Thriving Since 2016.
About Us.
Our History.
Pastor Brian Bougher dreamed of planting a church with a simple goal – to see people Thrive with God in their lives. With the help of a team of 34 people committed to seeing this dream become a reality, Thrive Church began on September 11, 2016. That Sunday over 150 people attended our first service at the Taft School in Lockport. Lockport was the place we were called to because of its unique position individually and geographically. Individually, Lockport is a town which maintains a strong community feel and involvement, embraces the arts, and cherishes its past and future. Geographically, Lockport sits as the literal bridge town between the West and South suburbs where the upper, middle, and lower class converge living side by side. This was a great place to “port” and export the message of the Gospel to Lockport and all the surrounding southland of Chicago.
From the beginning, Thrive Church focused on reaching out to the non-churched community by building relationships through consistent community involvement and outreach, authentic faith, and Circles (small groups). The life-giving message of the Gospel, the passion and joy of Sunday services, and the simple style of Thrive Church brought steady growth. In our first year, the church grew to around 80 people in weekly attendance, and nearly 50 people committed their lives to Christ. At the same time, the church saw their events and special services grow, while impacting the community and creating a reputation of a church that cares about its community and all people.
