Below you will find stories from UU Congregations showing growth, creativity and vitality in the program that ran from 2005-2019.
History of The Breakthrough Congregation Program The Breakthrough Congregation program was a growth initiative started in 2004 during the administration of then-UUA President William Sinkford. Congregations who had experienced growth were nominated, and a four congregations were chosen to create a video to tell their story at General Assembly.
In 2017 the Breakthrough Congregations shifted gears , with the new focus on stories showcasing new models of vitality and successful approaches to leading change in UU communities of all kinds—congregations, covenanted communities or start-ups that have demonstrated new and better ways of meeting the needs of people who were currently underserved or not served at all in our religious communities. Those stories were featured in the UUWorld magazine.
In This Section
UU Fellowship San Luis Obispo, CA
Unitarian Universalists San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA
From LeaderLab
During the 5 year period when they grew from 170 to 240 members, they made an intentional effort to keep the long time members connected, and most stayed.
First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, NM
First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM
From LeaderLab
With Branches in Socorro and Edgewood, First Albuquerque grew in depth and in numbers (564 to 715) in five years.
First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, IA
First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, Des Moines, IA
From LeaderLab
After an intentional decision to grow out of a 30-year 250 member plateau, they grew the membership to 400 in eight years.
UU Church of Bloomington, IN
UU Church of Bloomington, Indiana, Bloomington, IN
From LeaderLab
Lay and professional leaders describe how they have grown in depth and in numbers (304 to 405) in the past five years.
UU of South County, Peace Dale, RI
UU Congregation of South County, Peace Dale, RI
From LeaderLab
Hear lay and professional leaders describe how they have grown in depth and in numbers (93 to 128) in the past five years.
All Souls Church Unitarian in Washington, DC
All Souls Church Unitarian, Washington, DC
From LeaderLab
After a major conflict, the church rebounded from 160 to over 500 by embracing its multicultural values and its spiritual connections.
All Souls UU Church, Kansas City, MO
All Souls UU Church, Kansas City, MO
From LeaderLab
A church boldly faced its problematic behaviors and focused on navigating the diversity already in its midst, and grew from 350 to 520 members.
Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship, IL
Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship, Carbondale, IL
From LeaderLab
The congregation's leaders said there were seven values that sustained and guided them: we value everyone's voice; it's okay to ask for help; we value the advice we receive; we value the generosity of angels; we value the growth of liberal religion; we value social justice; and we value fun.
First Parish, Sherborn, MA
UU Area Church at First Parish Sherborn, Sherborn, MA
From LeaderLab
A 300+ year old church renews itself by focusing on mission, covenant, and welcoming.
First UU Church of Dallas, TX
The First Unitarian Church of Dallas, Dallas, TX
From LeaderLab
Currently the congregation has more than 1000 active members, and its leaders believe they have broken through "unseen and powerful barriers by taking care of the church building, planning for the future, and welcoming visitors."
Pacific Unitarian Church, Rancho Pales Verdes, CA
Pacific Unitarian Church, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
From LeaderLab
They moved beyond their former mentality of scarcity and invest in new facilities, programs, and personnel, and…we needed to become a fair compensation congregation.
Quimper UU Fellowship, Port Townsend, WA
Quimper UU Fellowship, Port Townsend, WA
From LeaderLab
A congregation in a community of 8000 grew from a house church to 220 members, partly on the strength of the religious education program.
UU Church of Annapolis, MD
UU Church of Annapolis, Annapolis, MD
From LeaderLab
A church focuses on shared ministry, community building, and religious exploration as a growth strategy.
UU Church of Peoria, IL
Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria, Peoria, IL
From LeaderLab
They chose to give up a historic building they dearly loved in order to build a new, larger home as their gift to the future.
UU Congregation of Beaufort, SC
UU Fellowship of Beaufort, Beaufort, SC
From LeaderLab
A multiracial congregation offers a liberal sanctuary in a conservative area.
UU Congregation of Fairfax., VA
UU Congregation of Fairfax, Oakton, VA
From LeaderLab
Making welcoming part of everyone's responsibility, and putting energy into small group ministry helped this congregation achieve sustained growth.
UU Fellowship of Mankato, MN
UU Fellowship of Mankato, Mankato, MN
From GA Presentations
A small congregation of about 50 adults takes a leap of faith, hires a new minister and buys a building, and grows to 180 members.
UU Fellowship of Wayne County in Wooster, OH
UU Fellowship of Wayne County Ohio, Wooster, OH
From LeaderLab
This congregation thrives because "This congregation says 'yes!' "Newcomers feel warmly welcomed, there are lots of activities aimed at getting people together, people feel their talents are appreciated.
Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, PA
Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA
From LeaderLab
A suburban congregation looks to renew its sense of mission by buying a building in a diverse neighborhood.
Unitarian Church of Summit, NJ
Beacon UU Congregation in Summit, Summit, NJ
From LeaderLab
To celebrate their Centennial, they planned to raise and give away $100,000 and perform 100 hours of service, which helped unify the congregation.
Unity Temple, Oak Park, IL
Unity Temple UU Congregation, Oak Park, IL
From LeaderLab
This congregation grew from 250 to 500 members and its budget has grown from $144,000 to $740,000 in ten years.
Westside UU Congregation, Seattle, WA
Westside UU Congregation, Seattle, WA
From LeaderLab
Shifting from a humanist fellowship to a more spiritual and inclusive community helped them reach the goal of owning their own building.
White Bear UU Church in Mahtomedi, MN
White Bear UU Church, Mahtomedi, MN
From LeaderLab
Focusing on key values and core mission enabled the congregation to grow without straining their budget.
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