Whitworth University Receives Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant to Support New Preaching Initiative
Operated by the Whitworth Office of Church Engagement, the program is designed to strengthen the preaching skills of ministry leaders by supporting and resourcing them to experiment with and cultivate new models of proclamation that can invite listeners into transformative experiences with God.
The five-year grant, which Lilly Endowment made through its
Compelling Preaching Initiative, will support the creation of preacher learning
cohorts, an online resource hub, yearly in-person retreats and conferences, and
academic research. In each context, the program aims to promote innovative and
participatory models of preaching while providing resources to help preachers
attend to their own spiritual health and formation. Funding from the grant will
also support a research project aimed at understanding the unique needs and
preferences of college-aged adults to learn what captures their attention and
leads them to deep engagement with Scripture.
“At the core of the program is the desire to draw experienced
and new preachers into community to not only spur each other on in the weekly
work of preaching, but to grow together spiritually as well,” Director of
Church Engagement Mindy Smith says. “At a time in our culture when so many
pastors are isolated and discouraged, I believe we need each other now more
than ever.”
The program will kick off this spring with the first
learning cohort, a six-week opportunity to gather with other preachers for
learning, experimentation and mutual support. Additional cohorts will begin regularly
over the five-year grant period. Interested preachers can learn more and sign
up on the program website here.
Preachers are also invited to consider joining the inaugural preachers retreat,
to be hosted June 24-27 at Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center in Leavenworth,
Wash. The retreat will feature workshops, spiritual direction and personal work
time. More information can be found here.
Whitworth University is one of 81 organizations receiving
grants through this competitive round of the Compelling Preaching Initiative. Lilly
Endowment launched the Compelling Preaching Initiative in 2022 because of its
interest in supporting projects that help to nurture the religious lives of
individuals and families and foster the growth and vitality of Christian
congregations in the United States.
“Throughout history, preachers often have needed to adapt
their preaching practices to engage new generations of hearers more
effectively,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for
religion. “We are pleased that the organizations receiving grants in this
initiative will help pastors and others in ministry engage in the kinds of
preaching needed today to ensure that the gospel message is heard and
accessible for all audiences.”
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 and maintains a special commitment to its hometown,
Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal
arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university has an
enrollment of about 2,500 students and offers more than 100 undergraduate and
graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Mindy Smith, project director and director of church
engagement, Office of Church Engagement, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4341
or mindysmith@whitworth.edu.
Alexis Perry, assistant director of communications, Office
of Church Engagement, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4439 or aperry@whitworth.edu.
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.
