Course CatalogContinuing Education Certificates to Support Your Well-Being Journey
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“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I come so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).In “Whole–life” Discipleship, the focus of John 10:10 broadens from only focusing exclusively on faith to including other dimensions of “abundant life” or flourishing such as relationships, wellness, vocation, and finances.This catalog of supportive resources will focus on: • Pastors and Leaders THRIVING as they live out the Great Commandment to love God and others (Mt 22:37–40).• Disciples of Jesus maturing in Whole-life Discipleship across the six dimensions of the THRIVE framework.• Communities THRIVING as friends and co-workers , neighbors and strangers, encounter THRIVING disciples and “take note that they have been with Jesus.”Whole-life Discipleship is only possible through the leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.Whole-life “Spirit-empowered” DiscipleshipHow do we really love God and others?We love God and love people through a Spirit-empowered faith! The ultimate goal of our faith journey is to relate to the person of Jesus. This deep, relational connection with our Savior gives the experience and power to love God and others well.Spirit-empowered discipleship is about growing in these relationships. We’ve developed forty, specific outcomes that help us measure spiritual growth. The 40 outcomes of a Spiritempowered faith are discerned from Scripture and drawn from a cluster analysis of several Greek (diakoneo, leitourgeo, dou-leuo) and Hebrew words (‘abad, sharat). They are based on the Ephesians 4:12 declaration that Christ followers are to be equipped for works of ministry or service.Where are you on your Spiritempowered faith journey?3
You as a Pastor, Leader, and Disciple Who T.H.R.I.V.E.s!Human flourishing or well-being can be described as “the place in which all aspects of a person’s life are good.” There are different perspectives about what is meant by “all aspects of life.” Still, researchers agree on the priority of assessing life holistically. To assess well-being, we must consider EACH of the important domains of life and how well we are flourishing in them.The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard has developed a tool to assess human flourishing based on five central domains: (1) character and virtue, (2) physical and mental health, (3) close social relationships, (4) happiness and life satisfaction, (5) meaning and purpose, the sixth (6) domain relates to the stability of our finances or access to practical and financial resources that allow us to flourish and sustain wellbeing (VanderWeele, 2017).To thrive means “to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way; to flourish; to live a satisfying, meaningful life.” We can label the six domains of human flourishing with the T.H.R.I.V.E. acronym.Transformation in T Character and VirtueHealth: Physical, H Mental, and EmotionalRelational Closeness R in Caring ConnectionsIdentifying as Happy, Hopeful, and Satisfied with LifeIVocational Fulfillment, Adequacy, and VPurposeEnjoy Financial E Stability and FreedomPastors, Leaders, and Disciples Who T.H.R.I.V.E. Give Attention to Their Continued GrowthScan the QR code to take the 12-question T.H.R.I.V.E. Pulse Assessment. Next, discuss your assessment results with a colleague, friend, or family member. Focus on encouraging and supporting one another in your journey toward well-being.Acknowledgment and PermissionsSpecial Acknowledgment and Gratitude to the Harvard Human Flourishing Program: The Program’s flourishing index measure is copyrighted under a Creative Commons License (CCBY-NC 4.0). However, it can be used without permission for noncommercial purposes if proper citation is given. The reference for the paper in which the measure was presented is:VanderWeele, T.J. (2017). On the promotion of human flourishing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A., 31:8148-8156.4
Spirit-empowered faith embraces a relational process of Christlikeness. Scripture reminds us that there are three sources of light for our journey—Jesus, His Word, and His People. The process of discipleship (or becoming more like Jesus) occurs as we relate intimately with each source of light.“Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you” (John 12:35).Spirit-empowered discipleship will require a lifestyle of:• Fresh encounters with Jesus (John 8:12).• Frequent experiences of Scripture (Psalm 119:105).• Faithful engagement with God’s people (Matthew 5:14).Spirit-empowered faith can be defined with observable outcomes using a biblical framework.The metrics for measuring Spirit-empowered faith or the growth of a disciple comes from Scripture and are organized/framed around four distinct dimensions of a disciple who serves.“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–12).A relational framework for organizing Spirit-Empowered Discipleship Outcomes draws from a cluster analysis of several Greek (diakoneo, leitourgeo, douleuo) and Hebrew words (‘abad, sharat) which elaborate on the Ephesians 4:12 declaration that Christ’s followers are to be equipped for works of ministry or service. Therefore, the 40 Spirit-Empowered Faith Outcomes have been identified and organized around:• Serving/loving the Lord–”While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting…” (Acts 13:2 NASB).• Serving/loving the Word–”But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4 NASB).• Serving/loving people–”…through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 NASB).• Serving/loving His mission–”Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NASB).5
Thriving Pastors and LeadersLife Balance Is Elusive for PastorsPastors’ job description might include multiple titles: preacher, teacher, counselor, CEO, property manager, event planner, secretary, Bible scholar, and others. The layered responsibilities and weekly events of pastoring—many which occur outside of normal “office hours”—are unique among professions. This is especially true for pastors with few (or no) other staff members to support them or for pastors navigating bi-vocational careers.It’s no wonder, then, that many pastors struggle with life balance. Seven in 10 tell Barna it’s somewhat (43%) or very true (29%) that balancing ministry duties and family time is a challenge.Many ministry leaders feel discontent with the juggling act. When asked about their satisfaction with the time they can give their spouse, family, and children, only 40% say they are very satisfied or satisfied.Satisfaction with family time is also correlated with job satisfaction. A pastor who is very satisfied with their vocation is likely a pastor who feels they have focused, attentive, time with their spouse and children.T.H.R.I.V.E. course offerings focus on deepening a pastor’s/leader’s “love of the Lord” which gives the prompting and empowerment to love“neighbors.”Concentric Circles of Pastor and Leader CareThe Concentric Circle Model of Ministry has shaped the strategies and resources we provide to help pastors THRIVE.As a spiritual leader, there are important areas to which only you can give careful attention. Think of these relationships, which require your careful cultivation and spiritual growth, as everexpanding concentric circles. These circles of leader-care are based on our Lord’s Great Commission and Great Commandment, for Great Commission living is empowered by Great Commandment love. This concentric circle model of ministry reflects the heart of Care4Pastors’ partners and has shaped the strategies and resources we provide.6
The Relational Foundations course is for pastors seeking to renew their relevance in both personal discipleship and public ministry. Through a thoughtful reevaluation of foundational theological disciplines—including Christology, hermeneutics, anthropology, ecclesiology, and apologetics—pastors will be equipped to engage a changing culture without compromising core convictions. Emphasizing the relational nature of the Christian faith, the course offers fresh insights into the heart of God and fosters a deeper, more impactful pastoral presence in today’s world.Session 1Experiencing Relevance in Life and MinistrySession 2Loving the Real God: Our Foundation of ChristologySession 3The Forgotten Purpose of Truth: Our Foundation of Biblical HermeneuticsSession 4Seeing People as Needing Both God and Others: Our Foundation of Anthropology, Part 1Session 5Seeing People as Both Fallen and Alone: Our Foundation of Anthropology, Part 2Session 6Rediscovering Church: Our Foundation of EcclesiologySession 7Imparting Not Only the Gospel, But Our Very Lives: Our Foundation of ApologeticsSession 8Relational Foundations in MinistryPricing:$60/year—Relational Foundations On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Relational Foundations Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.To purchase additional workbooks, click here.7
The IMAGINE: Loving the Real God course empowers pastors to lead their congregations into a new level of fellowship, discipleship, worship, ministry, and evangelism—centered not on religion, but on a life-giving relationship with Jesus. Participants will explore how true transformation flows from intimacy with Christ, not ritual or routine. Through honest assessment of personal and communal views of God, pastors will be invited to encounter Him afresh—experiencing relational moments with Jesus that equip them and their churches to believe rightly, behave faithfully, and love deeply. This is more than ministry development—it is spiritual renewal for lasting impact.Session 1Loving God Means Relating to a PersonSession 2Loving God Brings About ChangeSession 3Loving God Leads to Loving PeopleSession 4Effective Ministry May Include a Change in MethodsSession 5Loving God Requires Knowing the Real GodSession 6Great Humility Precedes Great MinistryPricing:$60/year—Imagine: Loving the Real God On-Demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Imagine: Loving the Real God Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.8
The Relational Leadership course calls today’s church leaders to rediscover New Testament principles for leadership rooted in relationship rather than rank. This course challenges the model of positional power and formal influence, offering instead the example of Jesus—leading through care, connection, and humility. Participants will be equipped to cultivate influence through trust and service, not titles, and to shepherd others with a heart aligned to Christ. This course is a clear and timely call to embrace leadership that reflects the relational nature of the gospel.Session 1The Critical Need for Relational LeadershipSession 2Developing Our Identity as Relational Leaders: Becoming ServantsSession 3The Servant’s Priority of “Being with” OthersSession 4The Experience of Fellowship: A Caring Team Sharing Christ’s LoveSession 5Gaining Freedom to Become Relational LeadersSession 6Relational Vision: Focusing Together on Eternal PrioritiesSession 7Implementing Relational Vision: Addressing Divine ObjectivesSession 8Committing to the Pursuit of GrowthPricing:$60/year—Relational Leadership On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Relational Leadership Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.To purchase additional books, click here.9
“Without a vision, people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18). The Living a Life as a Good Samaritan course is designed for those who share a common dream: to be used by God to bring emotional healing to a hurting world. Rooted in two biblical foundation stones—“It’s not good to be alone” (Genesis 2:18) and “The God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3)—this training equips participants with a practical and theological plan to minister to those suffering from trauma, loss, and displacement. Through assessments, coaching, and relational learning, students will explore how healing begins with connection, compassion, and comfort—not just behavior change or doctrine. Whether your background is personal or professional, this course will help you live out your God-given vision to become a helper and healer of souls.Session 1God’s Vision for You as a Good SamaritanSharing HopeSession 2You as a Good Samaritan Caregiver Truly Knowing Those You ServeSession 3Knowing Others Emotionally and RelationallySession 4The Emotional CupSession 5The Promise of Hope and HealingSession 6God’s Word HealsPricing:$60/year—Living Life as a Good Samaritan On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Living Life as a Good Samaritan Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.10
This IMAGINE: The Journey from Institutional to Missional Church course equips pastors and ministry leaders to shift from an institutional model of church to a vibrant, missional paradigm rooted in the Great Commandment. Participants will explore six key indicators of institutional thinking and how to embrace a more relational, Spirit-led approach to life and ministry. Along the way, leaders will be guided through the challenges of rapid change, rediscover the power of gratitude, and learn to live and lead with grace in a culture of entitlement—helping churches become more faithful, flexible, and missionally focused.Session 1Life and Ministry Empowered by GratitudeSession 2Introduction to Whole-life DiscipleshipSession 3Assessing Current RealitySession 4God’s Ultimate Upstream StrategySession 5Loving the Real GodSession 6De-constructing Discipleship as We Know ItPricing:$60/year—The Journey from Institutional to Missional Church On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—The Journey from Institutional to Missional Church Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.11
1 © Relational Values Alliancerelationalvalues.com/thriveEnjoying Financial Stabilityand Generosity: Begin witha Pastor’s Salary!How can GuideStone help you?GuideStone provides churches, ministries, faithaligned institutions, and Christian households with financial solutions that support our shared biblical values — equipping believers to lead resilient lives and advance the Kingdom of God. GuideStone’s goal for you? Start well. Stay well. Finish well.™ is a part of GuideStone’s mission to enhance the financial security and resilience for those who serve the Lord.Pause and ReflectReflect on these three stages of ministry, (1) Starting Well, (2) Staying Well, and (3) Finishing Well: • Where do you see yourself in these three phases of ministry? __________________________________________________________.• Name two or three financial challenges or struggles that you have faced or anticipate facing in this phase of ministry? ______________________________________________.When pastors answer the call to ministry, it’s usually not with an expectation of major financial gain. But that doesn’t mean ministry leaders should be expected to live on a wage that doesn’t meet their needs. Unfortunately, pastors’ salaries have remained almost completely flat in recent years, while at the same time, inflation has continued to climb.Why are Pastors Losing Ground in Pay?A common mistake we see is churches only using traditional salary considerations for paying pastors. Most often, churches look exclusively at factors such as a pastor’s experience and previous salary, what they paid the previous pastor or, the church’s size.This narrow approach does not take other key factors into account, which can lead to a perpetual cycle of below-market pastor salaries — sending pastors down a path of financial hardship. At the same time, most pastors find it difficult to advocate for themselves, especially when it comes to money, as it’s a delicate balance to prioritize the needs of their church and also make sure their own needs are being met.Pause and ReflectWhile the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what pastors should be paid, it does remind us that these decisions should be made with a posture of generosity.The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17 (CSB)As you consider your own financial situation across the budget categories of spend, save, give, tax, and debt reduction, where is your greatest sense of security or concern?I feel most secure about __________________________________________________________.I am most concerned about _______________________________________________________.Next, look at three strategies that can help break the cycle of below-market pay.Enjoying Financial Stability and FreedomT.H.R.I.V.E. SolutionsScan or click the QR code for a free download.12
Pastors and ministry leaders, your well-being matters—not just for your own health, but for the people you lead and serve. We invite you to click or scan the QR code for a collection of carefully curated resources designed to strengthen and support you in every area of life—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, practical tools, or a fresh perspective, these materials are here to help you THRIVE.You can also scan the QR code to instantly access all of the courses featured on the previous pages.Additional Thriving Pastors and Leaders ResourcesScan for More ResourcesScan for Course Offerings13
THRIVING DISCIPLES learn to “walk in the light” of God’s Word, God’s Son, and God’s People…“lest the darkness over take you” (John 12:35). Across each of the six T.H.R.I.V.E. domains, disciples are seeking to live out a Spirit-empowered faith.A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED FAITH expresses itself in Great Commission living empowered by Great Commandment love. Spirit-empowered faith begins with the end in mind: The Great Commission calls us to make disciples.Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19–20).The ultimate goal of our faith journey is to relate to the person of Jesus, because it is our relational connection to Jesus that will produce Christlikeness and spiritual growth. This relational perspective of discipleship is required if we hope to have a faith that is marked by the Spirit’s power. Models of discipleship that are based solely upon what we know and what we do are incomplete, lacking the empowerment of a life of loving and living intimately with Jesus. A Spirit-empowered faith is relational and impossible to realize apart from a special work of the Spirit. For example, the Spiritempowered outcome of “listening to and hearing God” implies relationship—it is both relational in focus and requires the Holy Thriving DisciplesSpirit’s power to live. Spirit-empowered faith begins at the right place:The Great Commandment calls us to start with loving God and loving others.You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments(Matthew 22:37–40).Relevant discipleship does not begin with doctrines or teaching, parables or stewardship—but with loving the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and then loving the people closest to you. Since Matthew 22:37–40 gives us the first and greatest commandment, a Spiritempowered faith starts where the Great Commandment tells us to start: A disciple must first learn to deeply love the Lord and to express His love to the “nearest ones”—his or her family, church, and community (and in that order).Spirit-empowered faith embraces a relational process of Christlikeness. Scripture reminds us that there are three sources of light for our journey—Jesus, His Word, and His people. The process of discipleship (or becoming more like Jesus) occurs as we relate intimately with each source of light. Each of the suggested T.H.R.I.V.E. courses will encourage this life-changing “walk in the light”!14
This Relational Discipleship course will help you discover God’s purpose and calling for your life, guiding you into a life-long, life-changing journey of becoming more like Jesus. You’ll explore what it truly means to be a disciple—not just in knowledge, but in relationship, character, and mission. Rooted in biblical truth and shaped by authentic connection with others, this course invites you to follow Jesus in a way that transforms every area of life.Session 1Life’s Purpose TransformedSession 2The Secret of Spiritual TransformationSession 3Transformed PrioritiesSession 4Transformed by Experiencing ScriptureSession 5Transformed by Encounters with JesusSession 6Transformed by Experiencing FellowshipSession 7Transformed CharacterSession 8Transformed RelationshipsPricing:$60/year—Relational Discipleship On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Relational Discipleship Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.To purchase additional books, click here.15
The Discovering Celebration course is a practical course that explains how celebration is a vital part of human connection. In this course, we’ll explore how the act of celebrating together meets a deep relational need—affirming our shared humanity and strengthening our bonds. Whether in big victories or small wins, joy becomes more meaningful when it is shared. We’ll reflect on how creating space for celebration in our relationships builds deeper connection and reminds us that we’re not alone, even in life’s most positive moments.Session 1What is Celebration?Session 1 ToolAppreciation -You saying Thank YouSession 2Make It PersonalSession 2 ToolConversation Guide : Growing in AcceptanceSession 3Giving CelebrationSession 3 ToolGiving Words of ApprovalSession 4Live It OutSession 4 ToolWAIB - Conversation Guide for Growing in AttentionPricing:$60/year—Discovering Celebration On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Discovering Celebration Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.16
The Discovering Great Conversations course is a practical and relational course that equips pastors and ministry leaders to strengthen trust and build meaningful “caring-connections” in every sphere of life—personal, pastoral, and professional. Participants will gain greater awareness of how to meet key relational needs such as attention, support, respect, and encouragement. Through assessments and handson practice, participants will develop essential skills like active and reflective listening, appropriate vulnerability, and compassionate communication. Emphasizing the spiritual and emotional impact of truly knowing and caring for others, this course will help deepen connections with family, friends, congregants, and colleagues—transforming relationships through intentional presence and Christ-like empathy.Session 1A Great Conversation Includes and Builds TrustSession 1 ToolThe Loneliness EpidemicSession 2Make It PersonalSession 2 ToolStrengthening Relationships Through ConversationSession 3Listen in a Great ConversationSession 3 ToolGiving Words of ApprovalSession 4Care in a Great ConversationSession 4 ToolSharing Celebrations and ConcernsPricing:$60/year—Discovering Great Conversations On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Discovering Great Conversations Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.17
In a time when prayer is often assumed but rarely practiced, Conversations With God invites believers into a deeper, more vibrant relationship with God through daily, meaningful conversation. Conversation with God offers spiritual insight and practical guidance for those longing to know God’s voice, experience His presence, and partner with Him in His work. Whether you’re new to prayer or seeking to renew your spiritual life, this course will help you surrender your needs, intercede for others, and walk more intimately with the Father—because prayer is not just for crises or “super Christians,” it is for every follower of Christ, every day.Session 1A Disciple’s Priority and PrivilegeSession 2You as a Person of PrayerSession 3Begins with Seeing God as a FatherSession 4Is Grounded in Unwavering TrustSession 5Hindered by UnforgivenessSession 6Brings Victorious LivingPricing:$60/year—Conversations With God On-demand Course (COMING SOONOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Conversations With God Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.To purchase additional books, click here.18
Practicing kindness through giving first, appreciation, approval, and encouragement builds stronger, more positive relationships and thriving communities. Giving first means offering help and thoughtfulness without expecting anything in return, which fosters trust, emotional connection, and personal well-being. Appreciation, especially in the workplace, boosts morale, motivation, and productivity by recognizing people’s contributions and making them feel valued. Approval goes deeper by affirming a person’s character—who they are, not just what they do—which strengthens bonds and nurtures emotional support. Encouragement inspires belief in others’ abilities, helping them overcome challenges and work together with confidence and hope. Together, these practices create a culture of trust, respect, and shared purpose where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.Session 1PASS IT FORWARDSession 1 ToolKindness: It’s Good for YOUSession 2KINDNESS FOR THE MOMENTSession 2 ToolKindness Creates ConnectionSession 3KINDNESS EVEN THOUGH...Session 3 ToolKindness Means Helping OutSession 4FOR THE COMMUNITYSession 4 ToolKindness Changes ThingsPricing:$60/year—Kindness Matters On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Kindness Matters Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.19
Scan or click the QR code for a free download1 © Relational Values Alliancerelationalvalues.com/thriveValue-Based Budgeting“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” —Antoine de Saint-ExupéryWhen we are managing money, the first step is understanding what truly matters to us. If we say that something is a priority in our lives, like education or serving others, but our financial choices do not reflect that, we are not living in alignment with our values. Our spending habits reveal what we truly value; it is important that our budgets reflect those priorities.This THRIVE Solutions Tool is about creating a value-based budget, ensuring our financial decisions are grounded in what truly matters. By doing so, we create a financial plan that not only supports our needs but also enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.Pause and Reflect:Think about the quote: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”• Are you mindful about your spending and how it relates to thriving financially?• Describe your current PLAN to thrive financially. (For example, my plan now is to spend less than I make and try to reduce my debt.) Enjoying Financial Stability and FreedomT.H.R.I.V.E. SolutionsAligning Your Spending with Your ValuesStart by clearly defining your values. Write down the things that matter most to you, whether it is education, generosity, health, family, or community service. For example:• Education: If education is important to you, perhaps you are allocating resources for your children’s education or your own learning. • Generosity: If helping others is important, you may be setting aside money for charitable donations or acts of kindness. • Health: If maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a priority, you might be budgeting for nutritious food, exercise, and healthcare. • Family: If spending quality time with family is essential, perhaps you budget for family activities and experiences. Aligning your spending with your values reflects what is truly important to you, and you create a life where your financial decisions support your deepest priorities. Pause and Reflect:How well do your spending and your values align? How does this make you feel? (For example, I feel a little embarrassed that there is a difference between my spending and my value of generosity.) 20
Pastors and ministry leaders, your well-being matters—not just for your own health, but for the people you lead and serve. We invite you to click or scan the QR code for a collection of carefully curated resources designed to strengthen and support you in every area of life—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, practical tools, or a fresh perspective, these materials are here to help you THRIVE.You can also scan the QR code to instantly access all of the courses featured on the previous pages.Additional Thriving Disciples ResourcesScan for More ResourcesScan for Course Offerings21
We are currently facing a crisis of connection in the United States. Recent studies show that millions of Americans are socially isolated, lonely, or both, which negatively impacts their quality of life and health outcomes. These high rates of disconnection cost employers $406 billion and Medicare nearly $7 billion each year.The Loneliness Epidemic: The Need for Relational ConnectionPsychologists define loneliness as the gap between the social connections you would like to have and the ones you actually experience. Loneliness has even been named a serious issue of public health. In 2017, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called loneliness a “public health epidemic.”According to researchers, our lack of social connection poses a significant risk to an individual’s health. Poor social connection is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. A lack of relational connection is associated with an increased risk for anxiety, depression, and dementia. Finally, a lack of social connection can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day! We are hardwired for human connection and close relationships. This means bad things can happen when we’re lonely. Thriving CommunitiesRelationships Remove LonelinessFamily, friends, colleagues, and neighbors provide some of the primary opportunities for social connection and can be essential antidotes for the dangers of loneliness. “Social connection—and the quality of our relationships with others—is a critical and under-appreciated contributor to health, community safety, resilience, and prosperity. Far too many Americans lack social connection, which compromises these benefits and leads to poor health and other negative outcomes” (Murthy, V. 2023). Positive relationships are crucial for our ability to thrive, but HOW do we make these connections? We need a framework!THRIVING COMMUNITIES and the CHURCH THRIVING Communities would be understood as a state in which all aspects of community life are good including the social, economic, and cultural well-being of the neighborhoods, cities, and societies in which churches are situated. THRIVING communities integrates the challenges of our cities and neighborhoods with the church’s mission to be a transformative agent in the public square. Theologically, flourishing churches reflect the manifestation of the kingdom of God on earth. Through engaging its surrounding community, the church becomes a beacon of hope, reconciliation, and peace.22
In this course, we’ll explore what acceptance and respect truly mean—and why they matter in every relationship. Together, we’ll learn how to make these values personal, practice giving them to others, and discover practical ways to live them out daily. Through reflection and action, you’ll gain tools to build stronger connections, foster understanding, and create a culture where everyone feels valued.1. What is Acceptance?2. Make It Personal3. Giving Acceptance4. Live It Out5. What is Respect?6. Make It Personal7. Giving Respect8. Live It OutPricing:$60/year—Top 10 Relational Needs On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Top 10 Relational Needs Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.23
This Hope-Filled Living In Turbulent Times course provides practical tools to help you choose hope daily, manage your emotional health, and strengthen relationships during challenging times. In a world marked by crisis, uncertainty, and stress, hope can feel out of reach—yet it remains essential to emotional and spiritual well-being. Hope is yearning for something possible that is not yet certain. Through six engaging sessions you’ll learn to focus on what you can control, respond with compassion, and foster meaningful connections. Hope is possible, and it begins with you!Session 1Me Managing Me!Session 2Relate Don’t ReactSession 3Cultivating Gratitude Reduces StressSession 4Don’t Ride the Roller Coaster of Life AloneSession 5Caring Connections Brings the Hope of Improved RelationshipsSession 6Practicing Kindness Reduces StressPricing:$60/year—Hope-filled Living in Turbulent Times On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Hope-filled Living in Turbulent Times Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.24
This Keeping Marriages Healthy course invites couples on a journey to deepen emotional intimacy and strengthen their marriage. Participants will explore what it truly means to know and be known by their spouse, examine unmet relational needs, and learn how these needs impact connection and hurt. Through guided reflection and practical tools, couples will identify emotional patterns, address wounds, and begin the healing process. There will be many opportunities for you and your partner to share stories together, celebrate with one another, and comfort each other through the difficult moments of life.Session 1Intimacy in MarriageSession 2What Do We Really Need From Each Other?Session 3What Is Filling Your Emotional Cup? Part 1Session 4What Is Filling Your Emotional Cup? Part 2Session 5The Family TreeSession 6Break Free From Unhealthy ThinkingSession 7Intimacy Becoming a Way of LifePricing:$60/year—Keeping Marriages Healthy On-demand Course$60/año—Cómo Mantener Matrimonios Saludables a pedidoOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Keeping Marriages Healthy Facilitated Course$90/year—BILINGUAL Keeping Marriages Healthy Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above. To purchase additional books, click here.Para comprar libros adicionales, haga clic aquí.25
Practicing kindness through giving first, appreciation, approval, and encouragement builds stronger, more positive relationships and thriving communities. Giving first means offering help and thoughtfulness without expecting anything in return, which fosters trust, emotional connection, and personal well-being. Appreciation, especially in the workplace, boosts morale, motivation, and productivity by recognizing people’s contributions and making them feel valued. Approval goes deeper by affirming a person’s character—who they are, not just what they do—which strengthens bonds and nurtures emotional support. Encouragement inspires belief in others’ abilities, helping them overcome challenges and work together with confidence and hope. Together, these practices create a culture of trust, respect, and shared purpose where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.Pricing:$60/year—Kindness Matters On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Kindness Matters Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.Session 1PASS IT FORWARDSession 1 ToolKindness: It’s Good for YOUSession 2KINDNESS FOR THE MOMENTSession 2 ToolKindness Create ConnectionSession 3KINDNESS EVEN THOUGH...Session 3 ToolKindness Means Helping OutSession 4FOR THE COMMUNITYSession 4 ToolKindness Changes Things26
This Building a People-First Culture course explores the key priorities, skills, and leadership attributes needed to foster a people-first environment—one where trust, empathy, and support fuel sustainable success. A people-first culture prioritizes the well-being of individuals as equally important as performance, productivity, and profit. Through practical insights and reflective learning, you’ll develop as a leader while enhancing personal growth across multiple dimensions of well-being. Ideal for those who want to lead with purpose and make people the heart of their organization.Session 1What Is a People-First Leader?Session 2What Are the Current Imperatives for a PeopleFirst Culture?Session 3Why Putting People First Matters!Session 4Becoming a People-First Leader by Truly Knowing Those You Serve and Work With!Session 5Becoming a People-First Leader by Caring for the Celebrations and Challenges of Those You Serve and Work With!Session 6Becoming a People-First Leader by Giving to the Relational Needs of Others!Pricing:$60/year—Building a People-First Culture On-demand CourseOn-demand courses are available at any time, at your own pace.$90/year—Building a People-First Culture Facilitated CourseFacilitated course are subject to availability. Explore the facilitated offerings that are currently available by clicking the link above.27
1 © Relational Values Alliancerelationalvalues.com/thriveManaging Money: Five Buckets for Financial SuccessAs we reflect on our finances, we might assume that our income, or the lack thereof, is the real problem. We think we need more money, and then our problems will go away. This assumption leads us to work on making more money rather than managing what we already have. Nothing is wrong with contemplating ways to make more money, but a better starting place might be to focus on more effectiveness with the five things we do with our money.Five Things You Can Do With Your Money(1) Save it; (2) spend it; (3) give it away; (4) pay taxes; and (5) reduce debt. Sort money any way you want, and chances are it will be in one of these buckets.Here’s a more detailed breakdown: • Save $ Bucket: Setting aside money for future needs, goals, or emergencies• Spend $ Bucket: Using money for daily living expenses, purchases, and experiences• Give $ Bucket: Donating to charities, religious institutions, supporting causes, or helping others• Pay $ on DEBT Bucket• Tax $ Bucket: Paying various TAXES related to federal, state, property, and other taxes.Wisdom PracticeReflect on your finances and these five “buckets.” If you had to pick ONE of them: • Which ONE do you feel most secure about? • Which ONE might cause you the most stress?• Which ONE might need MORE priority at this stage of your life? Common Priorities for the Five $ BucketsDebt Taxes Spend Save Give We commonly start our list of priorities by paying our debt and taxes because we know we must pay them. Our second priority often means spending for living expenses, which includes all the basics like food, rent, clothes, auto expenses, travel, and entertainment. While these priorities are important and valid, they also lead to several common dilemmas.Common $ Dilemmas• Rarely is anything left over to save and give charitably.• Rarely anything left over after expenses. (i.e., “More month is left at the end of our cash.“)• We may be spending more than we make, so our debt keeps increasing.What if we turned all of this upside down and decided to give and save first and force our lifestyle to fit into the budget that remains?Enjoying Financial Stability and FreedomT.H.R.I.V.E. SolutionsScan or click the QR code for a free download.28
Pastors and ministry leaders, your well-being matters—not just for your own health, but for the people you lead and serve. We invite you to click or scan the QR code for a collection of carefully curated resources designed to strengthen and support you in every area of life—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, practical tools, or a fresh perspective, these materials are here to help you THRIVE.You can also scan the QR code to instantly access all of the courses featured on the previous pages. Additional Thriving Communities Resources:Scan for More ResourcesScan for Course Offerings29
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