

OBJECTIVES
Explore and describe church attenders, leaders and experts’ perspectives on the variables that account for flourishing within Catholic, mainline, and conservative Protestant congregations towards arriving at a multi-dimensional understanding of flourishing congregations – an understanding that takes into account similarities and differences within and between Christian traditions.
Identify the conditions and catalysts in flourishing congregations.
Develop a series of case narratives of thriving congregations.
Provide toolkits of resources and assessment instruments, relevant and adaptable to various contexts regardless of location and/or size, that would enable denominations and leadership teams to assess their current reality and move in the direction of flourishing congregations.
Meaningfully generate and disseminate findings to academic audiences.
Share insights and applications of findings with professional and congregational audiences, forming networks of collaborating congregations and church leaders in ways that enhance their ability to flourish.