Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs

Resources

Since Lilly Endowment introduced the Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations and National Clergy Renewal Program grants in 1999 and 2000, more than 3,200 congregations across the nation have participated in the programs.

National and Indiana Clergy Renewal Programs provide opportunities for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life, and to engage in a period of intentional renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacation times. They are spaces created for spiritual exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry.

2023 Awards Notifications

Congregations who submitted proposals to the 2023 Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs may expect to receive an email regarding a decision no later than Thursday, August 31. Congregations interested in submitting proposals to the 2024 Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs in support of renewal leaves that take place in 2025 may return to this webpage in early November when we publish the 2024 Request for Proposals (RFP) here. In the meantime, we encourage you to download and review the current RFP as a reliable guide for what to expect in the 2024 edition.

Clergy Renewal Program playlist

I am impressed at the way in which people thrived during this three month renewal period. The congregation seems not only happy, but spiritually fulfilled, and open to new growth and new possibilities for ministry.

Rev. Dr. Guy CollinsSt. Thomas Episcopal Church, Hanover, New Hampshire

One of the most interesting things that came about as a result of my time reflecting, refocusing, and renewing was the impact it had on my preaching. I came back a much stronger preacher than I was before I went on the renewal leave...one of the important impacts that this program had on the congregation was the coming together that resulted from it.

Rev. Frank AlexanderOasis of Hope Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana

I was able to reserve time for reflection, meditation, and sleep...I was able to focus on my commitment to God and the ministry which I dedicated my life to. I was able to reflect on my allegiance, loyalty, and faithfulness to God. My faith was nurtured and my spirit was renewed and motivated...I could hear God’s voice saying, ā€˜Be still and know that I am truly God.’

Rev. Dr. Lavonia K. McIntyreSt. John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Monticello, Georgia

For Grant Seekers

Learn more about Clergy Renewal from past grantees and other friends of the program

Take a look at frequently asked questions about applying to the Clergy Renewal Programs

Request for Proposals (RFP)

The 2023 Requests for Proposals, linked below, serve as sample materials which outline eligibility requirements, the application and submission process, and program guidelines. The Indiana and National programs have different Request for Proposals and fillable forms, please select the appropriate links below.

The 2024 Request for Proposals will be published here in early November and will include the 2024 program year application deadline.

Handouts

What makes a high-quality proposal?

Grace notes

Check out our new podcast episodes

Clergy Renewal presents a series of podcast interviews with past grant participants:

Bishop Claude Alexander, Jr., Senior Pastor, The Park Church, Charlotte, NCĀ  |Ā  Listen
Reverend Tracey Henry, Pastor / Head of Staff, Clinton Presbyterian Church, Clinton, NJĀ Ā  |Ā  Listen
Reverend Dr. Philip K. James, Pastor, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Indianapolis, INĀ Ā  |Ā  Listen
Reverend Greg Lee, Lead Pastor, Suncrest Christian Church, St. John, INĀ Ā  |Ā  Listen
Reverend Matthew Manning, Pastor, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Anderson, INĀ  Ā |Ā  Listen
Reverend Mike Mather, (formerly) Senior Pastor, Broadway United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, INĀ Ā  |Ā  Listen
Reverend Janet Wanner, (formerly) Pastor, East Side Church of God, Anderson, INĀ  Ā |Ā  Listen
Reverend Dr. Martin Wright, Senior Pastor, Ogilville Christian Church, Ogilville, INĀ  Ā |Ā  Listen

For Current Grantees

Budget Revision Request

Final Reporting Process Instructions

Final Financial Report Worksheet

Pastor - Final Report Narrative Questions

Congregational Representative - Final Report Narrative Questions

Press Release Templates 2022

News Release Template - 2022 Indiana

News Release Template - 2022 National

Press Release 2022

2022 Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs

Press Release Archive

September 15, 2021

2021 LILLY ENDOWMENT NATIONAL CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM

September 15, 2021

2021 LILLY ENDOWMENT CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM FOR INDIANA CONGREGATIONS

November 9, 2020

2020 LILLY ENDOWMENT NATIONAL CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM

November 9, 2020

2020 LILLY ENDOWMENT CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM FOR INDIANA CONGREGATIONS

September 13, 2020

2019 LILLY ENDOWMENT NATIONAL CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM

September 13, 2020

2019 LILLY ENDOWMENT CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM FOR INDIANA CONGREGATIONS

September 18, 2018

2018 LILLY ENDOWMENT NATIONAL CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM

September 18, 2018

2018 LILLY ENDOWMENT CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM FOR INDIANA CONGREGATIONS

September 11, 2017

2017 LILLY ENDOWMENT NATIONAL CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM

September 11, 2017

2017 LILLY ENDOWMENT CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM FOR INDIANA CONGREGATIONS

October 1, 2016

2016 LILLY ENDOWMENT NATIONAL CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM

October 1, 2016

2016 LILLY ENDOWMENT CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM FOR INDIANA CONGREGATIONS