Lilly Endowment Offers National Clergy Renewal Grants for 7th Year
Lilly Endowment Inc. announced that it will continue offering grants to congregations for clergy renewal across the country for a seventh season.
Lilly Endowment Inc. announced that it will continue offering grants to congregations for clergy renewal across the country for a seventh season.
The popular National Clergy Renewal Program allocates up to $45,000 in grants to selected churches to help provide pastors a chance to step away from their busy ministry days and experience a period of renewal and reflection.
"Pastors and congregations both benefit from this period of renewal," said Craig Dykstra, Endowment senior vice president for religion, in a released statement. "The pastors are given a rare opportunity to dig deep into what 'makes their hearts sing.'"
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Last month, 124 pastors in 37 states received grants that funded sabbaticals and opened opportunities to strengthen the Christian congregations. For 2006, the Endowment is looking to select 120 congregations
"The renewal and refreshment of a pastor's heart is key to the spiritual vitality of a congregation's life," said Dykstra.
To date, Lilly Endowment has invested more than $23 million for 755 congregations and their pastors who, when selected, spend months traveling the world, studying and reconnecting with family and friends.
"As they explore the roots of their religious traditions, write poetry, practice contemplative prayer, and spend weeks or months in significantly different cultural contexts, they come to see their ministries with fresh eyes," Dykstra said.
Not only do pastors benefit, but congregants also gain renewed strength as vital places of worship and mission.
"The congregations often come to see their pastors and themselves in a new way as well," he continued.
To apply, visit www.lillyendowment.org. The deadline for proposals is May 15, 2006.
