Foundations for a Thriving Church

Foundations for a Thriving Church is a two-year program for church leaders and pastors designed to help their church thrive.

Moving Toward Success

Churches and pastors can benefit from an organized support group that builds relationships between congregation and pastor. Foundations for a Thriving Church provides the foundation for such a support group by helping pastors, certified lay pastors, and their churches develop a strong base for their ministry.

Objectives

• Help congregations and pastors develop a plan for achieving spiritual and numerical growth.
• Support the development of healthy relationships where both pastor and congregation can grow in their faith and share their faith with the community beyond the church walls.
• Hear God’s unique call for ministry in their mission area and develop a shared vision and goals to guide their work together.
• Create strategies to attain those goals.
• Enable churches to evaluate their progress, learn how to fail to succeed, and keep an eye on their vision.

Meeting Platforms

Foundations for a Thriving Church uses two web platforms, with the coach/mentor available for phone and onsite visits when necessary.

• Moodle – An online, user-friendly, learning site where group members will participate in discussions, interact with each other and the coach/mentor, and submit assignments.
• Zoom – An online video conferencing meeting room allowing participants to share virtually with each other and the coach/mentor.
• Phone and In-Person Sessions – One-on-one support from the coach/mentor by telephone or in-person as needed.

Tools for Success

Several tools are employed on the journey to build up your faith community.

• Collegial Support – Creating time for fellowship when we can pray, work, and play together.
• Study – Contemplating best practices for the church by examining the Word and using other enlightening resources, including guest speakers.
• Accountability – Remaining accountable to God and your faith community; reaching out for support and direction as you grow as disciples and make disciples for Christ.

Foundations for a Thriving Church is a program of The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries, which offers courses and programs to provide practical knowledge and skills that can be readily applied in local church ministry.