Welcome to the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs
at Christian Theological Seminary
Seeking to strengthen Christian congregations through renewal and reflection
Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs are administered by the Center for Pastoral Excellence at Christian Theological Seminary. Through its religion grantmaking, Lilly Endowment, an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation, seeks to deepen and enrich the lives of American Christians. It does this largely through initiatives to enhance and sustain the quality of ministry in American congregations and parishes. To this end, National and Indiana Clergy Renewal Programs provide an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacations but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry.
Details and application materials for the 2023 programs are now available. Both the 2023 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program and 2023 Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations enable eligible congregations to apply for grants of up to $50,000 in support of a renewal program for one of their pastors.
2023 Program Notifications
We are pleased to announce that congregations may now apply for Clergy Renewal grants of up to $60,000. This amount is $10,000 higher than what is indicated in the Clergy Renewal RFP. Lilly Endowment and CTS raised the maximum award amount to help congregations address rapidly increasing costs associated with clergy renewal program expenses. These additional funds may be applied to either the pastor's or congregation's budgets. The additional funds may be allocated between the two budgets in whatever manner the applicant chooses. Please note that this increase applies only to applications in the 2023 programs. Future award amounts will be determined at a later time. Email clergyrenewal@cts.edu with any questions about this increase.
Application deadline for proposals in support of a 2024 renewal leave: Wed, March 15, 2023. Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than this date. Email applications must be time stamped by 11:59 pm Eastern time on this date. Award notifications will go out by August 31, 2023.
Resources for Grant Seekers
Videos, Request for Proposals booklets and handouts for Clergy Renewal Program grant seekers.
Resources for Current Grantees
Press releases and final reporting information for current Clergy Renewal Program grantees.
2023 Informational Webinar
What will make your heart sing?
November 4, 2022
This recording of our live Information Webinar hosted by our Director, Dr. Rob Saler, includes a word from our Lilly Endowment Program Director, offers an overview of the programs, highlights important information about how to apply, and answers audience questions.
Launch video
Contact us
Please feel free to contact us with questions about the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs, including questions relating to application procedures, eligibility, and management of current grants. We are also happy to help arrange publicity opportunities related to the programs.
Note: Please do not contact Lilly Endowment directly with questions related to the programs.
The Center for Pastoral Excellence at Christian Theological Seminary administers these programs on behalf of the Endowment. We also ask that you not contact us to verify receipt of an application. Applicants are notified by email once their applications have been received. The Center does not make available copies of past grant proposals.
Team
Location
Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary
1000 West 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-931-4225
Get directions
To ask questions regarding eligibility, application procedures, already-received grants, or other topics, the quickest way to contact us is through email:
Para más información en español:
info@peterriosconsulting.com o ale@zoenetwork.mx.