Resilience for Sustainable Leadership Program (Thriving in Ministry Initiative)

Resilience for Sustainable Leadership Program

Funder: Lilly Endowment Inc. (Thriving in Ministry Initiative)

Award Amount: $1,000,000

Award Date: January 2018

Recipient: The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

Purpose

Helps pastors flourish in their communities and navigate key leadership challenges in congregational ministry. Supports programs that help clergy thrive and lead their congregations more effectively.

Program Focus

Develops understanding of:
• Challenges facing the church
• Characteristics and skills of resilient leaders
• Sustainable leadership practices
• Integrative thinking and emotional resilience
• Reading cultural context and responding to complex human needs

Research & Development

First phase involved conducting research to identify leaders' needs and develop responsive programming. Pilot year launched in summer 2018.

Project Leadership

• Project Manager: Kate Davis (MDiv, '15)
• Academic Leadership: Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Academic Dean and Senior Vice President of Academics

About the Initiative

• Lilly Endowment pledged more than $20 million in grants through the Thriving in Ministry Initiative
• The Seattle School was one of 24 organizations participating
• Represents wide variety of Christian practices and traditions

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly & Company. Supports religion, education, and community development causes.