Thriving Church: What You Can Learn from Healthy Congregations
by Erin Cash and Kory Wilcoxson
Available for Pre-order. Releases July 12, 2025
Are you a church leader or layperson wrestling with questions about how your congregation can move beyond just surviving to truly thrive in today's world?
You're not alone. Many churches face challenges like stagnation, lack of clear direction, difficulty connecting with their community, and the struggle to empower their members. Without a clear sense of God's calling, congregations risk perishing. The constant pressure can lead to burnout for dedicated leaders, and past hurts can make it hard to take necessary risks.
But what if there was a blueprint to help your church flourish?
Thriving Church: What You Can Learn from Healthy Congregations is based on a five-year study of over 20 churches, offers real stories, practical steps, and visionary insights to help your congregation discover its unique gifts and fulfill its potential.
Authored by Rev. Dr. Erin Cash, Project Director for the Thriving Congregations Project at Lexington Theological Seminary (LTS), and Rev. Dr. Kory Wilcoxson, pastor of a participating church, Thriving Church shares the findings of a $1 million grant-funded study by LTS. The research identified 10 key traits shared by thriving congregations:
- Thriving Congregations Are Rooted in Scripture
- Thriving Congregations Know Their Mission & Vision
- Thriving Congregations Understand Community & Rest
- Thriving Congregations Reject a Fear Mentality
- Thriving Congregations Are Collaborative
- Thriving Congregations Are Generous
- Thriving Congregations Are Flexible
- Thriving Congregations Are Willing to Take Risks
- Thriving Congregations Are Forward Thinking
- Thriving Congregations Refuse to Be Stagnant
Each chapter provides scripture references and discussion questions designed for ministerial staff, church boards, elders, Sunday School classes, and denominational leaders. These tools are meant to be used, not shelved.
Thriving Church is designed to be practical, with each chapter standing alone, allowing you to focus on the traits most relevant to your congregation's immediate needs. It's written to help you see the unique ways your congregation is already thriving and how to further develop those traits.
Don't let your church struggle to survive or put the fruits of your hard work on a shelf! Without a clear vision rooted in God's calling, your congregation risks perishing.
Instead, discover the blueprint to flourish in today's world. Learn how to equip pastors and laity alike to live into God's calling, shining God's light and love in a world that desperately needs it. Imagine a church where the calling is clear to everyone, where ministry is deeply woven into its mission, and where people naturally step up to live out scripture in action. A church filled with renewed energy and making a tangible difference in its community.
Unlock your congregation’s full potential today!