The Flourishing Congregations Institute, established in 2016 and housed at Ambrose University, is an interdisciplinary, ecumenical research center focused on promoting the growth and vitality of Christian congregations across Canada. By collaborating with scholars and practitioners from diverse theological backgrounds, the Institute provides insights and practical resources to enhance the effectiveness and well-being of congregations nationwide.

Mission and Functions:

The mission of the Institute is to gather, curate, and share data, theological reflection, and practical applications to support the Canadian Church. This is achieved through various functions:

1. Conducting research on Canadian congregations across theological traditions.

2. Establishing strategic ecumenical partnerships across Canadian regions.

3. Sharing research findings to aid congregational flourishing.

4. Offering empirically informed resources and tools for congregational leaders.

5. Serving as a hub for research activity on congregations in Canada.

6. Training students, scholars, and practitioners with research and practical skills.

7. Enhancing the reputation of host and partner institutions through original research.

Learn More: https://www.flourishingcongregations.org

What is a flourishing congregation?

From interviews with congregation and denomination leaders across Catholic, mainline, and conservative Protestant settings between Vancouver and Halifax, here are a series of variables that stand out to us – things leaders tell us contribute to, are evidence of, or are aspirations of what they associate with a flourishing congregation. A more detailed article summarizing these findings can be found here.

As our research progresses, especially when we survey and talk with congregants, our conception of what constitutes a flourishing congregation may evolve as well.

Examples of Flourishing Congregations

This is the story of how four diverse congregations work to transmit faith to a younger generation. Dr. Mark Chapman is Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Professor of Research Methods at Tyndale University. Dr. Chapman also serves as the lead researcher for the Tyndale Intercultural Ministry Centre and is book review editor of Religious Studies and Theology. His recent research has focused on flourishing congregations, multivocational ministry, religion and immigration, projects related to new Canadians who are starting churches, the relationship between faith communities and the settlement sector, and an exploration of the role of churches in immigrant settlement and integration.