Join a Community of Leaders Shaping the Future of Generosity in the LCMS

4 Gatherings. 18 Months. 1 Shared Mission.

JOIN THE LCMS GATHERINGS

A four-gathering learning community for LCMS pastors and ministry leaders—presented by the LCMS Large Church Network in partnership with Thrivent and Elevate Group.

The Vision

Every pastor longs to see generosity become a defining mark of their church’s culture. Yet few have the time, tools, and trusted peers to turn that vision into a sustainable reality.

  • The LCMS Generosity Learning Community is a relational, peer-based journey designed to help churches strengthen their stewardship and generosity culture.

    Through four in-person gatherings, pastors and teams learn from mentor churches, connect with fellow LCMS leaders, and build a practical, biblically grounded strategy tailored to their congregation.

  • Every pastor desires a church where generosity is a defining cultural mark. Yet many lack the time, tools, and trusted peers needed to turn that vision into a sustainable reality.

    This Learning Community bridges that gap—equipping leaders with proven frameworks, shared wisdom, and the support needed to cultivate long-term generosity.

  • This collaborative initiative is sponsored by Thrivent, hosted by the LCMS Large Church Network, and facilitated by Elevate Group—bringing together trusted partners who share a commitment to strengthening church leadership, stewardship, and mission impact across the LCMS.

JOIN THE LEARNING COMMUNITY

A Proven Model for Lasting Impact

LCMS Generosity Learning Community

This learning community isn’t about consuming content—it’s about implementing real change.

At each gathering, participating church teams will:

  • Learn from mentor churches that have successfully built cultures of generosity and stewardship.

  • Participate in guided working sessions to identify your church’s real opportunities and obstacles.

  • Leave every gathering with tailored next steps designed for your unique context.

Take Your Next Step Toward Becoming A Generous Church

Join us and discover proven strategies for generosity.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

The Journey

Your team will walk through a structured, strategic process across four in-person gatherings.

  • Hosted by Austin Ridge Bible Church.

    Launch the journey, connect with your cohort peers, and explore foundational principles of building a generous church.

  • Hosted by Christ Community Church in South Elgin, IL.

    Learn from multiple mentor churches about how culture, systems, and communication align to encourage generosity.

  • Hosted by Discovery Church.

    Deepen your church’s strategy through shared learning, practical case studies, and structured planning sessions.

  • Hosted by Thrivent HQ in Minneapolis.

    Celebrate progress, refine your long-term strategy, and identify next-generation opportunities for generosity growth.

Each three-day gathering includes multiple mentor church sessions, Thrivent workshops, and facilitated planning time led by Elevate Group.

RESERVE MY SPOT

Partners in Leadership and Growth

  • Facilitators

    Chris Willard, Co-Founder and CEO of Elevate Group

  • Thrivent Contributors

    Experts providing financial and generosity insights for churches and leaders

  • LCMS Large Church Network

    LCMS Large Church Network

    Partnering to promote and host the learning community

  • LCMS Large Church Network

    Mentor Churches

    Leadership teams from each host congregation will share their approaches, structures, and lessons learned in building a generosity culture

Apply to Join the LCMS Generosity Learning Community

LCMS APPLICATION FORM

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

—1 Timothy 6:18