ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland Theological Seminary, a graduate division of Ashland University, has received a grant of approximately $2.4 million from Lilly Endowment, Inc., through its Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to provide resources to help churches in rural areas and small towns enhance the vitality of their ministries and strengthen the leadership of the pastors and lay leaders who guide them.
“I am excited for the grant as a significant part of our reach extends into rural and small towns,” said Yvonne Glass, executive dean and associate professor of counseling for Ashland Theological Seminary. “Our founding denomination, the Brethren Church, thrives in these places. This grant allows us to have greater impact in preparation of strong, sound, theologically-prepared leaders in the local church.”
Ashland Theological Seminary has outlined a comprehensive program, divided into three areas, to utilize the grant. The three areas are pre-seminary programming, seminary-based programming and programming that goes beyond the seminary, with the hopes of increasing youth retention in churches, improving accessibility to theological education and enhancing support for church leaders in rural and small town contexts.
Pre-seminary programming targets youth and aims to retain their involvement in the church and community life, while also identifying and nurturing future leaders at an early age. The funding will help expand youth programs, help younger students discern vocation and ministry calls and potentially integrate them into vocational ministry tracks.
The seminary-based programming focuses on undergraduate and seminary students, specific to student internships, stackable degree options and a Doctor of Ministry cohort. The grants support initiatives to provide practical experiences, reduce financial burdens and increase scholarship and resources for rural-based churches and communities.
The Lilly grant also includes a range of continuing education and support programs for pastors and lay leaders, such as micro-credentials, specialty certificates, virtual support groups and workshops.
“Our hope is that these grants will provide much needed resources and support to rural and small town churches to help them address their challenges and enhance and extend the many ways that they serve their communities,” said Christopher Coble, vice president for religion at the Lilly Endowment.
Ashland Theological Seminary is one of 20 organizations from across the U.S. receiving Lilly grants through the Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative, including other colleges and universities, denominational agencies, church networks and parachurch organizations.
Lilly Endowment, Inc., is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic 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. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown and home state. A primary aim of its grantmaking in
religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance congregation vitality and strengthens the leadership of Christian communities.