Welcome to Thriving in Ministry

Empowering Clergy & Their Families to Thrive Together

Thriving in Ministry offers clergy and clergy wives a transformative Peer Learning program, supported by the Orthodox Church in America’s Office of Pastoral Life and a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, fostering resilience and growth in shared ministry.

Empowering Clergy & Clergy Wives, Strengthening Ministry Together

Discover Thriving in Ministry

Clergy & Clergy Wives

Thriving in Ministry (TIM) is a resource for clergy and clergy wives, administered by the Orthodox Church in America’s (OCA) Office of Pastoral Life. In 2018 we were awarded a generous grant through the Lilly Endowment to further develop a program of Peer Learning to support our clergy and clergy wives. Our program was so successful that we were awarded another five year sustainability grant in 2024. Our program director, Fr. Nicholas Solak (email), as well as our facilitators are dedicated to working with clergy, clergy wives, dioceses, and parishes of all jurisdictions to promote health and vibrancy in our shared ministry.

Pan-Orthodox

Thriving in Ministry peer group participation is open to all canonical Eastern Orthodox priests and priests wives in good standing. We are a pan-Orthodox project, currently serving 130 participants from six jurisdictions.

Facilitators

The Thriving in Ministry model is that of consistent, small peer groups. Peer groups can be formed for in person meetings when all participants are geographically close to each other, or online when Zoom is the only feasible format. Groups are separated by priests or priests’ wives, allowing for greater vulnerability and understanding of each other’s role in the church. Groups are led by a trained and compensated facilitator, who are the backbone of our program.

Empowering Spiritual Caregivers

Upcoming Events

Stay Connected and Engaged with Our Calendar of Events. Explore Workshops, Retreats, and Community Gatherings Tailored to Support Your Spiritual Journey and Professional Development.

Join us for the Thriving in Ministry Fall Facilitator Retreat, an exclusive event designed to empower and support our dedicated facilitators. This retreat offers a unique opportunity for personal renewal, professional growth, and meaningful connections…
Wed, 16 Oct - 19 Oct
Join us for a day dedicated to fostering connections and forming small clergy peer learning groups for priests and priests' wives in the greater Chicago area. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to share experiences,…
Sat, 19 Oct,  09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Join our monthly office hours designed specifically for Thriving in Ministry facilitators. This is your opportunity to connect, share insights, and receive support tailored to your unique journey.
Mon, 04 Nov,  01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Join our monthly office hours designed specifically for Thriving in Ministry facilitators. This is your opportunity to connect, share insights, and receive support tailored to your unique journey.
Mon, 02 Dec,  01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.

St. Ephrem the Syrian