In 1967, Dr. Carlyle Marney, celebrated pastor and author, founded Interpreter’s House at Lake Junaluska.  As this work grew, Dr. Mark Rouch, a denominational leader of continuing education for the United Methodist Church, joined the Interpreter’s House staff. 

In 1978, Dr. Rouch established The Intentional Growth Center, and subsequently its work became centered in the historic Atkins House, the family home of Bishop James Atkins, one of Lake Junaluska’s founders. 

In 1988, Dr. James I. Warren succeeded Dr. Rouch as Director.  In that same year, the Intentional Growth Center became an agency of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Administrative Council and although IGC maintains an ecumenical stance, it is strongly related to the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

In 2000, Dr. Larry Ousley succeeded Dr. Warren as Director.  Under Dr. Ousley’s direction the IGC continued its work of offering educational, training and enrichment opportunities each year.  Many of these were offered at Lake Junaluska, but others took place at sites across the Southeastern Jurisdiction.  Dr. Ousley retired in 2017.  During the next two years, the Board of Directors studied the history of the IGC, examined the current reality of continuing education and the needs of the wider church, and explored new directions that would move the organization in a way that honored the past while charting a strong future.

In 2019 the Board of Directors of IGC made the decision to transition from being a programming organization to become a grant funding entity.  This was made possible by two major endowments:  The Martha Frances Morgan and Ethel Elizabeth Morgan Trust, and the Bishop Edward Tullis Ministry Reserve Fund.

Throughout it’s history, the Intentional Growth Center has been dedicated to opportunities that increase the effectiveness of pastors, lay leadership, and congregations.  We remain committed to Christian Discipleship and Church Leader Development and look forward to funding and supporting ministry partners in the years ahead.