Thriving Congregations Initiative - Resilient Leaders Project Expansion

Thriving Congregations Initiative - Resilient Leaders Project Expansion

Funder: Lilly Endowment Inc. (Thriving Congregations Initiative)

Award Amount: $1,000,000

Award Date: October 2020

Recipient: The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

Purpose

Expands the Resilient Leaders Project to develop a congregational development program. Strengthens Christian congregations so they can help people deepen relationships with God, build strong relationships with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of local communities.

Program Focus

• Forge partnerships with congregational leadership teams
• Equip teams to adapt to changing contexts
• Invest in neighborhood communities for mutual thriving
• Develop defined, replicable process aligning identity, belonging, and mission
• Respond to ongoing changes in neighborhoods, especially post-COVID-19

Program Components

• Hands-on, experiential training through conferences
• Shared learnings through writings, guidebooks, webinars, and instructional videos
• Direct work with congregations
• Support for congregations to clarify values and missions
• Help congregations understand their communities
• Support drawing upon theological traditions

Project Leadership

Kate Davis, Director of Resilient Leaders Project

About the Initiative

• Lilly Endowment funding nearly $93 million in grants through the national initiative
• The Seattle School is one of 92 organizations participating
• Serves churches in broad spectrum of Christian traditions: Anabaptist, Baptist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Mennonite, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Reformed, Restoration, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, nondenominational, and evangelical
• Several organizations serve congregations in Black, Hispanic, and Asian-American traditions

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly & Company. Supports religion, education, and community development. Principal aim in religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich lives of Christians in the United States by supporting efforts that enhance congregation vitality and strengthen pastoral and lay leadership.