The College for Congregational Development (CCD) is an intensive two-year program designed for teams of lay and clergy leaders to develop leadership skills for parish growth and health. CCD’s goals include helping parishes become more faithful, effective, and healthy. Based in the academic disciplines of congregational and organization development, CCD is also rooted in the identity, doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church.

CCD is recommended by the Office of Congregational Vitality for parishes facing significant challenges, who have also decided they are ready to do the work to change. Parishes either holding steady or thriving, but still looking for further growth, should also consider this program. Parishes in transition or going through a sudden trauma or crisis are not the best candidates for this program. Our Office can assist such congregations through the crisis before they consider CCD.

Parishes considering CCD should contact The Office of Congregational Vitality to confirm they are ready to make the commitment to move forward towards vitality through CCD. The Office of Congregational Vitality will work with the existing parish leadership to find the best candidates to attend the college, which consists of two week-long  intensive, residential sessions over two consecutive summers.  Please note that the training days are long, starting early in the morning, and going until after dinner, which is why our best practice is for the summer intensives to be a residential program.

In partnership with congregations of the diocese, the bishop’s office will pay a portion of the tuition for parishes in the Diocese of Atlanta. The total cost of tuition (which includes room and board) is $1200 per person.  Tuition for participants from Diocese of Atlanta parishes is $600 per person in 2025.