OCA Holds Strategic Planning Meeting for Lilly Endowment Initiative
OCA leaders are laying the groundwork for future church growth through a major national initiative focused on sustainable mission expansion.
SPRINGFIELD, VA — Leaders from across the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) gathered June 9–10 for a strategic planning meeting tied to the Lilly Endowment’s New Churches Initiative, a national program designed to support church planting and the development of sustainable worshiping communities.
The OCA was invited earlier this year to apply for the initiative, an opportunity church leaders described as recognition of the denomination’s organizational strength and growing missionary activity. The meeting brought together hierarchs, seminary representatives, diocesan leaders, mission clergy, and lay experts to discuss how the OCA can respond to increasing interest in Orthodoxy across North America.
Among those participating were Metr. Tikhon and Bp. Gerasim. Discussions focused on the practical and spiritual foundations necessary for healthy parish growth, including clergy formation, lay leadership, financial sustainability, and long-term mission support. Participants emphasized that successful church planting requires patience, careful planning, and strong local leadership.
Metr. Tikhon noted that the Church’s recent growth reflects God’s work among His people and called for faithful stewardship of that blessing. Participants also stressed the importance of supporting full-time clergy in mission settings and ensuring seminaries remain equipped to prepare future priests for the challenges of contemporary parish life.
The planning session marks a significant step toward the development of the OCA’s formal proposal to the Lilly Endowment, which is expected to be submitted later this summer. Church leaders said the proposal will continue to be refined using insights gathered from dioceses, seminaries, parishes, and mission communities throughout North America.
The OCA is encouraging the faithful to support missionary efforts through prayer, financial contributions, and service in a variety of ministries, including clergy, diaconal, educational, musical, and administrative roles.
Previously, the UOJ reported that won a $7.5 million Lilly Endowment grant to revamp priestly formation.
