The Christian Reformed Church has a long history of working together and pooling resources to further God’s kingdom work around the world. This year we will feature a special column in each issue that includes an interview with one of the directors of these shared ministries. This month we spoke with Lesli van Milligen, director of Thrive.
In what ways does Thrive equip local CRC people and churches to do kingdom work?
Thrive exists because we believe that local churches change lives. When churches are healthy, they can have a lifelong impact on people. And when there is dysfunction, the hurt can be profound. At Thrive, we engage both sides of that equation. We equip and encourage churches so they can do ministry well and help everyone experience what Christ-centered flourishing can be. And when churches struggle we're positioned to help resolve conflict and work toward repair and restoration. Our entire focus is supporting congregations so they can flourish in the way God has uniquely called and gifted them to be in their corner of the world.
What are the core values that undergird Thrive's work? How do you ensure the work aligns with those values?
We have five core ways of being that undergird our work: being curious listeners, being Reformed practitioners working toward excellence, being holistic and wholehearted, being realistic, and being hopeful.
I would say our most foundational posture is our commitment to being curious listeners. We place a lot of value on practices that help us listen well, such as gathering around Scripture together, praying together, and discerning together in community alongside churches. Those rhythms help us stay tuned in to God’s voice and remain curious and attentive to what he is already doing in our local congregations.
A big part of that listening also means being willing to wonder with and learn from people whose experiences or perspectives might be different from our own ideas or expectations. We enter into supportive roles with congregations trusting that they have expertise about their own local context. We want to equip and encourage church members and leaders to build on the good work God is already doing. Taking on the posture of curious listeners allows us to experience the richness and beauty of God’s diverse kingdom in ways we never could if we took a know-it-all approach to supporting our churches. Requesting support from Thrive gives your congregation access to skilled and experienced ministry practitioners and quality resources, but, even more, it gives you a dedicated co-laborer who is eager to see how God is calling your congregation towards flourishing.
What’s one thing about Thrive you wish people knew?
How about two things?
First, I want all of our churches to be encouraged that the good work of the nine congregational ministries that previously existed did not stop when they merged and Thrive was established. Instead, all of those focus areas have been expanded through Thrive’s work to be more collaborative, responsive, and effective.
Second, we’re one email or phone call away. If you feel stuck in almost any area of ministry or congregational life, there is a strong possibility that we are poised to support you in that. Whether you need to talk through a decision on Sunday school curriculum, want guidance on implementing abuse prevention or disability access policies, or need a neutral, non-anxious presence to help you navigate a conflict or transition in your ministry, we are ready to offer support. Please do not hesitate to connect with us.
Where would you like to see Thrive in five years?
Five years from now, I would love for Thrive to be on speed dial for every CRC congregation. I often use the analogy of “yeast” for the work Thrive does. We are a “yeast” ministry. We work in the background to support congregations at every stage of their journey. Without yeast the bread won't rise, but people rarely talk about the fact that it is necessary and important. My hope is for every pastor and council and church staff member to know that we are available to support them and that they are not doing the hard and holy work of ministry alone.
We have also just launched a major five-year initiative focused on congregational renewal, and my prayer is that five years from now we will see the impact of those renewal efforts taking root and beginning to blossom as churches discern their unique missional identities and grow in discipleship. I have great hope for the future of the local church.
How can we pray for you?
As congregations experience guidance, relief, or encouragement from the work we do, pray that they will share how Thrive helped them and is available to help other congregations.
Pray that we will continue to find ways to collaborate effectively with other CRCNA agencies. The journey ahead requires intentional partnership and joint efforts.
Pray that God will provide sustained financial stability as our ministry expands so that we can anticipate and respond to the needs of CRC congregations promptly and holistically.