In this episode of This is How We Thrive, host Rev. Irv White sits down with Rev. Brandi Horton to explore the origins of the Thrive initiative – how it began, what it means for churches across the Texas Annual Conference, and the vision for the future.

Thrive began as a grassroots initiative, born out of deep listening sessions among laity, clergy and Bishop Harvey from across the Texas Annual Conference. The vision for Thrive emerged as laity and clergy made it clear they were ready to reimagine what it means to be a vibrant, thriving community of faith. More so than wanting their church to thrive, each group identified the flourishing of their neighborhood as a key driver in what it means to follow Jesus as a United Methodist.

The conversation unpacks the core principles of Thrive and how it is equipping churches to be thriving congregations within thriving communities. Rev. Horton shares insights into the initiative’s key markers: Clarity, Witness, Abundance, Kinship, and Joy, and how these guide churches toward renewal and vitality.