Beyond Words Count Us In Chicago

08/29/2026

Calling All Pastors, Ministry Leaders, Executive Ministers, Youth Pastors & Lay Leaders!

Make plans today to join us for the THR!VE Pastors Growth Summit on Friday, September 11th!

Don't let financial resources stand in the way of your growth and development. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we've introduced a "Select a Fee That Fits Your Budget" registration option, making this transformative leadership experience accessible to every leader. Opportunities of this caliber at this level of affordability are virtually unheard of.
The THR!VE Pastors Initiative is committed to equipping and empowering pastors and ministry leaders throughout the Chicagoland region for greater impact, healthier leadership, and holistic engagement. Through practical tools, innovative strategies, and meaningful relationships, we are helping leaders cultivate healthy, sustainable, and thriving churches and ministries.

Friends, this is an opportunity you do not want to miss! Many leaders invest thousands of dollars to access the caliber of faculty, coaching, and leadership expertise that will be gathered for this Summit.

So, what are you waiting for? Invest in yourself, strengthen your ministry, and position your leadership for the season ahead. Register today!

We can't wait to welcome you to the historic Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church on Friday, September 11th for a day of inspiration, encouragement, connection, and growth.

Your next level of leadership is waiting. We'll see you there!

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2026THRIVE

08/22/2026

08/04/2026

THR!VE PASTORS GROWTH SUMMIT 2026
Friday | September 11, 2026 | 8:30am

All church leaders are invited to this unique opportunity for collaborative learning, leadership development, and community engagement.

The THR!VE Pastors Growth Summit 2026 is designed to be an inclusive space where pastors and church leaders from diverse backgrounds come together to gain practical insights, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen their capacity to serve their congregations and communities.

Participants will explore timely and relevant topics, including:

Congregational Community Engagement
Coalition Building
Energy is a Compass
Policy Formation
Resource Discovery
Racial Justice Reform
Women Violence Reduction Solutions

These sessions will be led by an exceptional lineup of speakers who are recognized experts in their respective fields. Each presenter will share practical strategies, innovative ideas, and valuable resources that participants can immediately apply within their ministries and communities.

Your Registration Includes
Complimentary Lunch
Networking opportunities with pastors and community leaders
Certificate of Completion recognizing your commitment to leadership development and community impact
Register Here: tinyurl.com/2026Thrive

Join us for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and practical learning as we equip church leaders to strengthen congregations, build partnerships, and create lasting change throughout our communities.

Location: Quinn Chapel AME Church
2401 S. Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60616

Hosted by: Rev. Alvin C. Bibbs, Sr.
Founder & Visionary Leader, THR!VE Pastors Initiative
Lunch Will Be Provided

For more information, contact
[email protected]

07/13/2026

The BEYOND WORDS Movement continues to model authentic, life-giving relationships across economic, racial, and social divides.

We launched BWM in 2020 to confront structural injustice and systemic racism, this movement has become a powerful witness to unity, courage, and transformational community across the country. Against the odds, Pastor Sandy and Pastor Mattie remain steadfast in advancing this strategic mission locally right here in Chicago and unapologetically answering the call for such a time as this.

Their leadership continues to inspire individuals, churches, and communities to move beyond conversation and into meaningful action. If you are a local church, faith leader, or community member committed to going BEYOND WORDS, we invite you to join this important gathering in Oak Park, IL on Sunday, July 19th.

Together, let's build bridges, foster understanding, and advance the work of justice and reconciliation.

07/10/2026

124 young people. Chicago Police officers. Countless meaningful conversations.

On July 2, the JustBRUNCH Conversations Initiative welcomed 124 youth from across Chicago to the Chicago Police Department Headquarters for a day dedicated to honest dialogue, relationship-building, and community engagement.

Together, youth, parents, and law enforcement officers shared more than a meal—they shared stories, listened with empathy, challenged assumptions, and built bridges of understanding.

At Justice Journey Alliance, Leadership Foundation of Chicago, we believe that stronger communities begin with meaningful conversations. Through initiatives like JustBRUNCH Conversations, we're creating safe spaces where every voice is heard, trust is nurtured, and relationships are strengthened—one conversation at a time.

A special thank you to:
🍕 Marc & Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation for providing lunch from Lou Malnati's Pizza.
🤝Jenny Chang for facilitating impactful active listening and storytelling exercises.
🤝 Johnny Razor, the Youth District Advisory Council (YDAC), the Chicago Police Department, and all participating officers and staff for their unwavering commitment to Chicago's youth.
📸 Mike Morgan of Ripe Melon Photography for capturing these unforgettable moments.

When we choose conversation over division, we create opportunities for healing, understanding, and safer communities.

Together, we're transforming conversations into connections.

06/27/2026