Overview

Congregational Vitality and Innovation works to develop resources and learning experiences for pastors and congregations to assist in congregational self-reflection, lay leader development, community partnership, and outreach.

Through this office, Disciples Home Missions (DHM) partners with Lexington Theological Seminary (LTS) on its Thriving Congregations Initiative.  The LTS Thriving Congregations Initiative is dedicated to helping congregations gain clarity in their mission, leadership, and effectiveness.  Through workshops, gatherings, and training, this Initiative supports congregations in building stronger communities of faith.

The partnership between LTS and DHM is expanding the 2019 Thriving Congregations Lilly Endowment grant research to:

• Deepen connections to congregations within the Christian Church (Disciples of Chris) and congregations that align with LTS’s mission.
• Share valuable resources with more Congregations and Church leaders.
• Strengthen clergy preparation for effective congregational ministry.

Additionally, the Director of Congregational Vitality and Innovation serves as Merger Staff, providing leadership and coordination in support of programs and events for Black Church Ministries.

Check out the Resources listed below for ways that you, your congregation, or your community can be a part of the work for Congregational Vitality and Innovation.

Click the Experience button above for videos from Congregational Vitality and Innovation. 

Click the Engage button to find links to our social media accounts and a full list of upcoming Events.  

Reach out to the Director of Congregational Vitality and Innovation, Rev. Derrick Perkins, Sr. , by scrolling down to the Contact Card at the bottom of any of these pages. 

Resources

2026 Black Ministers Retreat

Topic: Retreat · · Jul 2025

JUNETEENTH 2025 RESOURCE

Topic: Congregational Transformation · Download, Worship Resource · Jun 2025

The Formative Power of Your Congregation: Faith & Human Development

Topic: Congregational Transformation · Download · Jun 2025

Sensitive Locations FAQ for Houses of Worship

Topic: Advocacy, Immigration · Explainer, Handout · Feb 2025

On the first day of the new Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security withdrew a memosetting guidelines that restricted enforcement action in certain locations, including places of worship. While the policy and restrictions on the agency has changed, the rights of the houses of worship have not. Houses of worship have Fourth Amendment rights to protect private spaces in their building from entry by immigration enforcement officers and any other law enforcement.

Weightlifters

Topic: Advocacy, BIble Study, Climate Change, Congregational Transformation, Continuing Education, Conversation Guide, Environment, Justice, Lay Leadership, Prayer, Retreat, Spiritual Disciplines, Theological Manna, Week of Laity, Youth Ministry · Curriculum, Devotional, Download, Handout, Toolkit, Video, Workshop · Jan 2025

By: DHM Mission, Advocacy, and Programs Team

This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator--one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time. It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Experience

Under the Experience tab you will find Videos and Multimedia productions from/featuring Congregational Vitality and Innovation.

Engage

Under the Engage tab you’ll find a full list of Upcoming and Past Events from Congregational Vitality and Innovation.

Past Events

Black Ministers Retreat 2025

Date: March 11, 2025 12:00 am – March 13, 2025 12:00 am (Eastern)

Location: Charleston, SC

Organizer: Disciples Home Missions

Program: Christian Education & Faith Formation, Congregational Vitality and Innovation