Christian Theological Seminary, an ecumenical seminary based in Indianapolis, today announces 229 congregations from across the United States have been selected to receive grants through the Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program and the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations. The grants help congregations honor and support their pastors by enabling them to engage in a period of extended rest and renewal. Recipients may use the respite for activities that encourage them to reflect and renew while engaging in activities such as travel, scholarly research, or immersive experiences with different cultures and traditions.
“Pastors play such important roles in nurturing the spiritual lives of individuals and families and guiding the ministries of congregations,” said Christopher L. Coble, Vice President for Religion at Lilly Endowment. “Yet the demands of ministry can seem relentless. We hope that these grants will help congregations honor their pastors for their extraordinary service and give them time to step away from their daily duties for rest and renewal.”
Congregations in the 2023 programs represent diverse Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic parishes and congregations from more than 28 Protestant denominations. Reflecting the collaborative nature of the grant programs, congregations and their pastors worked together to determine how the pastors will use the grants to replenish, restore, and renew their ministries.
Pastors also plan to use the awards to fund domestic and international travel. For example, one pastor will travel with family to South Korea for time with extended family there and make a pilgrimage to Jeju, exploring the spirituality of missions. Other pastors’ plans include traveling to Santa Fe, New Mexico to visit galleries and take art classes; attending a high-energy fitness bootcamp; journeying to a Reggio Children International Study Group in Bologna, Italy to immerse in learning about the Reggio Approach to Education; and staying in a cottage by the mouth of the Gullmarn fjord in Sweden to explore both ancestral and denominational roots.
In addition to travel as a form of renewal, some pastors will use time away from their congregations to engage in new spiritual disciplines, focus on time with loved ones, and study topics that renew their excitement for preaching and congregational life. Activities for congregations include exploring community gardens in relation to evangelism and community engagement, gathering as house church communities to reflect on the lives of historical house church communities from their tradition, and studying topics of wonder and sabbath keeping.
Dr. Robert Saler, Director of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary, noted that the grant programs integrate elements of support, trust, and encouragement, which are all indicators of healthy congregations. “The programs are engineered to honor an innate human need to balance active service to others with periods of reflection and renewal. Animated by a spirit of gratitude and generosity, the programs provide a means for congregations to show appreciation for their leaders and actively invest in their pastors’ health and energy for continued ministry,” Saler said.
Since Lilly Endowment introduced the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations and the National Clergy Renewal Program in 1999 and 2000 respectively, more than 3,816 congregations across the nation have received funds to support their pastors’ renewal experiences.
In 2023, congregations have received grants totaling more than $1 million. Congregations were invited to apply for program grants of up to $60,000. The application process encourages congregations to be actively engaged in designing and developing their pastors’ proposed renewal experiences. Pastors’ families can also participate in the renewal activities. Congregations can allocate up to $25,000 of the grant to fund interim pastoral leadership, as well as renewal activities within the congregation.
Christian Theological Seminary has administered the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs since 2012. “As our nation and our world navigate complex health, environmental, and geo-political threats, these grants enable pastors and their congregations to actively partake in the gifts of retreat and renewal that are so needed today,” Saler says.
Award Recipients in the National Clergy Renewal Program:
Alabama
Fort Deposit, AL – Snow Hill Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Dale Braxton
Huntsville, AL – Valley United Methodist Church, the Rev. Jennifer Wren Clanton
Alaska
Anchorage, AK – First Korean Baptist Church of Anchorage, the Rev. Jea One Lee
Arizona
Chandler, AZ – Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Christine Stoxen
Goodyear, AZ—Iglesia Nuevo Dia, the Rev. Sammy Alfaro
Oro Valley, AZ – Oro Valley United Church of Christ, the Rev. George Drew Terry
Tucson, AZ – Grace to the Nations, the Rev. Jorge Apodaca
Arkansas
Bentonville, AR – Immanuel Korean Baptist Church, the Rev. Doyoung Jung
California
Anaheim, CA – Hope Community Church of Anaheim, the Revs. Gregory and Penny Tucker
Baldwin Park, CA – Church of the Redeemer Assembly of God, the Rev. Paul Flores
Castro Valley, CA – Neighborhood Church of Castro Valley, the Rev. Daniel Strange
Clayton, CA – Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Barbara Barkley
Davis, CA – The University (Evangelical) Covenant Church, the Rev. John Fanous
Fremont, CA – South Bay Community Church, the Rev. Tammy Long
Hayward, CA – Eden United Church of Christ, the Rev. Marvin Wiser
Laguna Beach, CA – Calvary Church of Laguna Beach, the Rev. Jeffrey Tacklind
Los Angeles, CA – Centro Cristiano Agape de las Asambleas de Dios, the Rev. Salvador Sanchez
Los Angeles, CA—Iglesia del Pacto Evangelico de Eagle Rock, the Rev. Juan Martinez
Los Angeles, CA – Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, the Rev. George Eugene Hurtt
Los Angeles, CA – Templo Victoria de las Asambleas de Dios, the Rev. John J. Alvarez
Los Angeles, CA – United Baptist Church of Los Angeles, the Rev. Carlos Arce
Oakland, CA – First Covenant Church of Oakland, the Rev. Sarah Henry
Orinda, CA – Orinda Community Church, the Rev. Elizabeth Robinson
Redlands, CA – First Presbyterian Church of Redlands, the Rev. Cheryl Raine
San Dimas, CA – Foothills Vineyard Christian Fellowship, the Rev. Jon Maurer
San Francisco, CA – Christ Church of San Francisco, the Rev. Toby Kurth
San Francisco, CA – San Francisco True Light Korean Methodist Church, the Rev. Si Yong Ha
San Luis Obispo, CA – Journey Christian Fellowship, the Rev. Young McCann
Saratoga, CA – Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Sara Pearson
Sunnyvale, CA –Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Hardy Kim
Tiburon, CA – Westminster United Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Bethany Nelson
Turlock, CA – Cornerstone Covenant Church, the Rev. Amanda Oppenhuizen
Colorado
Berthoud, CO – First Presbyterian Church of Berthoud, the Rev. Christopher Brown
Boulder, CO – Community United Church of Christ, the Rev. Nicole Lamarche
Broomfield, CO – Holy Spirit Church (Anglican), the Rev. Chris Bollegar
Evergreen, CO – Lutheran Church of the Cross, the Rev. Philip Reimers
Fort Collins, CO – The First Baptist Church of Fort Collins, Colorado, the Rev. Zachary Yarbrough
Loveland, CO – First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Rev. Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson
Connecticut
New London, CT – Oasis of Restoration, the Rev. Josue Rosado Colon
Delaware
Newark, DE – LifePath Church, the Rev. Keith Miller
Florida
Coral Gables, FL – Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Jorge Cotto
Gainesville, FL – The United Church of Gainesville, the Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Christ Episcopal Church, the Rev. Andreis Diaz
St. Augustine, FL – Memorial Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Hunter Camp
Wildwood, FL – Lake Deaton United Methodist Church, the Rev. James Divine
Georgia
Atlanta, GA – St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Angela Shepherd
Augusta, GA—Tabernacle Baptist Church, the Rev. Charles Goodman, Jr.
Bogart, GA – Athens Korean Church, the Rev. Pan Park
Marietta, GA – St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Sarah Fisher
Peachtree City, GA – First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City, the Rev. Morgan Hay
Hawaii
Aiea, HI – Calvary Church of the Pacific, the Rev. Landon Miller
Illinois
Cary, IL – St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, the Rev. Sarah Wilson
Champaign, IL – University Place Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Kristine Light
Chicago, IL – Christ Church Chicago, the Rev. Bing Nieh
Chicago, IL – Edgebrook Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Garrett Klein
Chicago, IL – Faith Community Presbyterian Church, the Rev. John Chu
Chicago, IL – Grant Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Reginald Blount
Chicago, IL – Greater St. John Bible Church, the Rev. Ira J. Acree
Chicago, IL – Queen of All Saints Catholic Basilica, the Rev. Simon F Braganza
Danville, IL – Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Adam Harmon
Evanston, IL – Second Baptist Church of Evanston, the Rev. Michael Nabors
Gurnee, IL – Living Waters Cathedral Church of God in Christ, the Rev. Paul E. Jones
Rockford, IL—Iglesia del Pacto Vida Eterna, the Rev. Mario Rolando Torres
Tinley Park, IL – Faith United Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Adam Malak
Wheeling, IL – The Calvary Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Brian Kim
Iowa
Cedar Rapids, IA – St. Matthew Catholic Church, the Rev. Douglas J. Loecke
Kansas
Andover, KS – Hope Community Church, the Rev. Nick Martineau
Olathe, KS – Christ Community Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Scott Dement
Overland Park, KS – Christ Community Evangelical Free Church, the Rev. Gabe Coyle
Kentucky
Louisville, KY – Bethany United Church of Christ, the Rev. Ann Houlette
Louisville, KY – Christ Temple Apostolic Church, the Rev. Michael E. Ford, Jr.
Louisville, KY – Highland Baptist Church of Louisville, the Rev. Renee Purtlebaugh
Midway, KY – Midway Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Mary Weese
Louisiana
New Orleans, LA – Beulah Baptist Church, the Rev. Willie Bradford, Jr.
Massachusetts
Boston, MA – Park Street Church, the Rev. Julian Linnell
Boston, MA – Symphony Church, the Rev. Barry Kang
Marshfield, MA – Marshfield United Methodist Church , the Rev. Mark Huber
Needham, MA – The Congregational Church of Needham, the Rev. John Gage
Michigan
Dexter, MI – Dexter Methodist Church, the Rev. Matt Hook
Gladwin, MI – Christ the King Lutheran Church, the Rev. Emily Olsen
Grand Haven, MI – First Reformed Church of Grand Haven, the Rev. John Kenny
Grand Rapids, MI – City Life Church, the Rev. Christy Lipscomb
Grand Rapids, MI – The Local Church, GR, the Rev. Toran Scott
Kalamazoo, MI – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jacob Lehman
Novi, MI – Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, the Rev. Ian Reed Twiss
Minnesota
Alexandria, MN – Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Hans Dahl
Bloomington, MN – Christ the King Lutheran Church, the Rev. Rory Philstrom
Brainerd, MN – First Congregational United Church of Christ of Brainerd, the Rev. Leslie Moughty
Cook, MN – First Baptist Church, the Rev. Jared James John Bangs
Duluth, MN – Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jeffery Davis
Duluth, MN – First United Methodist Church, the Rev. Jeanine Alexander
Moorhead, MN – The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, the Rev. Mary Suomala Folkerds
Northfield, MN – First United Church of Christ, the Rev. Lauren Baske Davis
Oronoco, MN – Presbyterian Church of Oronoco, the Rev. Lisa Johnson
Shoreview, MN – Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, the Rev. Renee Patterson
Missouri
Columbia, MO – Karis Community Church, the Rev. Kevin Larson
Lee’s Summit, MO – Lee’s Summit Christian Church, the Rev. Seth Vopat
Montana
Billings, MT – King of Glory Lutheran Church, the Revs. Benjamin and Jennifer Quanbeck
Nebraska
Omaha, NE – Providence Church, the Rev. Andrew Rutten
New Hampshire
Keene, NH – St. James Episcopal Church, the Rev. Elsa Worth
Weare, NH – Christ Community Church, the Rev. Brian Smith
New Jersey
Burlington, NJ – Lighthouse Worship Center, the Rev. Veronica Russell-Pollard
Hightstown, NJ – First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, the Rev. Lisa Day
Millburn, NJ – St. Stephen’s Church, the Rev. Paula J. Toland
Morristown, NJ – Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Sidney Williams
Patterson, NJ – Iglesia Cristiano Fuente de Salvacion – Paterson, the Revs. Julio and Jackie Ramos
Princeton, NJ –Trinity Church, the Rev. Paul Jeanes
Woodlynne, NJ – Asbury United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dennis L. Blackwell
New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM – All Saints Lutheran Church, the Rev. Kristin Schultz
Albuquerque, NM – First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Rev. Sue Joiner
Albuquerque, NM – Second United Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Robert Woodruff
New York
Bronx, NY – St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Longwood, the Rev. Theodora Brooks
Brooklyn, NY – Park Slope United Methodist Church, the Rev. Melissa Hinnen
New York, NY – Broadway Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Chris Shelton
New York, NY – First Corinthian Baptist Church, the Rev. Desiree Elder
New York, NY – Madison Avenue Baptist Church, the Rev. Susan Sparks
Rochester, NY – St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church, the Rev. Keith Patterson
Rochester, NY – St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, the Rev. Leslie Burkardt
Tarrytown, NY – First Korean Methodist Church of New York, the Rev. In Gyu Song
North Carolina
Black Mountain, NC – St. James Episcopal Church, the Rev. Judith Whelchel
Cary, NC – Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Christopher Alton Furr
Charlotte, NC – Friendship Missionary Baptist church, the Rev. Michelle Jones
Clemmons, NC – River Oaks Community Church, the Rev. Andrew Wild
Davidson, NC – St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Carmen Germino
Hendersonville, NC – First Congregational Church of Hendersonville, the Rev. Karla Miller
Raleigh, NC – Redeemer Anglican Church of Raleigh, the Rev. Ford Jordan
Raleigh, NC – Redeemer Presbyterian Church in America, the Rev. Daniel Seale
Southern Pines, NC – Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, the Rev. John Hage
Wake Forest, NC – North Wake Baptist Church, the Rev. Jacob Mason
Wilmington, NC – Church of the Servant Episcopal, the Rev. Jody Greenwood
Winston-Salem, NC – St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Virginia Wilder
North Dakota
Minot, ND – First Lutheran Church, the Rev. Brandy Gerjets
Ohio
Cincinnati, OH – Knox Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Jana Reister
Cincinnati, OH – Northminster Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Greg Kennedy
Cincinnati, OH – The Church of the Redeemer, the Rev. Philip Hart DeVaul
Cincinnati, OH – Calvary Episcopal Church, Clifton, the Rev. Allison English
Cleveland, OH – Lee Road Baptist Church, the Rev. James Quincy
Cleveland Heights, OH – Fairmount Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Lindsay Harren-Lewis
Columbus, OH – Columbus Korean United Methodist Church, the Rev. Yijoon Chang
Columbus, OH – Second Baptist Church, the Rev. Harold Washington
Dayton, OH – Zion Baptist Church, the Rev. Rockney C. Carter
Hamilton, OH – St. Paul Miracle Center, the Rev. Harold Andrews II
Maple Heights, OH – Warrensville Road Community Baptist Church, the Rev. Gregory Walker
Sandusky, OH – St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Union Corners, the Rev. Stacy Lauer-Scovanner
Oregon
Medford, OR – First Baptist Church of Medford, the Rev. Gregory Spires
Portland, OR – Sunset Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Steve Lowell Ruetschle
Salem, OR – Evergreen Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Christopher Ronald Bechtel
Salem, OR – Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church, the Rev. Robert Toornstra
Pennsylvania
Chester, PA – Ember Church, the Rev. Kevin Taylor
Lititz, PA – Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church , the Rev. Nathan Fry
Mechanicsburg, PA – Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Kathryn Johnson
South Carolina
Columbia, SC – Jones Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Rev. Thelma Deretta Thompson-Gordon
Mauldin, SC – Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Patricia Gwinn
Simpsonville, SC – Clean Hands Pure Heart Ministry, the Rev. Andre Felder, Sr.
Texas
Bastrop, TX – Calvary Episcopal Church, the Rev. Matt Stone
Dallas, TX – Northway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Virzola Law
Fort Worth, TX – Galileo Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Katie Hays
Houston, TX – Access Evangelical Covenant Church, the Rev. Grace Lin
Houston, TX – Community of Just Love, the Rev. Darnell Fennell
Houston, TX – Fresh Wind Christian Fellowship, the Rev. Marvetta Walker
Houston, TX – Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo, the Rev. Janssen Gutierrez
Katy, TX – Carismah Church – Iglesia de JesuCristo, the Rev. Christian Sebastia Almenar
Katy, TX – Katy Christian Community Church, the Rev. Keh Shiun Tan
Virginia
Ashland, VA – St. James the Less Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jeffrey “Rock” Higgins
Charlottesville, VA – Trinity Episcopal Church , the Rev. Bertram Cass Bailey
Chesapeake, VA – New Hope Baptist Church, the Rev. Sammie Logan Ill
Chesapeake, VA – Providence United Church of Christ, the Rev. Jerome Danage
Fairfax, VA – Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Rev. Daniel Roschke
Midlothian, VA – Crestwood Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Matthew Merrill
Springfield, VA – Grace Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Benton Trawick
Washington
Battle Ground, WA – CrossWay Church, the Rev. Brad Vos
Bellingham, WA – St. James Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Seth Thomas
Bellingham, WA – Christ Church Bellingham, the Rev. Nate Walker
Poulsbo, WA – Alive Covenant Church, the Rev. Daron Jagodzinske
Seattle, WA – Church of the Ascension , the Rev. Heather Wenrick
Seattle, WA – Japanese Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Satoru Nakanishi
Seattle, WA – Seattle Mennonite Church, the Rev. Megan Ramer
Seattle, WA – Quest Church, the Rev. Gail Song Bantum
Spokane, WA – New Community of Spokane, the Rev. Kevin Longmeier
Tacoma, WA – Trinity Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Matthew Dyer Robbins-Ghormley
Vancouver, WA – House of Providence, the Rev. Adam Calvert Hendrix
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. – Christ City Church, the Rev. Justin Fung
Washington D.C. – Peace Fellowship Church, the Rev. Delonte Gholston
Wisconsin
Appleton, WI – Refuge Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the Rev. Bee Vang
Cambridge, WI – Grace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jennifer Jelinek
Kenosha, WI – First United Methodist Church, the Rev. Susan Ann Patterson-Sumwall
Menomonie, WI – Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the Rev. Sarah Miller
Mt. Pleasant, WI – Mount Pleasant Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Beth Ann Lechtenberger Stone
River Falls, WI – First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Rev. Stacy Johnson
Waukesha, WI – First Baptist Church of Waukesha, the Rev. Chakravarthy Zadda
Wausau, WI – Restoration Church, the Rev. Greg Schmidt
Puerto Rico
Ensenada, PR – Iglesia Presbiteriana, the Rev. Miguel Angel Dros Lorenzo
San Juan, PR – Iglesia de Cristo Misionera, the Rev. Eleanor Vargas
Award Recipients in the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations:
Avon – Avon United Methodist Church, the Rev. Daniel Walker
Bloomington – First United Methodist Church, the Rev. Lisa Schubert Nowling
Carmel – Genesis Church Carmel, the Rev. Jerry Naville
Carmel – Mercy Road Church, the Rev. Josh Husmann
Carmel – St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Cara Spaccarelli
Eaton – Eaton Church of God, the Rev. Roger Spitler
Elkhart – Olive Mennonite Church, the Rev. Jason Ramer
Evansville – Bethlehem United Church of Christ, the Rev. Emily Slade
Gary—The Trinity Baptist Church, the Rev. Dwight Gardner
Greencastle – Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, the Rev. Bryan Langdoc
Highland – Immanuel United Church of Christ, the Rev. Merlyn Lawrence
Indianapolis – Augusta Christian Church, the Rev. Jacquelyn Powell
Indianapolis – Broadway United Methodist Church, the Rev. Shonda Gladden
Indianapolis – Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Luis Gierbolini
Indianapolis – Chapelwood Baptist Church of Indianapolis, the Rev. Dan Weller
Indianapolis – Covenant Baptist Church, the Rev. Eugene Simmons
Indianapolis – Crossroads African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jerry Davis III
Indianapolis – Downey Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Melody Merida
Indianapolis – First Baptist Church North Indianapolis, the Rev. Jerome Johnson
Indianapolis – Iglesia Bautista Gracia y Verdad, the Rev. Daniel Rodas
Indianapolis – Iglesia Ebenezer, the Rev. Alexandra Garcia
Indianapolis – Lynhurst Baptist Church, the Rev. Benjamin Wakefield
Indianapolis – Martindale Church of Christ, the Rev. Ke’tre L. Dickens
Indianapolis – New Beginnings Fellowship Church, the Rev. Alexia Ellis
Indianapolis – St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, the Rev. Robert Fuquay Jr.
Indianapolis – Temple of Praise Assembly of the Apostolic Faith, the Rev. Donald Golder
Marion – College Wesleyan Church, the Rev. Steve DeNeff
Mishawaka – St. Peter Lutheran Church, the Rev. Adam Clark
New Albany – New Albany First Church of God, the Rev. Terry Blackford
New Haven – Grace Gathering, the Rev. Chris Norman
Noblesville – Faith Community Church of Noblesville, the Rev. Patrick Michael Propst
Plainfield – Tribe Church, the Rev. Carrie Dilley
Peru – St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, the Rev. Adam Mauman
Shelbyville – Shelbyville Community Church, the Rev. Brad Davis
South Bend – Cathedral of St. James (Episcopal), the Rev. Brian Grantz
Speedway – Speedway Baptist Church, the Rev. Mark McClintock
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe. Additional information about Lilly Endowment is available at lillyendowment.org.
About Christian Theological Seminary
Located in Indianapolis, IN, Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) is a fully accredited ecumenical seminary, open to all, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Its School of Theology and School of Counseling offer graduate and doctoral degrees, certificates, and lifelong learning programs. More than 30 denominations are represented among CTS faculty and students. Additional information about CTS is available at www.cts.edu.