Called to Thrive
Trevecca’s Thriving Initiative provides support so pastors can flourish in both ministry and life.
The initial years of ministry are some of the most exciting and challenging—particularly for those leading small congregations, church plants or diverse church bodies. New pastors need support when it comes to establishing healthy boundaries, preventing burnout, fostering personal holiness, managing ministerial logistics and receiving encouragement.
Established through a generous grant from the Lilly Foundation, The Thriving Initiative is a program created to bring life-giving opportunities to pastors so they can connect with one another and seek faithful, holistic practices for their own lives.
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The Thriving Initiative supports pastors in the early years of ministry by cultivating healthy rhythms and meaningful spiritual friendships. Through mentoring cohorts, coaching and spiritual direction, the initiative creates space for pastors to grow in well-being, relationships, authenticity and long-term sustainability in ministry.
At the heart of the program are 10-month mentoring cohorts made up of 6–10 pastors who share similar ministry contexts and are guided by two experienced mentors. Participants begin with The Gathering, a three-day in-person spiritual direction retreat and cohort sessions. Cohorts then meet virtually each month—both as a group and individually with a mentor—throughout the program.
The experience concludes with a closing retreat, offering time for reflection, renewal and celebration of the journey together.
In addition to the cohort program, The Thriving Initiative also offers one-on-one coaching and spiritual direction, providing personalized support for leadership growth, spiritual formation and navigating the challenges of ministry.
Program Leadership
The program is coordinated by Rev. Brad Bellomy and Rev. Carmen Russell, who serve as co-coordinators. Carmen Russell is the lead pastor of Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Lexington, KY, and is passionate about helping pastors cultivate healthy rhythms for sustainable ministry. Brad Bellomy serves as the lead pastor of Goodlettsville Church of the Nazarene near Nashville and brings a deep commitment to mentoring and encouraging pastors in their calling.
Together, they guide The Thriving Initiative in partnership with the Center for Pastoral Health.
