At Nitrogen, we believe that when leaders THRIVE—emotionally, spiritually, and practically—churches are empowered to make disciples, and communities rediscover hope and a future.
At Nitrogen, we believe that when leaders THRIVE—emotionally, spiritually, and practically—churches are empowered to make disciples, and communities rediscover hope and a future.
Founded in 2008 by Dr. Phil Struckmyer, Nitrogen Urban Network began with a vision to plant churches and make disciples. Phil’s first church plant grew to over 1,000 members in a town of just 4,000, leading to the planting of nine churches in ten years. Troy Evans, who experienced the Nitrogen Bootcamp Process, planted an urban hip-hop church that mobilized hundreds of young adults in disciple-making. Together, Phil and Troy have collaborated with movement makers across the U.S. and the U.K., resulting in the planting of hundreds of churches. In 2021, Nitrogen relaunched with a renewed focus on equipping urban leaders through its newest initiative—THRIVE. Our mission is to equip urban pastors and leaders with the tools and support they need to create lasting change.
THRIVE is designed to support urban pastors and leaders through three key initiatives:
THRIVE is designed to support urban pastors and leaders through three key initiatives:
Urban pastors often feel overwhelmed and isolated, which leads to burnout. Our six-month Pastors Thriving Together journey connects leaders with experienced practitioners for coaching, peer support, and hands-on training. We emphasize the Hero Maker mindset — raising up leaders who multiply disciples.
Key Highlights:
Pastors also receive coaching on resource management, fundraising, and community engagement to serve effectively and sustainably.
Urban pastors often feel overwhelmed and isolated, which leads to burnout. Our six-month Pastors Thriving Together journey connects leaders with experienced practitioners for coaching, peer support, and hands-on training. We emphasize the Hero Maker mindset — raising up leaders who multiply disciples.
Key Highlights:
Pastors also receive coaching on resource management, fundraising, and community engagement to serve effectively and sustainably.
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping our world, and urban communities deserve a seat at the table. Through AI, The Church & Urban Communities, we equip churches to use AI responsibly—bridging the digital divide, opening new career paths, and fostering innovative outreach.
Key Highlights:
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping our world, and urban communities deserve a seat at the table. Through AI, The Church & Urban Communities, we equip churches to use AI responsibly—bridging the digital divide, opening new career paths, and fostering innovative outreach.
Key Highlights:
Many people in urban areas turn to churches first when mental health challenges arise, yet pastors and lay leaders rarely have formal training. In partnership with Restored Counseling Group, our Mental Health & The Church program teaches congregations to recognize warning signs, reduce stigma, and offer first-line support or referrals.
Key Highlights:
Many people in urban areas turn to churches first when mental health challenges arise, yet pastors and lay leaders rarely have formal training. In partnership with Restored Counseling Group, our Mental Health & The Church program teaches congregations to recognize warning signs, reduce stigma, and offer first-line support or referrals.
Key Highlights:
Each program meets a unique need, forming a holistic approach:
When combined, churches become centers of hope—providing spiritual care, mental health support, and empowering communities with relevant skills that spark true community renewal.
So far, THRIVE has empowered 35 churches in Michigan. At the top of 2025, we have launched THRIVE in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Indianapolis with REAL IMPACT:
“Nitrogen gave us space to reimagine church and disciple-making. We’re thankful to be back in the game.”
– Pastor Darrell
After eight years of ministry, Darrell and Kisha faced challenges with stalled growth and a lack of culturally relevant resources. Through six months of THRIVE coaching, they refocused their church on discipleship and outreach—leading to 30% growth, seven salvations, a doubled leadership team, and expanded community partnerships.
“Nitrogen gave us space to reimagine church and disciple-making. We’re thankful to be back in the game.”
– Pastor Darrell
After eight years of ministry, Darrell and Kisha faced challenges with stalled growth and a lack of culturally relevant resources. Through six months of THRIVE coaching, they refocused their church on discipleship and outreach—leading to 30% growth, seven salvations, a doubled leadership team, and expanded community partnerships.
– Troy Evans / Co-Founder
– Troy Evans / Co-Founder
We can’t do this alone. Your involvement is vital to reaching the 260,600 people who need Jesus in these four zones. Thanks to our generous partnership with Lilly Endowment, every dollar invested will be doubled!
When leaders thrive, churches flourish. When churches flourish, entire neighborhoods discover hope and possibility. Join THRIVE today to equip urban pastors, empower congregations, and reach the 260,600 who have yet to confess Jesus as Lord. Together, we can build healthier communities by meeting real needs in real life—five pastors, five churches, five neighborhoods at a time.
Click here to schedule a short video call and speak to someone about partnering with the THRIVE Initiative.
Spend time in one of our focus areas to “Live, Listen, Learn, and Return” with fresh insights and skills for your own ministry.
Cover pastors, churches, and communities in prayer, asking God to raise up disciple-makers and bring healing where it’s needed most.
While our THRIVE programming is currently grant-funded and available in select cities, our for-profit arm, SimpleNow, provides affordable, contextualized training, coaching, planning, and tools designed for urban leaders. The best part? Every dollar you spend with SimpleNow goes directly toward equipping more urban leaders through our mission.
CLICK BELOW to access FREE tools or set up a custom training, coaching, or planning session!
