Grantee Directory

The Transformational Communities Network (TCN) is a project initiated by the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in order to strengthen local congregations and rejuvenate communities. Over the past seven years, TCN has successfully trained and integrated an average of four new congregations annually. The program provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to help congregations collaborate with their communities, assess their current realities, identify strengths, map community assets, define a shared vision, and develop actionable strategic plans. TCN facilitates continuous peer-to-peer support and learning through bi-annual Shalom summits, regular webinars, monthly online story-sharing, and ongoing coaching and consultation. In response to challenges such as declining attendance, an aging demographic, social changes, denominational schisms, and the impacts of COVID-19, the Rio Texas Annual Conference is expanding its capacity by partnering with Travis Park United Methodist Church, the New Wineskins Initiative, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and the Las Misiones District to establish the Academy for Community Transformation. Located at Travis Park UMC in San Antonio, this academy offers a comprehensive curriculum for both lay and clergy leaders.