New study for individuals, small groups

Searching for true fulfillment? Make gratitude a starting point.

Gratitude is a powerful tool to shape our hope for the future. Discover how to recognize God’s gifts, even when life gets in the way.

Gratitude is about more than what is currently good in our lives. It's also a way of remembering the things we value - the things that bring us to where we are today.

The Foundation has partnered with Rev. Dr. John McGill to present Grounded in Gratitude, a guide for practicing gratitude as a first response, not a last resort. Five interconnected chapters move from theological foundation to practical application. The weekly structure includes these elements:

  • Challenging Question of the Week
  • Scripture Lesson
  • Shifting Our View
  • Making It Personal
  • Share and Prayer

Available resources include a Leader’s Notes booklet and a toolkit for churches interested in congregation-wide studies.

For questions or more information, please contact Caroline Wood, the Foundation’s Director of Programs, via email or by phone at 888-450-1956, Ext. 1002.

Access Grounded in Gratitude
Gratitude square image 1
John McGill 1920x1080

About the Author

After 30 years in the local church, John McGill has found a new way to serve. His call is to help people of faith strengthen their spiritual-emotional selves so that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).

John’s organization, We Do EQ, uses the science of emotional intelligence to equip and empower ministry practitioners.

While recovering from a particularly hard season of ministry, John began to explore core concepts of emotional intelligence alongside scripture for spiritual and emotional health, stress reduction, anxiety management, and greater resilience. These learnings became life-changing, and now John is bringing EQ training to a wider audience.

John holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University, a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a DMin. from United Theological Seminary. John and his wife, Anita, are the proud parents of Rachel, Jaya, and Isaac. In his off hours, you’ll find John enjoying time with family, hiking a trail, or looking for a new adventure.

Recognizing God’s grace in unexpected places

The statesman and philosopher Cicero once said: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

If you looked up every passage in Scripture that references gratitude and similar concepts such as thankfulness, remembrance, and appreciation, you would find 400+ verses. That’s one reference every other page. Gratitude matters to God, and therefore, it should matter to us.

The more we recognize and identify the work of God happening all around us, the more we start to notice God’s work in the present… and expect God’s work in the future.

Access Grounded in Gratitude
Page 12 image - 2

What to Expect Each Week

  • 01Week One: Gratitude Shapes Us
  • 02Week Two: Appreciating Grief
  • 03Week Three: Thankfulness in the Midst of Fear
  • 04Week Four: Grateful for Anger
  • 05Week Five: Multiplying Gladness with Gratitude

About the Foundation

The Foundation’s partnership in presenting Grounded in Gratitude reflects a commitment to adaptive leadership in a season of change. It also flows from a strategic vision informed by the needs and aspirations of those we serve.

Small group listening sessions with 100+ clergy and lay persons revealed deep appreciation for the Foundation’s ministry offerings. Constituents also identified areas where more focus is needed, notably leadership training for laity and professional development for clergy in the middle and later stages of their careers.

Doing ministry differently starts with asking questions and listening in new ways – with our ears, our eyes, our hearts, and our minds wide open.

Thank you for your participation. It is a blessing to count you as a partner in building the Church for generations to come.

Wonder, kindness, blessing, grace

These emotions grow from gratitude and spark deep joy in our lives.

Access Grounded in Gratitude

Multiplying gifts so that all may flourish

Investment returns mean more ministry for those we serve

Partners who entrust resources with the Foundation benefit from a disciplined, time-tested philosophy. Strong returns enable more of God's work to be carried out.

Learn More >

Make your big idea a reality. This grant can help

Grants from the Reynolds Ministry Fund support promising ideas and new ways of bringing people to Christ. Learn how your project can get funded in 2026.

Learn More >

Board welcomes new chair

Jennifer Davis is the first person of color to chair the Board of Directors. Her leadership stretches from Epworth UMC in Gastonia to the highest levels of the United Methodist Connection.

Learn More >