church leaders for congregational renewal and vitality.

Why Participate?

Thrive promises to offer a vibrant learning community in which participants will:

  • Become intentional learners committed to pursuing excellence in the practice of ministry.
  • Interact and collaborate with others to build and support thriving congregations for the 21st century.
  • Claim a vision for their own lives and their congregations that clarifies their identity and inspires them with a compelling sense of meaning and purpose.
  • Connect with themselves, others, and God in ways that awaken the Spirit and transform the heart.

Who Participates?

All are welcome! Congregational teams consisting of the rector or vicar and up to three other leaders (lay, clergy, staff) will form the hub of Thrive. If your congregation is interested in sending a team, please complete the required Thrive application and submit it to the Diocesan Center no later than November 21, 2012. Participating congregations must either (1) complete the Conversation or Church Assessment Tool (CAT) by February 15, 2013, or (2) have already completed one of these instruments within the past three years. For 2013, 20 congregational teams will be invited into the Thrive experience. All accepted congregations are expected to establish a Thrive accountability group of two to three additional parishioners with whom team members will meet regularly to discuss and apply program learnings.

When Will Thrive Meet and What Will We Learn?

Thrive is designed to encourage interactive learning about real congregational issues. With the exception of three large group gatherings, participants will meet in smaller cohort groupings at either Grace Church (Hinsdale, IL) or Emmanuel Church (Rockford, IL). During the program's first year, participants will attend two overnight retreats, five four-hour Saturday workshops, and one all-day Saturday session. In year two, participants will gather quarterly on Saturday mornings at their designated cohort location.

Year One

DatesSession FocusLocation

January 11-12, 2013

Overnight retreat from 6pm Friday
to 3:30pm Saturday		 Naming & Claiming Our Identity as People and Congregations of Faith

Techny Towers, Northbrook, IL

February 9 or 16, 2013
9:00am – 1:00pm

The Big Why: Congregational Vitality and the Question of Mission

  • Identity
  • Mission
  • Vision
  • The role of organizational intelligence

Eastern Cohort (2/9):
Grace Church, Hinsdale, IL

Western Cohort (2/16):
Emmanuel Church, Rockford, IL

March 9 or 16, 2013
9:00am – 1:00pm

Practicing Fierce Conversation & Leadership

  • Relationships
  • Strategy
  • Planning

Eastern Cohort (3/9):
Grace Church, Hinsdale, IL

Western Cohort (3/16):
Emmanuel Church, Rockford, IL

April 13 or 20, 2013
9:00am – 1:00pm

 Change, Conflict, Loss and Reconciliation

Eastern Cohort (4/13):
Grace Church, Hinsdale, IL

Western Cohort 4/20):
Emmanuel Church, Rockford, IL
June (dates TBA) Transforming Leadership

Techny Towers,
Northbrook, IL

September 14 or 21, 2013
9:00am – 1:00pm

 Mining our Treasure: Worship & Stewardship in Vital Congregations

Eastern Cohort (9/14):
Grace Church, Hinsdale, IL

Western Cohort 9/21):
Emmanuel Church, Rockford, IL

October 12 or 19
9:00am – 1:00pm

 Hospitality & Evangelism for a 21st Century Church

Eastern Cohort (10/12):
Grace Church, Hinsdale, IL

Western Cohort 10/19):
Emmanuel Church, Rockford, IL

November 9
9:00am – 3:00pm

 Congregational Vitality: Bringing The Picture into Focus

Great Hall, Diocesan Center
Chicago, IL

Year Two

DateSession FocusLocation

Quarterly Meetings
(Saturday dates TBD: January, March, May, October; 9am – 1pm)

 Congregational Vitality: Living the Practice

Eastern Cohort:
Grace Church, Hinsdale, IL

Western Cohort:
Emmanuel Church, Rockford, IL

What Does Thrive Cost?

The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is strongly committed to fostering healthy and vibrant congregations. As a concrete expression of this commitment, congregations are asked to contribute $300 toward their team’s participation in this two year program. The Diocese of Chicago will underwrite all remaining expenses.

How Do We Apply?

We encourage congregational leaders to have a frank and open discussion about their participation in Thrive. If the fruit of your discernment inspires enthusiasm for and a commitment to strengthening the vitality of your congregation, please do apply. Contact Louisa Hallas with any questions about the application process.

Questions?

We welcome your questions about this exciting diocesan initiative. Please contact Susan Czolgosz, Associate for Congregational Vitality and Transitions via email or at 312.751.4200 x 209 or Jim Steen, Director of Ministries, via email or at 312.751.4200 x210.