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

Four Gatherings. 18 Months. One Shared Mission.

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 the Next Step Toward a Generous Church

Strengthen Momentum Between Every Gathering

Between sessions, churches are supported through coaching touchpoints and peer feedback to help maintain momentum.

Past cohorts using this methodology have seen:

  • Higher giving participation

  • Healthier financial systems

  • Stronger team alignment

  • Increased discipleship engagement

LCMS Generosity Learning Community

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

Empower Your Church Team to Lead Generosity with Impact.

Join the LCMS Generosity Learning Community to strengthen your church’s culture of stewardship and mission-focused giving.

By participating, your church team will:

  • Develop a customized generosity and stewardship plan tailored to your congregation.

  • Identify and act on your most critical next steps after each session.

  • Gain practical ideas and proven models from successful mentor churches.

  • Strengthen your leadership team’s alignment and confidence around stewardship.

  • Build a lasting network of peer leaders within the LCMS who share your vision for generous, mission-driven churches.

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 at Thrivent Headquarters.

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

  • Hosted by Austin Ridge Bible Church.

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

  • Hosted by Community Christian Church.

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

  • Hosted by Discovery Church.

    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

What it takes to Participate

Thrivent is providing full funding for the development and delivery of the Generosity Learning Community—covering all facilitation, content, and materials.

Participating churches are responsible only for their team’s travel and lodging for each gathering.

    • Cohort Size: Limited to 12 churches

    • Team Size: 3–5 leaders per church

    • Duration: April 2026 through October 2027 (four gatherings at six-month intervals)

    • Group Rate Hotels: Identified for each host city

Join the Learning Community

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