This is an in-person and online event highlighting research findings on churches across Canada.

Leadership transitions. Mergers. New building projects. These are just some of the critical moments that can challenge organizations like churches.

Researchers from Trinity Western University and the Flourishing Congregations Institute have been looking into what factors help churches shape and maintain their vitality during critical periods and year-round, leading to congregational flourishing. 

The event presents congregational narratives that help shape group identity and culture in ways that are critical for a church’s ability to be resilient and flourish.

The research is drawn from in-depth interviews with churches from BC, AB, ON, and NS and highlights the perspectives of Catholic, mainline Protestant, and conservative Protestant traditions.

Four 15-minute case study presentations will anchor the event. Speakers include Michael Wilkinson (TWU), Katie Steeves (TWU), Joel Thiessen (Ambrose), Mark Chapman (Tyndale), Sam Reimer (Crandall), and Cathy Holtmann (University of New Brunswick).

Following this, pastor Jason Ballard of The Way Church in Vancouver will offer some reflections on the case studies, with a focus on application for church and denominational leaders. Attendees are welcome to join in the Q&A and discussion.