Congregational Flourishing


The Center believes that personal flourishing happens primarily in community with others. In the Christian tradition, community flourishing most often occurs in local congregations. In addition to our personal flourishing classes, the Center also offers congregational services in the area of spiritual discernment that help a congregation redefine its mission and vision. Our Holy Listening Discernment process helps congregations ask these vital congregations: What is God calling us to do? What are our resources and what are God’s resources? And what bold, God-sized work might God be calling us to lean into as a church? This Holy Listening Discernment work provides specific attention to addressing the congregation’s physical space, building, facilities and property.  

This Congregational Flourishing Discernment is led by our Director, Rev. Dr. Craig MacLeod Walls. Dr. Walls has over 25 years of pastoral ministerial and consulting experience. He began his ministry as a youth pastor in Texas before accepting a call in Nebraska to plant a new church, which thrived for 15 years. From there, he became a national consultant with Disciples Church Extension Fund, where he worked with hundreds of congregations helping to clarify and often reimagine their mission and calling as a congregation. The discernment process at these congregations resulted in a new, dynamic vision for ministry, often resulting in a reimagining of the church’s building and facilities.

If you or your congregation are interested in becoming a Congregational Flourishing and Discernment Partner, please contact Dr. Walls at macleodwallsc@william.jewell.edu.