“Pastors play such important roles in nurturing the spiritual lives of individuals and families and guiding the ministries of congregations,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “Yet the demands of ministry can seem relentless. We hope that these grants help congregations honor their pastors for their extraordinary service and support them with the time and other resources to step away for rest and renewal so they can return to their congregations reenergized.” 

Congregations in the 2025 programs represent the broad spectrum of Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic and Orthodox parishes and congregations from 28 Protestant denominations. In harmony with the spirit of these programs, congregations and their pastors collaborated to craft plans designed to renew pastors physically and spiritually and energize them in their ministry. 

Pastors plan to use grant funds in support of domestic and international travel. For example, one pastor will worship in European churches with historical significance in Geneva, Barcelona, and Monserrat. Another pastor will travel with their spouse and children to India to reconnect with family, nurture their creative life, and learn about furniture painting. Yet another pastor will take their family on a road trip across the United States via motor home to explore iconic landmarks and meaningful cities, plan projects together, and enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace. 

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, begin exercise and other new health regimens, engage in creative work, and explore topics that spark excitement for preaching, worship, and congregational life. Grants will also fund renewal activities for congregations while their pastors are away. These include opportunities to learn from local indigenous leaders around stewardship of regional waterways, to experience working with international students and an early immigrant settlement program, as well as to craft a family retreat focused on the life and work of Martin Luther.  

Dr. Robert Saler, Director of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary, noted that interest in the grant programs has grown significantly in recent years, with higher numbers of proposals leading to increased competitiveness.  

“In these challenging and exciting times, we’re watching the applicants and awardees of these programs expand the definition of what sabbatical can mean. Some pastors are stepping away to rest, while others are stepping away to devote themselves to other aspects of their ministry and their being. Our goal is that these programs supply congregations with the means to express appreciation for their leaders and actively invest in what reenergizes their pastors for long-term 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 4,526 congregations throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico have received grants in support of renewal experiences for their pastors. 

In 2025, the combined Clergy Renewal Programs awarded grants totaling more than $13 million. Congregations were invited to propose grants of up to $60,000. The application process encourages active engagement between congregations and their pastors in designing and developing the renewal experiences. As part of the programs, pastors can include their families in the renewal experience. Congregations may budget up to $20,000 of the maximum grant toward expenses for interim pastoral leadership, send-off and return celebrations, as well as activities designed for congregational renewal. 

Christian Theological Seminary has administered the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs since 2012. “Amidst all the rigors of ministry in a changing world, these grants enable pastors and their congregations to actively partake in the gifts of renewal and revitalization that are so needed today,” Saler said. 

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 

Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), a fully accredited ecumenical graduate school open to all with historic roots in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 2024-2025 academic year. CTS offers masters and doctoral degree programs through its School of Theology and School of Counseling, accessible mental health services through the Counseling Center, and collaboration to address systemic social justice issues through the Faith & Action Project. 

Contact: Robert Saler 

317-931-2348 / rs****@*ts.edu 

Award Recipients in the National Clergy Renewal Program: 

Alabama 

Auburn, AL – Auburn United Methodist Church, the Rev. Cory Russell Smith 

Arizona 

Tucson, AZ – New Life Community Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Curt Lunsford
Tucson, AZ – Southside Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Alison Harrington 

Arkansas 

Bentonville, AR – The Neighborhood Church, the Rev. Joseph Liles
Little Rock, AR – St. Andrew’s Church (Anglican Church in America), the Rev. Dustin Freeman 

California 

Bakersfield, CA – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Luis Mario Rodriguez
Berkeley, CA – First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, the Rev. Charlene Han Powell
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA – St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Laurel Coote
Daly City, CA – Korean Central Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Hyouk Kwon
Davis, CA – Davis Korean Church, the Rev. Youngjo “Mickey” Choi
Descanso, CA – Chapel of the Hills Community United Methodist Church, the Rev. Julie Brewster Elkins
Fullerton, CA – Great Light Zoeun Church, the Rev. James Heeso Park
Hayward, CA – The United Church of Hayward, UCC, the Rev. Jeanne Loveless
Irvine, CA – Irvine United Church of Christ, the Rev. Sarah Halverson-Cano
Long Beach, CA – Bay Shore Community Congregational Church, UCC, the Rev. David Joseph Clark
Los Altos, CA – True North Church, the Rev. Eugene Park
Los Angeles, CA – Christian Missional Church, the Rev. Junghwan Park
Los Angeles, CA – The Valley Vineyard Christian Fellowship, the Rev. Jimmy Reyes
Monrovia, CA – Integración Church of God, the Rev. Ernesto Soriano
Riverside, CA – Calvary Presbyterian Church of Riverside, the Rev. Alfred Graise
Sacramento, CA – River Life Covenant Church, the Rev. Ted Burrows
Salinas, CA – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Alejandra Trillos
San Diego, CA – University City United Church, the Rev. Iona Dickinson
Santa Barbara, CA – First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara, the Rev. Ann Conklin 
Sonoma, CA – St. Andrew United Presbyterian Church of Sonoma, the Rev. Nicole Caubisens
Whittier, CA – Whittier First Friends Church, the Rev. Loletta Barrett 

Colorado 

Littleton, CO – Centennial Covenant Church, the Rev. Karl Helvig
Gypsum, CO – Vida Nueva Christian Center, the Rev. Josue Rubio 

Connecticut 

Milford, CT – Woodmont United Church of Christ, the Rev. Jill Olds 

Florida 

Ocala, FL – Christ Community Church Ocala, the Rev. Nathan Rice
Pensacola, FL – Christ Church (Episcopal), the Rev. Kathryn Gillett
St. Augustine, FL –Trinity Parish (Episcopal), the Rev. Matt Marino
Windermere, FL – Global Ministries, the Rev. Jose Rea 

Georgia 

Dacula, GA – Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church, the Rev. Jason Mincey
Dalton, GA – Dug Gap Baptist Church, the Rev. Duane Mills
Marietta, GA – Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, the Rev. Michael Tishel 

Hawaii 

Pearl City, HI – Joy of Christ Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jayaprakash Sabbithi 

Illinois 

Bloomington, IL – St. Luke Union Church, the Rev. Andrew Gifford
Chicago, IL – All Nations Gospel Community Church, the Rev. Haesung Byun
Clinton, IL – Clinton Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Paul Stroup
Glenview, IL – Chicago Joyful Community Church, the Rev. Tae Hwan Son
Effingham, IL – Christ’s Church of Effingham, the Rev. Jeff Michael
Elgin, IL – Iglesia Puerta De Sion, the Rev. Gustavo Garcia
Elk Grove Village, IL – Sarang Church, the Rev. Sun Dong Park
Libertyville, IL – St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, the Rev. Kristin Saylor
Lombard, IL – First Church of Lombard UCC, the Rev. Jill Terpstra
Monticello, IL – Monticello Christian Church, the Rev. Jerry Dusenberry
Oak Park, IL – Pilgrim Congregational Church of Oak Park, the Rev. Colin Knapp
Chicago, IL – Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Michael Runnels 

Iowa 

Cedar Rapids, IA – First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids, the Rev. Heather Hayes 

Kansas 

Atchison, KS – Trinity Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jon Hullinger
Blue Rapids, KS – Memorial Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Shannon Borgman 

Kentucky 

Berea, KY – Church of Christ, Union, the Rev. Kent Gilbert
Louisville, KY – Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville, the Rev. Stedney Phillips
Louisville, KY – Third Avenue Baptist Church, the Rev. Brandon Shafer
Madisonville, KY – First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Madisonville, the Rev. Kara Foster 

Louisiana 

Baton Rouge, LA – Broadmoor Baptist Church, the Rev. Leonard Ezell 

Maine 

Kennebunkport, ME – South Congregational Church of Kennebunkport, the Rev. Susan Page Townsley 

Maryland 

Annapolis, MD – Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Jessica Lowry
Bel Air, MD – Bel Air United Methodist Church, the Rev. Byron Brought
Charlotte Hall, MD – Trinity Episcopal Parish, the Rev. Christopher L. Otten
Millersville, MD – Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Breonna Roberts
Mitchellville, MD – Hope Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Gloria Yong Yi 

Massachusetts 

Lexington, MA – Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston , the Rev. Jeffrey Hwang
Lexington, MA – Grace Chapel, the Rev. Thomas VanAntwerp
Newton Lower Falls, MA – Episcopal Society of St. Mary’s Church in Newton, the Rev. Ann Bonner-Stewart
Pittsfield, MA – Cathedral of the Beloved, the Rev. Jennifer Gregg
Rockport, MA – First Baptist Church of Rockport, the Rev. Matthew Wigton 

Michigan 

Berkley, MI – Berkley Community Church, the Rev. Adam Groh
Grand Rapids, MI – Church of the Servant CRC, the Rev. Andrew Mead
Holland, MI – The Way Church, the Rev. Arturo Rojas Prado
South Haven, MI – Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Travis Wilson
Southfield, MI – Hope United Methodist Church, the Rev. Benjamin Kevin Smalls 

Minnesota 

Alexandria, MN – First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Rev. Jill Sanders
Cottonwood, MN – Christ Lutheran Church, the Rev. Janel Kuester
Deer River, MN – Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Rev. James Anthony
Excelsior, MN – Excelsior United Methodist Church, the Rev. Brooke Heerwald Steiner
Fergus Falls, MN – Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Rev. Loren Mellum
Foley, MN – First Presbyterian Church of Foley, the Rev. Beverly Brock
Hermantown, MN – Grace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Christoph Schmidt
Hibbing, MN – The Alliance Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the Rev. Kevin Norton
Minneapolis, MN – Christ Church Lutheran, the Rev. Miriam Samuelson-Roberts
Minneapolis, MN – First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Daniel Adolphson
Minneapolis, MN – Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church, the Rev. Kristen Capel
Minneapolis, MN – Salem English Lutheran Church, the Rev. Rhonda Hlavinka
Minneapolis, MN – St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Lisa Wiens Heinsohn
Norwood Young America, MN – St. John’s Lutheran Congregation of Young America, the Rev. Joshua Bernau
Plainview, MN – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the Rev. Krista Henning-Ferkin
Waltham, MN – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jesse Krusemark
White Bear Lake, MN – Community of Grace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Darrin Vick 

Mississippi 

Indianola, MS – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jennifer Melnyk Deaton 

Missouri 

Springfield, MO – Immanuel Korean Church (Assemblies of God), the Rev. Dong Joon Lee
St. Louis, MO – Central West End Church, the Rev. Eric Stiller
St. Louis, MO – Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, the Rev. Lauren Bennett 

Nebraska 

Lincoln, NE – First Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Erin Heidelberger
Wakefield, NE – Evangelical Covenant Church – Wakefield, the Rev. Jill Craig 

New Hampshire 

Amherst, NH – Messiah Lutheran Church, the Rev. Karl Hester
Deerfield, NH – Deerfield Community Church, UCC, the Rev. Kurt Walker
Nashua, NH – Crossway Christian Church of Hillsborough County, the Rev. David Ripper 

New Jersey 

Fort Lee, NJ – Korean Grace Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Abe Koh
North Brunswick Township, NJ – Jacob’s Well Community Church, the Rev. Scott Jones
Paterson, NJ – Iglesia Reformada Riverside, the Rev. Fabio Sosa 

New York 

Brooklyn, NY – Bedford Central Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Clive Neil
Hicksville, NY – Hicksville United Methodist Church, the Rev. Iwy Patel Yatri
Mount Vernon, NY – First United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon, the Rev. Tisha Branch
New Rochelle, NY – Korean Presbyterian Church of Westchester, the Rev. Matthew Jun
New York, NY – Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Peter in the City of New York, the Rev. Lisha Epperson
New York, NY – Union Baptist Church of the Burrough of Manhattan, the Rev. Brian Scott
Queens, NY – The Korean Church of Queens, the Rev. Youn Soo (Barnabas) Kim
West Park, NY – Episcopal Church of the Ascension and Holy Trinity, the Rev. Aidan William Owen 

North Carolina 

Apex, NC – Apex United Methodist Church, the Rev. Laura Katherine Stern
Asheville, NC – St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Asheville, the Rev. Matthew Smith
Beaufort, NC – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Tambria Lee
Charlotte, NC – Cross Park Church, the Rev. Grant Beachy
Greensboro, NC – Fellowship Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Kathryn Campbell
Greenville, NC – First Christian Church of Greenville, the Rev. Andrew Shue
Newport, NC – All Saints Church (Anglican Mission in America), the Rev. David B. Linka
Swannanoa, NC – Valley Hope Church (Evangelical Presbyterian), the Rev. Anthony Rodriguez 

Ohio 

Bedford Heights, OH – Friendship Mennonite Church, the Rev. Alvis Pettker
Cincinnati, OH – Cincinnati Church of the Brethren, the Rev. Benjamin Walters
Cleveland, OH – Holy Trinity Baptist Church, the Rev. Chelton C. Flanagan
Columbus, OH – Grace Apostolic Church, the Rev. James Gaiters Sr. 
Columbus, OH – The Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, the Rev. Eugene Gibson Jr.
Maineville, OH – The Gathering, Church in the Countryside YMCA, the Rev. Michael Newman
Piqua, OH – Greene Street United Methodist Church, the Rev. Will Leasure
Rocky River, OH – Good Soil Lutheran Ministries, the Rev. Marissa Harrison
Solon, OH – St. Rita Catholic Parish, the Rev. Thomas Behrend
West Chester, OH – Lord of Life Lutheran Church, the Rev. Lowell Raymond Michelson
Wooster, OH – Gateway Church of Wooster, the Rev. Keith Smith 

Oregon 

Aurora, OR – Aurora Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Cynthia O’Brien
Bend, OR – Nativity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Chris Kramer
Gresham, OR – Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Joshua Dunham
Jacksonville, OR – First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, the Rev. Dustin Jernigan
Portland, OR – Rose City Park Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Elizabeth Smith Leavitt 

Pennsylvania 

Airville, PA – Chanceford Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Beth Appel
Berwyn, PA – Trinity Presbyterian Church in Berwyn, the Rev. Sarah Weisiger
Dover, PA – Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dover, the Rev. Abigail Leese
Doylestown, PA – Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Thomas Rusert
Harrisburg, PA – Skyline View Brethren in Christ Church, the Rev. Glenn Pfeiffer
Johnstown, PA – Faith Chapel of Johnstown, the Rev. Andrew Taylor
Manheim, PA – Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Kathryn Warn
Media, PA – Middletown Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Douglas McPheeters
Philadelphia, PA – Third, Scots and Mariners Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Jason Ferris
Rydal, PA – St. Mark’s and Memorial Church of Our Redeemer (Anglican Church in North America), the Rev. Jason Patterson
Warren, PA – First Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jeffrey Ewing
Wellsboro, PA – Independent Bible Church of Wellsboro, the Rev. Thomas (TJ) Freeman
West Chester, PA – The Gathering of West Chester, the Rev. Phil Carnuccio 

Puerto Rico 

Isabela, PR – Iglesia Presbiteriana Unida Montclair, the Rev. Nelson Gutiérrez Pagán 

South Carolina 

Charleston, SC – The Independent or Congregational Church in Charleston, the Rev. Evelyn Oliveira
Drayton, SC – Gathering Anglican Church, the Rev. Michael Myers
Greenwood, SC – Tabernacle Baptist Church, the Rev. Quincy Baylor
North Augusta, SC – Fairview Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Allen Thompson 

South Dakota 

Canton, SD – Living Stone Ministry, the Rev. Dustin Jernigan 

Tennessee 

Antioch, TN – Korean Unity Baptist Church, the Rev. Dan Eum
Germantown, TN – Harvest Church of Memphis, the Rev. Kennon Vaughan
Knoxville, TN – First Baptist Church of Knoxville, the Rev. Brent Patrick McDougal
Murfreesboro, TN – St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Orthodox Christian Church, the Rev. John Oliver
Nashville, TN – Southminster Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Beth McCaw 

Texas 

Alvin, TX – Grace Episcopal Church Alvin, the Rev. Suzanne Smith
Austin, TX – First Evangelical Free Church, the Rev. Omar Argumedo
Austin, TX – University Baptist Church, the Rev. Natalie Webb
Dallas, TX – White Rock United Methodist Church, the Rev. Kerry Smith
Euless, TX – St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, the Rev. Vasile Catalin Tudora
Garden Ridge, TX – Triumphant Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jon Richter
Houston, TX – Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church UCC, the Rev. Vanessa Monroe
Houston, TX – Kingwood Methodist Church/Iglesia Familia El Refugio, the Rev. Sara Reyes
Katy, TX – First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Heather Tolleson
New Braunfels, TX – Peace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jake Fain
Pasadena, TX – Comunidad de Fe, the Rev. Tomas Cortez
Prairie View, TX – St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, the Rev. Rhonda Rogers
The Colony, TX – Frisco Semihan Church, the Rev. Bonsung Ku
San Antonio, TX – Cleft of the Rock Church, the Rev. Leslie Bramlett
San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Korean Baptist Church, the Rev. David Yi 

Virginia 

Harrisonburg, VA – Shalom Mennonite Congregation, the Rev. Krista Ehst
King William, VA – New Life Community Church – Virginia, the Rev. Littycia Clay-Crawley
Montpelier, VA – Church of Our Savior (Episcopal), the Rev. Emily Krudys
Woodstock, VA – Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Rev. Kathleen Murray
Richmond, VA – Morning Star Baptist Church Richmond, the Rev. Tyrell Brown
Richmond, VA – St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Marlene Forrest 

Washington 

Auburn, WA – Pyung An Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Seonglim Kang
East Wenatchee, WA – Columbia Grove Covenant Church, the Rev. Andrew Thompson
Federal Way, WA – Church of Christ at Federal Way, the Rev. Drew Dixon
Maple Valley, WA – Maples Valley Presbyterian Church, the Rev. David Miles
Seattle, WA – Emmanuel Anglican Church, the Rev. Matthew Lanser
Seattle, WA – Epiphany Episcopal Parish, the Rev. Kate Wesch
Sequim, WA – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. ClayOla Hillaker Gitane
Spokane, WA – First Presbyterian Church, Spokane, the Rev. Betsy Wynne
Spokane, WA – St. Luke Lutheran Church, the Rev. Christian “Taran” Denning
Tacoma, WA – Anchor Church of the Christian & Missionary Alliance, the Rev. Susan Bouterse
Woodinville, WA – Trinitas Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Brant Bosserman 

Washington, DC 

Washington, DC – Mount Moriah Baptist Church, the Rev. Lucius Marcel Dalton
Washington, DC – Walker Memorial Baptist Church, the Rev. Ademuyiwa Bamiduro 

West Virginia 

Hinton, WV – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Isaiah Kim
Shepherdstown, WV – Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Gusti Linnea Newquist 

Wisconsin 

Elkhorn, WI – Southern Lakes Evangelical Free Church, the Rev. Ken Brummel
Madison, WI – Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, the Rev. Julia Burkey
Menasha, WI – Christ The Rock Community Church, the Rev. Joel Zeiner
Milwaukee, WI – Wesleyan Christian Church House of God, the Rev. Daniel Alberto Muñoz Suárez
Waukesha, WI – Ascension Lutheran Church, the Rev. Anthony Acompanado 

Wyoming 

Cheyenne, WY – Element Church, the Rev. Richard Buz Hannon 

Award Recipients in the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations: 

Avon – Holy Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the Rev. Amos Mihanda
Bargersville – Risen Lord Lutheran Church, the Rev. Wendy Kalan
Bristol – Church of the Nazarene of Bristol, the Rev. Chad Finney
Columbus – Flintwood Wesleyan Church, the Rev. Wesley Jones
Connersville – St. Gabriel Catholic Church, the Rev. Dustin Boehm
Fort Wayne – Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, the Rev. Anna Gross
Fort Wayne – The River Christian Church, the Rev. Mark Cleaveland
Gary – Zara Church, the Rev. Dexter Harris
Goshen – Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, the Rev. Sebastiano Rosa
Hammond – Mission Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Roberta Cansler
Huntingburg – St. Mary Catholic Church, the Rev. Biju Thomas
Indianapolis – Ben Davis Christian Church, the Rev. Ryan Heathco
Indianapolis – Castleton Community Church, the Rev. Eric Swanson
Indianapolis – Castleton United Methodist Church, the Rev. Matt Landry
Indianapolis – Emmaus Christian Church, the Rev. Henzy Green Jr.
Indianapolis – Faith United Church of Christ, the Rev. Scott Simmons
Indianapolis – Light of the World Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. R. Janae Pitts Murdock
Indianapolis – Post Road Christian Church, the Rev. Gary Whorlow
Indianapolis – The Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Christian Church, the Rev. John Miller
Indianapolis – West Morris Street Free Methodist Church, the Rev. Kristen Marble
Indianapolis – Witherspoon United Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Winterbourne Harrison Jones
Lafayette – City of God Church, the Rev. Eric Roseberry
Marion – Marion First Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Cory Clark
McCordsville – Emerge Church, the Rev. Curtis Edmondson
Merrillville – New Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Thomas Brian Hill
New Castle – First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Ronn Oren
Osceola – Lighthouse Vineyard Church, the Rev. Clint Schwartz
Shelbyville – First United Methodist Church, the Rev. Hyesook Leah Kim
Terre Haute – First Baptist Church of Terre Haute, the Rev. John Campbell
West Lafayette – Greater Lafayette Chinese Alliance Church, the Rev. Charles Carter II
West Lafayette – Our Saviour Lutheran Church, the Rev. Randy Schroeder
Zionsville – Zionsville Fellowship, the Rev. Drew Hunter
Zionsville – Zionsville United Methodist Church, the Rev. David Williamson

The post Christian Theological Seminary Announces 233 Congregations Awarded Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program Grants for 2025 appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

“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 for rest and renewal so they can come back to their communities reenergized.”

Congregations in the 2024 programs represent the broad spectrum of Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic and Orthodox parishes and congregations from 25 Protestant denominations. In harmony with the spirit of these programs, congregations and their pastors collaborated to craft plans designed to replenish, restore, and renew pastors in their ministries.

Pastors plan to use grant funds in support of domestic and international travel. For example, one pastor will visit churches with historical significance for their denomination in Italy, Greece, and Germany. Another pastor will visit the mountain in Puerto Rico where their great grandfather first felt called to ministry then visit a church built on land donated by their grandmother on the island’s west side.

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 explore topics that renew their excitement for preaching and congregational life. Grants will also fund renewal activities for congregations while their pastors are away. These include practicing contemplative exercises among the trees at local parks, sharing a meal together each week during the pastors leave as they explore Jesus’ practice of gospel mission and table fellowship, and a congregation-wide seminar focused on themes of identity, purpose, and calling.

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 designed to affirm an innate human need to balance active service to others with periods of reflection and renewal. Our goal is that these programs supply congregations with the means to express 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 4,293 congregations throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico have received grants in support of renewal experiences for their pastors.

In 2024, the combined Clergy Renewal Programs awarded grants totaling more than $11M. Congregations were invited to propose grants of up to $60,000. The process   encourages active engagement between congregations and their pastors in designing and developing the renewal experiences. As part of the programs, pastors can include their families in the renewal experience. Congregations may budget up to $20,000 of the maximum grant toward expenses for interim pastoral leadership, send-off and return celebrations, as well as activities designed for congregational renewal.

Christian Theological Seminary has administered the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs since 2012. “Amidst all the rigors of ministry in a changing world, 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
Birmingham, AL – Highlands United Methodist Church, the Rev. Mikah Hudson
Mobile, AL – Government Street Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Rebekah Abel Lamar
Pike Road, AL – Saint James Community Development Corp., the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Jones
Vestavia Hills, AL – Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, the Rev. Mike McBrayer

Arizona
Phoenix, AZ – First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Rev. Susan Valiquette
Scottsdale, AZ – New Covenant Lutheran Church, the Rev. Dr. Steven Kruse
Sun City, AZ – Palm West Community Church, the Rev. James Powell
Tucson, AZ – Casas Adobes Congregational UCC, the Rev. Michael Bush

Arkansas
Rogers, AR – St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church, the Very Rev. John Wehling

California
Buena Park, CA – Southern California God’s Family Church, the Rev. Daeho Yu
Compton, CA – Ministerio a La Luz de La Palabra, the Rev. Dr. Mario Ernesto Salamanca Mejia
Concord, CA – First Christian Church of Concord, the Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor
Glendale, CA – Expression 58 Church, the Rev. Jennifer Toledo
Irvine, CA – University United Methodist Church, the Rev. Catherine Capp
Laguna Beach, CA – Neighborhood Church of Laguna Beach, the Rev. Rodrick Echols
Lancaster, CA – theBLEND Church Family, the Rev. Courtney Armento
Los Angeles, CA – Chinese Christian Alliance Church, the Rev. Preston Lee
Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Onnuri Church, the Rev. Jeong Yup Lee
Los Angeles, CA – Virgin Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral, the Rev. Dr. Melaku Terefe
Los Gatos, CA – St. Luke’s Parish, the Rev. Ricardo Avila
Lynwood, CA – Lynwood Grace Hispanic Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Dr. Moises Lopez
Newport Beach, CA – Harbor Christian Church, the Rev. Sadie Cullumber
Sacramento, CA – Midtown Covenant Church, the Rev. Efrem Smith
Sacramento, CA – Valley Hi Covenant Church DBA Common Ground, the Rev. Troy Nichols
San Diego, CA – Normal Heights United Methodist Church, the Rev. Brent Ross
Santa Maria, CA – Templo el Salvador de las Asambleas de Dios, the Rev. Claudio A. Lapidus

Colorado
Aurora, CO – Wellspring Community Church, the Rev. Jeremy Conrad
Centennial, CO – The Vision Church, the Rev. Dong Hoon Lee
Colorado Springs, CO – Beth-El Mennonite Church, the Rev. Jordan Farrell
Colorado Springs, CO – First United Methodist Church, the Rev. Patty Walker
Fort Collins, CO – PEAK Community Church of God, the Rev. Edward Hopkins
Littleton, CO – Heritage United Methodist Church, the Rev. Kirsten Barlow

Connecticut
Stamford, CT – First Congregational Church of Stamford, the Rev. Dr. Nestor Gomez Morales

Florida
Clearwater, FL – Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Donna Oberkreser
Gainesville, FL – Trinity Metropolitan Community Church, the Rev. Catherine Dearlove
Jacksonville, FL – Zion Korean Baptist Church, the Rev. Pyoung Ok Hur
Miami, FL – Iglesia Vida y Esperanza Miami, the Rev. Dr. Gianni Gracia
Palm Bay, FL – The First Presbyterian Church of Palm Bay, the Rev. Debra Cox

Georgia
Atlanta, GA – Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Elizabeth Soileau Acton
Atlanta, GA – Journey Church of Atlanta, the Rev. Dandy Mejias
Atlanta, GA – Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Rev. Jeffery Ott
Clarkesville, GA – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Matthew Henderson
Conyers, GA – Springfield Christian Ministries, the Rev. Eric Lee
Decatur, GA – Mt. Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Aaron Robinson
Milledgeville, GA – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Susan Balfour
Peachtree City, GA – CrossPointe Church Peachtree City, the Rev. James Vizzini
Snellville, GA – Canaan Land Church International, the Rev. Dr. Don Brawley III
Watkinsville, GA – Ashford Memorial Methodist Church, the Rev. Robert Greene

Illinois
Chicago, IL – Oakdale Covenant Church, the Rev. Dr. D. Darrell Griffin
Geneva, IL – Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Michelle Hwang
Glenview, IL – St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, the Rev. Isaac Lara
Hinsdale, IL – Evangelical Covenant Church, the Rev. Lars Stromberg
Normal, IL – Korean Church of Bloomington-Normal, the Rev. Jong Eon Hwang
Oswego, IL – Resolution Church, the Rev. Dr. Jill Richardson
Princeton, IL – Evangelical Covenant Church, the Rev. Derek Boggs
Villa Park, IL – St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Zachary Wagner

Iowa
Ely, IA – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Julie Schuett

Kansas
Wamego, KS – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Catherine Rohleder

Kentucky
Melbourne, KY – Oakland Methodist Church, the Rev. Joseph Kim

Massachusetts
Beverly, MA – Church In The Cove, the Rev. Dr. Gregory Carmer
Ipswich, MA – First Church, the Rev. Rebecca Anne Pugh
Lexington, MA – Pilgrim Congregational Church, the Rev. Reebee Kavich Girash
Newton, MA – Boston Chinese Evangelical Church, the Rev. Kenneth Liu
Springfield, MA – MLK Community Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery

Maine
Newcastle, ME – St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Suzannah Rohman

Maryland
Ellicott City, MD – Living By The Word Church, the Rev. Ki Chang Kwon
Rockville, MD – Faith United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dr. Laura Norvell
Westminster, MD – St. Mary’s United Church of Christ, the Rev. Samuel Chamelin

Michigan
Detroit, MI – Genesis Lutheran Church, the Rev. Dr. Ken Grant
Grand Rapids, MI – Thornapple Community Church, the Rev. Kent Frens
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI – St. James Lutheran Church, the Rev. Denise Grant
Kalamazoo, MI – Haven Reformed Church, the Rev. Craig Gilbert
Portage, MI – Kalamazoo First Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Kyle Fellows
Redford, MI – Mercy Road Church, the Rev. Dr. Michael Gorr
Southfield, MI – Life Church Southfield, the Rev. Alan Tumpkin
Southfield, MI – St. David’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Chris Yaw

Minnesota
Afton, MN – Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jeremy King
Blue Earth, MN – Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Dr. Jeanette Bidne
Minneapolis, MN – Minnehaha United Methodist Church, the Rev. Rebecca Sechrist
New Brighton, MN – Atonement Lutheran Church, the Rev. Cassandra Nault
Prior Lake, MN – Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, the Rev. Laila Barr
Shakopee, MN – Cristo Obrero, the Rev. Jorge Espinoza Perez

Missouri
Webster Groves, MO – Riverside Church, the Rev. Joseph Choi

Nebraska
Omaha, NE – Westwood Community Church, the Rev. Quinn Tirrel
Dakota City, NE – Salem Lutheran Church, the Rev. Sandra Braasch

New Hampshire
Nashua, NH – Christ the King Lutheran Church, the Rev. Kimberly Hester

New Jersey
Burlington, NJ – Tabernacle Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Cory L. Jones
Cranford, NJ – Trinity Church, the Rev. Andrew Kruger
Hopewell, NJ – Calvary Baptist Church, the Rev. Dennis O’Neill
Verona, NJ – Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, the Rev. Jerry Racioppi

Nevada
Las Vegas, NV – Paradise Calvary Chapel, the Rev. Timothy Warholic

New York
Bronx, NY – Iglesia Nuevo Amanecer, La Hermosa, the Rev. Dr. Jose Emilio Lopez
Buffalo, NY – Pilgrim-St. Luke’s, United Church of Christ, the Rev. Nancy Rosas
Croton-on-Hudson, NY – Church of St. Augustine, the Rev. Jennifer Owen
Harrison, NY – Life Point Church, the Rev. Raimondo Paparatti
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY – Grace Episcopal Church, the Rev. Lauren Kuratko
New York, NY – The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Werner Ramirez
Queens, NY – Faith Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Won Tae Cho
Syosset, NY – Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Rebecca Sheridan

North Carolina
Apex, NC – Fiesta Cristiana Mission Congregation, the Rev. Jose Luis Villasenor
Chapel Hill, NC – Mount Carmel Baptist Church, the Rev. Barret Freeman
Durham, NC – Aldersgate United Methodist Church, the Rev. Steve Murphy
Durham, NC – All Saints Church, the Rev. Chris Schutte
Durham, NC – Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Lakesha Easter
Durham, NC – Iglesia Presbiteriana Emanuel, the Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve
Greenville, NC – Cedarbridge Baptist Church, the Rev. Amy Andrews
Raleigh, NC – Christ the King Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Geoff Bradford
Raleigh, NC – Greystone Baptist Church, the Chrissy Tatum Williamson

Ohio
Cleveland Heights, OH – New Community Bible Fellowship, the Rev. Kevin James
Columbus, OH – Columbus Han-Dle Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Shin-Woong Park
Columbus, OH – North Broadway United Methodist Church, the Rev. Amy Aspey
Perrysburg, OH – Grace Church, the Rev. Dr. Dan Gildner
Shaker Heights, OH – Plymouth Church, United Church of Christ, the Rev. Dr. Matthew Wooster

Oregon
Bend, OR – Antioch Community Church of Bend, the Rev. Amy Kasari
Bend, OR – Story Dwelling, the Rev. Erika Spaet
Canby, OR – Zoar Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Michelle Manicke
Hillsboro, OR – Table Community Church, the Rev. Dr. Justin Peterson
Portland, OR – Fremont United Methodist Church, the Rev. Erin Martin

Pennsylvania
Downingtown, PA – Windsor Baptist Church, the Rev. Benjamin O’Toole
Harrisburg, PA – Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, the Very Rev. Stephen Vernak
Oxford, PA – Oxford Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Scott Szabo
Philadelphia, PA – The First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Baron Mullis
Philadelphia, PA – The Church of the Holy Trinity, the Revs. Rachel and John Gardner
Philadelphia, PA – Epiphany Fellowship Church, the Rev. Dr. Eric Matthew Mason
West Chester, PA – Christ Church West Chester, the Rev. Dr. Raymond Johnson

South Carolina
Rock Hill, SC – Old Town Church, the Rev. Matthew Cavin

Tennessee
Nashville, TN – Belle Meade United Methodist Church, the Rev. Gracie Dugan
Nashville, TN – Belmont United Methodist Church, the Rev. Heather Harriss
Powell, TN – Powell Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Katina Sharp

Texas
Austin, TX – Alpha Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Rev. Dr. Laurent Grosvenor
Austin, TX – University Christian Church, the Rev. Megan Peglar
Cleburne, TX – McQueen Universal Ministries, the Rev. Bishop Annmarie McQueen
Fort Worth, TX – Trinity Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Robert F. Pace
Houston, TX – Bering Memorial United Church of Christ, the Rev. Diane McGehee
Houston, TX – Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Clay Brown
Houston, TX – New Life Fellowship Church of Houston, the Rev. Eric D. Shin
Houston, TX – Zion Lutheran Church, the Rev. Dr. Mindy Roll
Keller, TX – WestWind Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Casey Tanguay
Stephenville, TX – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Bradley Dyche

Virginia
Alexandria, VA – Bush Hill United Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Barbara Heck
Alexandria, VA – Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Carl Johnson
Annandale, VA – John Calvin Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Casey Wait
Harrisonburg, VA – Muhlenberg Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Lauren Eanes
Richmond, VA – Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Joseph Bolick
Richmond, VA – Mount Tabor Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Ponder

Vermont
Georgia, VT – Georgia Plain Baptist Church, the Rev. Tyler Smith
Greensboro, VT – Greensboro United Church of Christ, the Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters
Norwich, VT – Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Upper Valley, the Rev. Jan Hutslar

Washington
Battle Ground, WA – Battle Ground Foursquare Church, the Rev. Elizabeth Sawczuk
Bellingham, WA – St. Paul Episcopal Church, the Rev. Lindsay Ross-Hunt
Des Moines, WA – Grace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Dr. Chad Johnson
Marysville, WA – St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dawn Foisie
Richland, WA – Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Elizabeth O’Connor
Seattle, WA – Christ the Cornerstone Church, the Rev. Timothy Teopilus
Seattle, WA – Seattle First Baptist Church, the Rev. Anita Peebles

Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. – Washington Community Fellowship, the Rev. Andrew Cheung

Wisconsin
Green Bay, WI – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Rachel Knoke
Hudson, WI – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Kendra Grams
Madison, WI – St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Heather Hayward
Muskego, WI – Lakepoint Church, the Rev. Brian Hofmeister
Wauwatosa, WI – Saint Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Ann Williams

Wyoming
Worland, WY – Church of St. Mary Magdalen & Church of St. Francis, the Rev. Robert Rodgers

Award Recipients in the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations:

Amo – Amo First Baptist Church, the Rev. Shelly Zook
Avon – Kingsway Christian Church, the Rev. Robert “Matthew” Nickoson
Elizabethtown – Crossroads Community Church, the Rev. Tracy McIntyre
Evansville – Bethel United Church of Christ, the Rev. Samuel Buehrer
Evansville – Grace Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Brett Doninger
Floyds Knobs – St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church, the Rev. William Marks
Fort Wayne – Broadway Christian Church, the Rev. Nkululeko Ndlovu
Goshen – Bethel Missionary Church, the Rev. Joel Gentz
Goshen – College Mennonite Church, the Rev. Madeline Maldonado
Greenwood – Bethel Chin Baptist Church, the Rev. Daniel Ling
Hope – Hope Moravian Church, the Rev. Andy Kilps
Indianapolis – All Souls Unitarian Church, the Rev. Catherine Griffin
Indianapolis – Amazing Grace Christian Church, the Rev. Dr. Preston Adams
Indianapolis – Bethel Cathedral African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Carlos W. Perkins
Indianapolis – Christ Church Cathedral, the Rev. Hipolito Reina
Indianapolis – Eunhye Korean Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Paul Cho
Indianapolis – Faith United Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Charlotte Lohrenz
Indianapolis – Garden Baptist Church, the Rev. Marie Wiese
Indianapolis – First Baptist Church of Indianapolis, the Rev. Evan Bever
Indianapolis – Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, the Rev. Lambert Gates
Indianapolis – New Direction Christian Church, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Sullivan, Jr.
Indianapolis – Roberts Park United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Scanlan-Holmes
Indianapolis – Soma Downtown Church, the Rev. Kent Livingston
Indianapolis – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jeffrey Bower
Indianapolis – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, the Rev. Varghese Maliakkal
Indianapolis – Saints Constantine and Elena Romanian Orthodox Church, the Rev. David Wey
Indianapolis – True Tried Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Richard Curry
La Porte – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Michelle Walker
Michigan City – First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City, the Rev. Ericka Kilbourne
Plymouth – Crossroads Evangelical Free Church of Plymouth, the Rev. Scott Yoder
Princeton – Grace Fellowship Wesleyan Church, the Rev. Amber Cook
South Bend – St. Mathew Catholic Cathedral Parish, the Rev. Andrew Budzinski
South Bend – Christ the King Lutheran Church, the Rev. Caroline Satre
Terre Haute – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Andrew Downs
West Lafayette – Chapel of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Hilary Cooke

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.

The post Christian Theological Seminary Announces 198 Congregations Awarded Lilly Endowment 2024 Clergy Renewal Program Grants appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

“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.

The post Christian Theological Seminary Announces Over 200 Congregations Awarded Lilly Endowment 2023 Clergy Renewal Program Grants appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2022
Contact: Robert Saler 317-931-2348 / rs****@*ts.edu

Christian Theological Seminary, an ecumenical seminary based in Indianapolis, today announces 197 U.S. congregations 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 funding a respite from ministerial duties and enabling pastors to engage in a period of extended reflection and renewal. Recipients may use the respite for activities that allow them to reflect and renew while engaging in activities such a travel, scholarly research or immersive experiences with different cultures and traditions.

“Pastors play such an important role in nurturing our spiritual lives and guiding the ministries of our congregations,” said Christopher Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “The past two years have been exceptionally challenging for pastoral leaders as they have helped their congregations navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that these clergy renewal grants will help congregations celebrate the extraordinary service of their pastors and honor them by giving them opportunities to step away from the daily demands of ministry for rest and renewal.”

Congregations in the 2022 programs represent diverse Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic and Orthodox parishes and congregations from more than 24 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, his country of birth, and to Japan, his country of ancestry, to hike and make pilgrimages to mountain summits. Other pastors’ plans include: a pilgrimage in the United Kingdom exploring Anglican roots by bicycle; a tour of civil rights museums across the southern United States; a journey to France to experience the rhythms and spiritual exercises of the Taizé community; and travel to Costa Rica to study Spanish via a language immersion program.

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 engaging intercultural faith narratives, seeking insight into the history of racism and race relations in the life of the church, exploring the meaning and application of Sabbath rest, and equipping lay leaders.

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 says.

Since Lilly Endowment introduced the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations and the National Clergy Renewal Program in 1999 and 2000 respectively, more than 3,400 congregations across the nation have received funds to support their pastors’ renewal experiences.

In 2022, congregations have received grants totaling nearly $9 million. Congregations were invited to apply for program grants of up to $50,000. 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 $15,000 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 geopolitical 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:

Alaska

Skagway, AK – First Presbyterian Church of Skagway, the Rev. Ryan Mandeville

Alabama

Mobile, AL – Central Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Chris Bullock
Montgomery, AL – Saint Paul AME Church, the Rev. Agnes Maria Lover

Arizona

Peoria, AZ – Antioch Church of God in Christ, the Rev. Jonathan Earl Logan
Tempe, AZ – First United Methodist Church of Tempe, the Rev. Paul Hyung Cho
Tucson, AZ – Lord of Grace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Lars Hammar

California

Castro Valley, CA – Castro Valley United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dr. Shijung Shim
Claremont, CA – Claremont United Church of Christ, Congregational, the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Strickland
Fairfield, CA – Mount Calvary Baptist Church Corporation, the Rev. Claybon Lea, Jr.
Hanford, CA – Iglesia La Gran Comision, the Rev. Xavier Pina
La Puente, CA – Vida Church, the Rev. Silvia Carrizo
Loomis, CA – Loomis Basin Congregational United Church of Christ, the Rev. Casey Brian Tinnin
Los Angeles, CA – Holy Mountain Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Ohgueon Paul Kwon
Los Angeles, CA – St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Matthew Keadle
Los Angeles, CA – Transformados En Cristo, the Rev. Darmaris Lopez Malave
Oakland, CA – St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Holly Christene Jolly McHale-Larsen
Oakland, CA – City of Refuge Community Church, Inc., the Rev. Yvette Adrienne Flunder
Palo Alto, CA – University African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Rev. Kaloma A. Smith
Pasadena, CA – La Fuente Ministries, the Rev. Marcos Canales
Ripon, CA – Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church, the Rev. Mark VanDyke
Sacramento, CA – St. John’s Lutheran Church of Sacramento, the Rev. Jon Thomas Haug
San Francisco, CA – Radiance Christian Church, the Rev. Mark Chun
Santa Clara, CA – Santa Clara First Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Wungreiso Valui
Visalia, CA – Nehemiah Project-The House, the Rev. Rogelio Ovalle
Santa Monica, CA – Church in Ocean Park, United Methodist Church, the Rev. Gollery McKeithen
Walnut Creek, CA – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Krista Fregoso
West Covina, CA – Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer, the Rev. Josue Gustavo Jordan Mejia
Whittier, CA – First United Methodist Church of Whittier, the Rev. Dr. Angela Galanis Price

Colorado

Boulder, CO – St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Jacqueline Decker Vanderpol
Centennial, CO – Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church ELCA, the Rev. Margot Faith Wright
Durango, CO – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Debra Ann Metzgar Shew
Englewood, CO – The Sacred Grace, the Rev. Nathan Hoag
New Castle, CO – Iglesia Cristo La Roca, the Rev. Robin Vega
Wheat Ridge, CO – Wheat Ridge Congregational Church UCC, the Rev. Claudia Carolyn Schmitt

Connecticut

Fairfield, CT – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Curtis Andrew Farr
Fairfield, CT – Trinity Baptist Church Fairfield, the Rev. Dan Van Horne
Manchester, CT – Center Congregational Church, UCC, the Rev. Joyce Olive Crutchfield
Mystic, CT – Mystic Congregational Church, the Rev. Christa D. Swenson

Florida

Brandon, FL – Iglesia Hispana de Brandon, the Rev. Alain Lopez
Jacksonville, FL – Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, the Rev. Joseph A. Gibbes
Jacksonville, FL – The Well at Springfield, the Rev. Susan Rogers
Miami, FL – New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church, the Rev. Kenneth A. Duke
Oakland Park, FL – Body of Christ Church of Broward County, the Rev. Winifred E. Adams
Pembroke Pines, FL – The Passion Center, the Rev. Elizabeth Rios
Sarasota, FL – Church of the Palms Presbyterian (U.S.A.), the Rev. Laurie Goodwin Haas
Tampa, FL – Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa, the Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw
Winter Park, FL – St. Richard’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Alison P. Harrity

Georgia

Decatur, GA – North Decatur Presbyterian Church, the Rev. David T. Lewicki
Decatur, GA – Ray of Hope Christian Church, the Rev. Cynthia Hale

Hawaii

Honolulu, HI – International Baptist Church of Honolulu, the Rev. Scottland Custer
Honolulu, HI – Korean Presbyterian Church of Honolulu, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Cho
Kailua, HI – St. John Lutheran Church Kailua, the Rev. Kathryn Zurcher

Iowa

Wayland, IA – Wayland Mennonite Church, the Rev. Michael Miller Mast Swartzendruber

Idaho

McCall, ID – McCall Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Michael Adam Curry

Illinois

Chicago, IL – Grace Episcopal Church of Chicago, the Rev. Amity Carrubba
Chicago, IL – Resurrection Lutheran Church, the Rev. Dr. Kelly Kathleen Faulstich
Deerfield, IL – St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church Deerfield, the Rev. Anne B. Jolly
Elmhurst, IL – Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, the Rev. Shireen Ruth Baker
Jacksonville, IL – First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, the Rev. Jonathan Allen Warren
Niles, IL – Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church, the Rev. Matthew Ronald Bozovsky
Prospect Heights, IL – One In Christ Episcopal Church, the Rev. Indon Paul Joo
Rockford, IL – Northeast Christian Church, the Rev. Dr. Michael Leitz
Streamwood, IL – Immanuel United Church of Christ of Streamwood, the Rev. Jeanne Santucci Murawski
Waukegan, IL – Journey Church, the Rev. Carlos Herrera

Kentucky

Anchorage, KY – Anchorage Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Tara Nicholas Reck
Mt. Sterling, KY – First Christian Church Mt. Sterling, the Rev. Michelle Ballard

Massachusetts

Boston, MA – Old West United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dr. Sara Taylor Garrard
Cambridge, MA – Reservoir Church, the Rev. Steve Watson
Dedham, MA – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Melanie Leigh McCarley
Lexington, MA – Hancock United Church of Christ, the Rev. Barbara Lea Callaghan
Worcester, MA – The First Baptist Church of Worcester, the Rev. Brent Andrew Newberry

Maryland

Bethesda, MD – North Bethesda United Methodist Church, the Rev. Kara June Scroggins
Bethesda, MD – Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Trinity Parish, the Rev. Jessica Katherine Hitchcock
Fulton, MD – Grace Community Church, the Rev. Mitchel Lee Prince
Frederick, MD – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. R. Matthew Humm
Westminster, MD – Westminster Church of the Brethren, the Rev. Glenn Anthony McCrickard

Maine

Portland, ME – South Portland Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Abhyudaya Ajay Vyas

Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI – First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor, the Rev. Nancy Sophia Lynn
Grand Rapids, MI – St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Grand Rapids, the Rev. Michael Nasser
Hazel Park, MI – Serenity Christian Church, the Rev. John C. Harvey
Holland, MI – Faith Christian Reformed Church, the Rev. Dr. Chad T. Pierce

Minnesota

Cottage Grove, MN – St. Luke Lutheran Church, the Rev. Keith Adam Long
Maple Grove, MN – Advent Lutheran Church, the Rev. Elizabeth Anne Felt
Marine on Saint Croix, MN – Christ Lutheran Church, the Rev. Hannah Gerry Bartos
Wayzata, MN – Wayzata Community Church, the Rev. Danielle Hample Jones
Woodbury, MN – Trinity Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. April M Davis Campbell

Missouri

Kansas City, MO – Colonial Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Greg Ealey
Kansas City, MO – River Market Community Church, the Rev. James Hayes
Maplewood, MO – Christ Church United Church of Christ, the Rev. Rebecca Turner
Saint Robert, MO – Shekinah Tabernacle Ministries, the Rev. Willie J. Curry
St. Louis, MO – Webster Groves Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Todd Moore

North Carolina

Boone, NC – Alliance Bible Fellowship of the CMA, the Rev. Michael Bradsher Talley
Castle Hayne, NC – Hope Community Church of Wilmington, the Rev. Nathan Hall Stratman
Chapel Hill, NC – Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Andrew Stephen Taylor-Troutman
Charlotte, NC – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jacob E. Pierce
Durham, NC – Pleasant Green United Methodist Church, the Rev. Laura Keith Thompson
Durham, NC – Westminster Presbyterian Church of Durham, the Rev. Dr. Chris Tuttle
Goldsboro, NC – St. Mark Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ , the Rev. Dr. Alton A. Smith
Raleigh, NC – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the Rev. Marsha Kate Anderson
Raleigh, NC – Saint Ambrose Episcopal Church, the Rev. Robert Jemonde Taylor
Wake Forest, NC – Centro Cristiano de Vida, the Rev. Raul Colon
Waynesville, NC – Grace Church in the Mountains, the Rev. Joslyn Eleanor Ogden Schaefer
Wilmington, NC – First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Robert Bradley McDowell

New Hampshire

Hanover, NH – Our Savior Lutheran Church, the Rev. Kyle Seibert

New Jersey

Chatham, NJ – The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, the Rev. Thomas A. Brown
Denville, NJ – Iglesia Bautista Familia de Dios Inc., the Rev. Daniel Alberto Cali
East Orange, NJ – Rivers of Living Water Ministries NJ Inc., the Rev. Vanessa Motoka Brown
Gladstone, NJ – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Kent Walley
Jersey City, NJ – Iglesia Fuente de Salvacion Jersey City, the Rev. Lipe Fernandez
Montclair, NJ – First Congregational Church at Montclair, the Rev. John Joseph Rogers

New Mexico

Santa Fe, NM – The Open Circle: A Disciples of Christ Community, the Rev. Tiffany Curtis

New York

Buffalo, NY – ELIM Christian Fellowship Inc., the Rev. Troy Bronner
Eggertsville, NY – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Rev. Steve Biegner
Jamaica, NY – First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, the Rev. Patrick Hugh O’Connor
New York, NY – Iglesia Alianza Oasis de la Alianza Cristiana y Misionera, the Rev. Angel Daniel VillaVentura
New York, NY – Metro Baptist Church of New York City, the Rev. Tiffany Triplett Henkel
New York, NY – St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dr. James F. “K” Karpen
Rochester, NY – First Presbyterian Church of Chili, the Rev. Brandi Wooten

Ohio

Columbus, OH – Sanctuary Columbus Church, the Rev. Richard Johnson
Columbus, OH – Gospel Lighthouse Church, the Rev. Jerry Delendo Fryar
Elyria OH – St. Andrew’s Episcopal, the Rev. Martha June Hardy Dorsey
Harrison, OH – Legacy Christian Church, the Rev. Mark Garrett
Liberty Twp, OH – Living Hope PCA, the Rev. Chad Grindstaff
Loveland, OH – Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jonathan L. Eilert

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK – 8th Street Church – A Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Dr. Christopher Mark Pollock
Yukon, OK – Grace Church – Episcopal of Yukon, the Rev. Timothy C. Baer

Oregon

Eugene, OR – Central Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Jennifer Diane Martin
Hood River, OR – Hood River Valley Christian Church, the Rev. Alicia Speidel
Portland, OR – Metropolitan Community Church of Portland, the Rev. Nathan Meckley
Portland, OR – Peace Church of the Brethren, the Rev. Sarah Kinsel

Pennsylvania

Butler, PA – First English Lutheran Church, the Rev. Kimberly Miller van Driel
Harrisburg, PA – The Cathedral Church of St. Stephen, the Rev. Dr. Amy D. Welin
Malvern, PA – Church of St. Francis-in-the-Fields, Sugartown, the Rev. Kevin Dellaria
Mountville, PA – Mountville Mennonite Church, the Rev. James Finley Laverty
Paoli, PA – Paoli Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Jonathan Andre Mikesell
Philadelphia, PA – Oxford Circle Mennonite Church, the Rev. Lynn S. Parks

South Carolina

Charleston, SC – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Lanneau Holton Siegling, Jr.
Columbia, SC – Riverside Community Church, the Rev. James B. Walden
Greenville, SC – Augusta Heights Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Greg Dover
Lancaster, SC – Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Carson M. Overstreet
Rock Hill, SC – Neely’s Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Matthew J Joldersma

South Dakota

Huron, SD – Grace Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jean Elisabeth Mornard

Tennessee

Franklin, TN – The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, the Rev. Stephen Chad Jones
Hendersonville, TN – New Creation Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Keith Maxwell Gunter

Texas

Austin, TX – The Vine Covenant Church, the Rev. Mark Charbonneau
Dallas, TX – The Gathering Experience DFW, the Rev. Dr. Irie Lynne Session
Denton, TX – St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Lisa Patterson
McAllen, TX – Iglesia Bautista Tierra Prometida – McAllen, the Rev. Caleb Jonathan Garcia
Pharr, TX – Iglesia Cristiana Alianza, the Rev. Dr. Armando Vera
Pharr, TX – McAllen International Missionary Church, the Rev. Chulsu Jo
Richardson, TX – Binnerri Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Ki Joong Ahn

Utah

Bountiful, UT – Flourishing Grace Church, the Rev. Joshua Knight

Virginia

Annandale, VA – Ravensworth Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Leah Grundset Davis
Fairlawn, VA – Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Allison Unroe
Manassas, VA – First Baptist Church of Manassas, the Rev. Keith Savage
McLean, VA – Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Harmon Scott Ramsey
Newport News, VA – St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Anne Ruth Kirchmier
Norfolk, VA – Abyssinia Baptist Church Inc., the Rev. Sheridan D. Nelson
Richmond, VA – Anointed New Life Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Catherine Diane Mosby
Richmond, VA – The Light Community Church, the Rev. Dr. Kimberly A. Ridley
Toano, VA – Hickory Neck Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jennifer Andrews-Weckerly

Washington

Bellingham, WA – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Kerrie Bauer
Renton, WA – Radiant Covenant Church, the Rev. Michael D. Thomas
Seattle, WA – University Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Aaron Williams

Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. – Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, the Rev. Cary James

Wisconsin

Madison, WI – Madison Mennonite Church, the Rev. Valerie Showalter

Wyoming

Riverton, WY – St. Margaret’s Catholic Church , the Rev. Louis Shea

Award Recipients in the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations:

Avon, IN – Branches Community Church, the Rev. Alex Hershey
Beech Grove, IN – First Christian Church of Beech Grove, the Rev. Paul Hartig
Bloomington, IN – St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, the Rev. James R. (Jimmy) Moore
Columbus, IN – New Hope Christian Church of Columbus, the Rev. John Mark Sichting
Elkhart, IN – Southside Fellowship, the Rev. David Moser
Goshen, IN – Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, the Rev. Mark R. Schloneger
Greenfield, IN – St. Michael Catholic Church, the Rev. Aaron Jenkins
Greensburg, IN – Community Church of Greensburg, the Rev. Seth Michael Bartal
Greenwood, IN – First Baptist Church of Greenwood, the Rev. Sean D. Holloway
Indianapolis, IN – Church of the Master, the Rev. Brenda Darmelio
Indianapolis, IN – East 91st Street Christian Church, the Rev. Dr. David Michael Faust
Indianapolis, IN – Eden Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Adrienne Overton
Indianapolis, IN – First Congregational Church of Indianapolis, the Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund
Indianapolis, IN – Mount Zion Baptist Church of Indianapolis, the Rev. Dr. Phillip Karl James
Indianapolis, IN – Northside New Era Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Dr. Clarence Moore
Indianapolis, IN – St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Frank S. Impicciche
Indianapolis, IN – St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Rebecca Jo Nickel
Indianapolis, IN – Trinity Episcopal Church, the Rev. Julia E. Whitworth
Indianapolis, IN – Trinity Church, the Rev. Melissa Millis
Indianapolis, IN – University Heights United Methodist Church, the Rev. David Wyatt Neuen
Muncie, IN – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Muncie, the Rev. Dr. Jerome O’Neal
Munster, IN – Ridge United Methodist Church, the Rev. Jared M. Kendall
New Albany, IN – Trinity New Albany United Methodist Church, the Rev. Christopher Dale Neikirk
New Haven, IN – St. James Lutheran Church, the Rev. Martha Jean Hampton
New Palestine, IN – Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Mark R. Havel
Roann, IN – Olive Branch Church, the Rev. Ashley Haupert
Tell City, IN – Saint Paul Catholic Church, the Rev. Anthony Paul Hollowell
Valparaiso, IN – Christ Lutheran Church, the Rev. Erica Gibson-Even
Wabash, IN – The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Wabash, the Rev. Todd D. Render

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic 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. Although the gifts of stock remain a 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 and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A primary aim of its grantmaking in religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance congregational vitality and strengthen the leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment values the broad diversity of Christian traditions and endeavors to support them in a wide variety of contexts. 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). It offers nine graduate- level degree programs, each rooted in a rich history of biblical scholarship, theological openness, and spiritual discernment. More than 30 denominations are represented among CTS faculty and students. Additional information about CTS is available at www.cts.edu.

The post Christian Theological Seminary Announces 197 Congregations Awarded Lilly Endowment 2022 Clergy Renewal Program Grants appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

CTS recently announced that 190 U.S. congregations have been selected to receive grants through the Lilly Endowment 2021 National Clergy Renewal Program and the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations. The grants help congregations honor and support their pastors by funding a respite from persistent ministerial duties and enabling pastors to engage in a period of extended reflection and renewal. Recipients may use the respite for activities that allow them to reflect and renew while engaging in activities such a travel, scholarly research or immersive experiences with different cultures and traditions.

“Pastors play a critical role in nurturing and guiding their congregations’ work in the Christian tradition, while tending to the soul and psyche of individual members within the congregation,” says Christopher L. Coble, the Endowment’s vice president for religion. “These grants facilitate an opportunity to celebrate pastors for their extraordinary service while making it possible for these men and women to step away from congregational demands and invest in rest and renewal. For more than two decades, these grants have shown that such respites support the vitality of pastors and reinvigorate their congregations as well.”

Congregations in the 2021 programs represent diverse Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox parishes and congregations from more than 24 Protestant denominations. Bringing a collaborative element to the grant program, congregations and their pastors worked together to determine how the pastors will use the grants to replenish, restore and renew their ministries.

Pastors may also use time away from their congregations to explore new spiritual disciplines, invest in focused time with loved ones and engage in immersive experiences that enhance their enthusiasm for preaching, ministry and leadership.

Popular activities selected by previous grant recipients include domestic and international travel and encounters with nature. Activities have facilitated enhanced cultural understanding, exploration of church heritage and other activities that aim to enrich pastors and their congregations.

Pastors also plan to use the awards to fund domestic and international travel. For example, one pastor will travel with family to visit his home country of South Korea – where he will continue his study of martial arts – as well as Israel, Asia Minor, and other biblical destinations. Another pastor will travel to Scotland to explore the historic scriptoriums on the islands of Iona and Lindisfarne and then prepare her own manuscript of the Sermon on the Mount incorporating her explorations of biblical text, Celtic lands, and personal history.

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 their own spiritual stories, sharing meals together, focusing on intergenerational relationships, and engaging their local communities through service. Dr. Robert Saler, director of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, 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, this program provides a means for congregations to show appreciation for their leaders and actively invest in their pastors’ health and energy for continued ministry,” Saler says.

Since Lilly Endowment introduced the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations and National Clergy Renewal Program grants in 1999 and 2000 respectively, more than 3,200 congregations across the nation have participated in the programs. Congregations in the 2021 national program received grants totaling almost $9 million. The grants honor the immense amount of energy, time and leadership that pastors invest in their congregations.

Congregations were invited to apply for program grants of up to $50,000. The application process allows congregations to be actively engaged in designing and developing their pastors’ renewal experiences. An inspiring element of the program is the ability for congregations to allocate up to $15,000 of the grant to fund interim pastoral leadership, as well as renewal activities within the congregation. Pastors’ families can also participate in the renewal activities.

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

Huntsville, AL – Southwood Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Will Spink

Arizona

Tucson, AZ – St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Bart Smith

California

Brentwood, CA – Brentwood Community United Methodist Church, the Rev. Hyesung Lee
Concord, CA – The Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jeremy Serrano
Downey, CA – El Encino Covenant Church, the Rev. Carlos V. Ortiz Aranda
Fullerton, CA – Casa de Oracion de Fullerton, the Rev. Rogelio Martinez
Healdsburg, CA – First Presbyterian Church Healdsburg, the Revs. Dean and Andrea Kladder
Irvine, CA – New Life Mission Church of Irvine, the Rev. Jeff Suhr
Morgan Hill, CA – Advent Lutheran Church, the Rev. Anita Warner
Redding, CA – First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Janet Chapman
Saint Helena, CA – Grace Episcopal Church, the Rev. Amy Denney Zuniga
San Carlos, CA – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Joshua Serrano
San Diego, CA – Hope Presbyterian Church of San Diego, the Rev. Joseph Myung
San Diego, CA – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Laurel Mathewson
Temple City, CA – Mideast Evangelical Church, the Rev. Maher Makar
Yorba Linda, CA – Messiah Lutheran Church, the Rev. Robert Mooney

Colorado

Aurora, CO – Mountain View United Church, the Rev. Tracy Laraine Hughes
Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church, the Rev. Alycia Erickson
Colorado Springs, CO – First Baptist Church, the Rev. Roy Daniel Schumacher
Denver, CO – Denver Community Church, the Rev. Michael Hidalgo
Steamboat Springs, CO – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Catie Greene

Connecticut

Hamden, CT – Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church, the Rev. Keith A. King
Milford, CT – The First United Church of Christ, Congregational, the Revs. Adam Eckhart and Ashley Grant
Milford, CT – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Christopher Files
New Haven, CT – The Connecticut Korean Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Ik Tae Kim
Old Lyme, CT – The First Congregational Church, the Rev. Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager
Southport, CT – Trinity Episcopal Church, the Rev. Margaret (Peggy) Rice Hodgkins
Westport, CT – Saugatuck Congregational Church, the Rev. Alison Patton

District of Columbia

Washington, DC – The National Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Donna Marsh
Washington, DC – Redemption Hill Church, the Rev. William Riedel

Florida

Gainesville, FL – Ignite Life Center, the Rev. Mark Vega
Jacksonville, FL – Christ Presbyterian Church in America, the Rev. Chuck Colson
Maitland, FL – Orangewood Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Joseph Creech
Medley, FL – Ministerio Vida Nueva, the Rev. Orlando M. Canales
Miami, FL – Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Theodis Johnson
New Port Richey, FL – Community Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, the Rev. Victoria Snow
Sebastian, FL – First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian, the Rev. Jeffrey Scott Wood
Switzerland, FL – Geneva Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Joseph Albright

Georgia

Alpharetta, GA – Open Door Community Church, the Rev. Joshua Cho
Atlanta, GA – Kirkwood United Church of Christ, the Rev. Susannah Davis
Perry, GA – Sojourn Church Ministries, the Rev. Jason Berl
Smyrna, GA – Smyrna 2 Foursquare Church, the Rev. Phillip Manginelli
Stonecrest, GA – First African Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Mark A. Lomax
Suwanee, GA – Atlanta Promise Church, the Rev. Bryan Choe

Illinois

Alton, IL – Alton Mission Free Methodist Church, the Rev. Peter Hough
Arthur, IL – Arthur Mennonite Church, the Rev. Glen Rhodes
Bolingbrook, IL – Friendship United Methodist Church, the Rev. KyungHae Anna Shin
Chicago, IL – Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, the Rev. Shannon Kershner
Chicago, IL – Pilgrim Lutheran Church English Synod, the Rev. Kristian Johnson
Chicago, IL – St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Lawrence James Clark
La Grange, IL – First Congregational Church of La Grange, the Rev. Carla (Carly) Stucklen Sather
University Park, IL – Faith Movers Church, the Rev. Moses Herring
Wheeling, IL – First Korean United Methodist Church, the Rev. Kwangtae Kim

Iowa

Marion, IA – Cornerstone Church, the Rev. Matthew Proctor
Mount Pleasant, IA – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Trey Hegar
Johnston, IA – Meredith Drive Reformed Church, the Rev. Suzanne Vogel

Kentucky

Lexington, KY – South Elkhorn Christian Church, the Rev. Michael Swartzentruber
Louisville, KY – Sojourn Community Church, the Rev. Jamaal Williams

Louisiana

New Orleans, LA – St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church, the Rev. Elizabeth Lott
Shreveport, LA – Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Theron Jackson

Maine

Holden, ME – Holden Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, the Rev. Linette Carol George

Maryland

Annapolis, MD – Broadneck Baptist Church, the Rev. Abby Thornton Hailey
Baltimore, MD – Memorial Episcopal Church, the Rev. Grey Maggiano
Clarksville, MD – Linden Linthicum United Methodist Church, the Rev. Gayle Annis-Forder
Crownsville, MD – St. Stephen’s-Severn Parish, the Rev. Victor Hailey
Glenwood, MD – St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Glenwood, the Rev. Dina van Klaveren
Olney, MD – St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Henry McQueen
Solomons, MD – Solomons United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dottie Yunger

Massachusetts

Andover, MA – South Church in Andover, the Rev. Dana Allen Walsh
Concord, MA – Trinity Church, the Rev. Nancy Jane Hagner
Lowell, MA – Eliot Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Heather Prince Doss
Newton, MA – Newton Covenant Church, the Rev. Garrett Smith
Sheffield, MA – Christ Trinity Church, the Rev. Erik Karas
Walpole, MA – United Church in Walpole, the Rev. Anna Flowers

Michigan

Kalamazoo, MI – Westwood Christian Reformed Church, the Rev. Michael Koetje
Royal Oak, MI – St. John’s Episcopal Church, Royal Oak, the Rev. Beth Taylor

Minnesota

Afton, MN – Memorial Lutheran Church of Afton, the Rev. Elizabeth Damico-Carper
Minneapolis, MN – Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, the Rev. Judy Zabel
Minneapolis, MN – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Ingrid Rasmussen
Robbinsdale, MN – Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ, the Rev. Kathleen Brigid Itzin
St. Paul, MN – Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill, the Rev. Joy McDonald Coltvet
St. Paul, MN – Saint Anthony Park Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jill Rode
Stillwater, MN – Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Christine Bellefeuille

Mississippi

Columbia, MS – New Life Fellowship Full Gospel Church, the Rev. Terry L. Weems

Montana

Great Falls, MT – First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Lynne Spencer-Smith

Nebraska

Omaha, NE – First Covenant Church, the Rev. Greg Applequist

New Hampshire

Bedford, NH – Bedford Presbyterian Church, the Rev. John Sawyer
Peterborough, NH – Union Congregational Church of Peterborough, the Rev. Robert Marrone
Wolfeboro, NH – All Saints’ Episcopal Church, the Rev. William R. Petersen

New Jersey

Montclair, NJ – Redeemer Church of Montclair, the Rev. Daniel B. Ying
Paterson, NJ – Riverside Reformed Church, the Rev. Jonatan Basora
Trenton, NJ – Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen

New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM – Albuquerque Mennonite Church, the Rev. Erica Lea-Simka
Albuquerque, NM – Rio Grade Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Linda Roberts-Baca
Las Vegas, NM – First United Presbyterian Church, NM, the Rev. Kathryn Palmer

New York

Amityville, NY – Christian Life Center Church, the Rev. Terrance Daye
Bronx, NY – Missionary Church of Christ, the Rev. Hector L Bonano
Brooklyn, NY – True Holy Church of God in Christ Jesus, the Rev. Vivian Grubb
Dunkirk, NY – Iglesia Getsemani, the Rev. Carlos Llera
Milbrook, NY – Grace Episcopal Church, the Rev. Matthew Calkins

North Carolina

Asheville, NC – Land of the Sky United Methodist Church, the Rev. Sara Wilcox
Cary, NC – Christ the King Lutheran Church, the Rev. Daniel Pugh
Cary, NC – Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, the Rev. Carla Gregg-Kearns
Durham, NC – RTP Global Mission Church, the Rev. Caden Lee
Pittsboro, NC – Iglesia Bautista Misionera Roca Fuerte, the Rev. Javier Benitez Marcos
Raleigh, NC – West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Katherine Rick-Miller
Wilmington, NC – First Baptist Church, the Rev. Jayne Davis
Winston-Salem, NC – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dixon Kinser

North Dakota

Minot, ND – Christ Lutheran Church, the Rev. Desirée Uhrich

Ohio

Akron, OH – New Hope Baptist Church, the Rev. David Nelson
Columbus, OH – New Faith Baptist Church of Christ, the Rev. David Nelson
Columbus, OH – The Church on Como, the Rev. Timothy Tabor
Euclid, OH – East Shore United Methodist Church, the Rev. Armando C. Arrellano
Greenville, OH – Greenville Evangelical United Methodist Church, the Rev. Jeff Harper

Oregon

Albany, OR – Albany Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Brandon Douglas Lewis
Beavercreek, OR – Beavercreek United Church of Christ, the Rev. Jennifer Seaich
Lincoln City, OR – Congregational Church of Lincoln City, United Church of Christ, the Rev. Michael Ray Grogan
McMinnville, OR – First United Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Matthew Johnson
Milwaukie, OR – Hawthorne Foursquare Church, the Rev. Cameron Marvin
Milwaukie, OR – Oak Hills Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Jeremy Sanderson
Portland, OR – West Hills Covenant Church, the Revs. Stephanie and Mark Mathis
Yachats, OR – Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Robert Barrett

Pennsylvania

Lancaster, PA – Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, the Rev. Susan Gascho-Cooke
Pittsburgh, PA – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Noah Evans
Telford, PA – Franconia Mennonite Church, the Rev. Josh Meyer
Wayne, PA – The Church of the Savior, the Rev. Kevin Flannery

South Carolina

Greenville, SC – First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Johnna Camp

South Dakota

Aberdeen, SD – Our Savior Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jordon Andreasen
Platte, SD – Platte Christian Reformed Church, the Rev. Drew Hoekema

Tennessee

Bristol, TN – Tri-City Korean Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Seong Cheol Im
Memphis, TN – Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Earle Fisher
Oakland, TN – Oakland Presbyterian Church PC(USA) – the Rev. Stephanie Bussey-Spencer Patton

Texas

Arlington, TX – The Welcome Table Christian Church, the Rev. Jeremy Skaggs
Dallas, TX – The Church of the Transfiguration (Episcopal), Inc., the Rev. Robert Casey Shobe
Elgin, TX – First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Amy Lynn Meyer
Houston, TX – Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Rachel Young
Kingwood, TX – Kingwood Christian Church, the Rev. Chad Mattingly
San Antonio, TX – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Elizabeth Clemmer Knowlton
Waxahachie, TX – Ferris Avenue Baptist Church, the Rev. David Allen Brown

Vermont

White River Junction, VT – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Scott Neal

Virginia

Alexandria, VA – Church of Saint Clement Episcopal, the Rev. Robin Razzino
Keswick, VA – Grace Episcopal Church, the Rev. Gary Miles Smith
King George, VA – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Owens, the Rev. Leonard (Lee) Farirayi Gandiya
Mechanicsville, VA – Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, the Rev. Marlene Fuller
Newport News, VA – First Baptist Church, the Rev. Juan L. Garcia
Portsmouth, VA – Grove Baptist Church, the Rev. Melvin Marriner
Richmond, VA – Grace Baptist Church, the Rev. Suzanne Vinson

Washington

Belfair, WA – Belfair Community Baptist Church, the Rev. Jamie McCallum
Bellingham, WA – First Congregational Church, the Rev. Sharon Benton
Pullman, WA – St. James Episcopal Church, the Rev. Linda M. Young
Richland, WA – All Saints’ Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jane Schmoetzer
Seattle, WA – Sanctuary Christian Reformed Church, the Rev. Mark Alan Mohrlang
Spokane Valley, WA – Veradale United Church of Christ, the Rev. Genavieve May Heywood

Wisconsin

Eau Claire, WI – The First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Kathryn Reid Walker
Mukwonago, WI – First Congregational Church, the Rev. Kevin M. Clark
Onalaska, WI – First Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Jason Stanton

Award Recipients in the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations:

Anderson – St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, the Rev. Matt Manning
Bloomington – Redeemer Community Church of Bloomington, the Rev. Chris Jones
Bloomington – St. Paul United Methodist Church, the Rev. David Mullens
Columbus – Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus, the Rev. Nicolas Cable
Donaldson – Evangelical Covenant Church, the Rev. Mark Harder
Elkhart – Creekside Church of the Brethren, the Rev. Rosanna McFadden
Elkhart – Michiana Korean Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Daniel Kang
Evansville – First Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Rev. Veltri Taylor
Evansville – Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin, the Rev. Bernard Etienne
Fort Wayne – Heartland Church of Fort Wayne, the Rev. Dave Frincke
Fort Wayne – Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Rev. David Petersen
Fort Wayne – St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Paul Andrew Offhaus
Goshen – Assembly Mennonite Church, the Rev. Lora Nafziger
Goshen – College Mennonite Church, the Revs. Talashia Keim and Daniel Yoder
Greencastle – Greencastle Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Wesley Kendall
Indianapolis – Common Ground Christian Church, the Rev. Jeff Alan Reichanadter
Indianapolis – Fairview Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Shawn Coons
Indianapolis – Heather Hills Baptist Church, the Rev. Trey Oetjen
Indianapolis – Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana (Discipulos de Cristo), the Rev. Berenice Gil Soto
Indianapolis – Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Kevin Long
Indianapolis – New Beginnings Fellowship Church, the Rev. James Jackson
Indianapolis – New Revelation Christian Church, the Rev. Richard Reynolds
Indianapolis – Woodruff Place Baptist Church, Indianapolis, the Rev. Ronald Nunez
Martinsville – Martinsville First Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Jeff Floyd
Muncie – First Presbyterian Church of Muncie, the Rev. Myungku Lee
New Castle – New Covenant Worship Center, the Rev. Tom Preble
Noblesville – Living Branch Church PCA, the Rev. Keith Doane
Saint John – Suncrest Christian Church, the Rev. Daniel J. Donaldson
Seymour – Bethel Community Church, the Rev. Sondra Gentry
South Bend – Clay United Methodist Church, the Rev. Brian Durand
South Bend – South Bend City Church, the Rev. Jason Miller
Tell City – Tell City 1st Baptist Church, the Rev. Daniel Hopkins
Valparaiso – Valparaiso First United Methodist, the Rev. Kevin Miller
Zionsville – Zionsville Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. Tyler Andrew Thompson

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his two sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., with gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical company. The Endowment exists to support the causes of religion, education and community development. Lilly Endowment’s religion grantmaking is designed to deepen and enrich the religious lives of American Christians. It does this largely through initiatives to enhance and sustain the quality of ministry in American congregations and parishes. More information can be found at www.lillyendowment.org.

The post 190 Congregations Awarded Lilly Endowment 2021 Clergy Renewal Program Grants appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

Dr. Robert C. Saler, Associate Dean and Research Professor of Religion and Culture at CTS and the Director of the CRP, said that this year has been a strong one for applications. Unsure about how the COVID-19 pandemic might affect interest in the programs, Saler explained that “all of the uncertainty has made congregations more eager to take this on, not less. If there had been a suspicion that all the disruption would take away from the need for renewal times, we’ve seen the opposite.”

Saler said that the CRP have made adjustments to give congregations as much flexibility as possible, extending the deadline for applications by two months, enhancing online application features to make it easier for people to work from home, and allowing for sabbatical leaves to be reconfigured. Given that many leaves involve travel, some grantees have decided to postpone for a year. “We want churches to feel empowered during this time,” Saler said.

For those interested in learning more about the programs, the CRP is planning to host an online information session in the fall. As well, the CRP will launch a podcast series in the coming months featuring pastors who have received grants. More details about these will be posted on the CRP website, which hosts important information and resources for congregations and pastors, including a video recording of last year’s CRP Open House. Saler has also recently published a helpful book, Planning Sabbaticals: A Guide for Congregations and their Pastors.

To contact the CRP or sign up for their mailing list, please send an email to cl***********@*ts.edu. Check out the other initiatives of the Center for Pastoral Excellence, which seeks to resource leaders on the long arc of ministry, by visiting its website at cpx.cts.edu.

The post Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs Continue Important Work appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

Recipients of the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations may be viewed at: http://religionnews.com/2016/10/03/29-indiana-congregations-awarded-lilly-endowment-clergy-renewal-program-grants/

Recipients of the 2016 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program grants may be viewed at: http://religionnews.com/2016/10/03/146-u-s-congregations-awarded-lilly-endowment-clergy-renewal-grants/

The post CTS Announces Recipients of Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.