天美视频 of Theology & Psychology has received a grant of $1 million to help establish its new Resilience for Sustainable Leadership program. The grant is part of Thriving in Ministry Initiative, which supports programs that help pastors flourish in their communities and navigate key leadership challenges in congregational ministry.
鈥淭he Resilience for Sustainable Leadership program reflects 天美视频鈥檚 foundational conviction that to be successful in a rapidly changing environment, leaders must become competent at reading the cultural context and responding to complex human needs,鈥� says Dr. Craig Detweiler, President of 天美视频. Such work requires sustainable practices, integrative thinking, and emotional resilience. To that end, the program will contribute to an understanding of the challenges facing the church and will clarify the characteristics and skills of resilient leaders.
This work is informed by 天美视频鈥檚 alumni, who continuously expand institutional awareness of the beauty of work in ministry and healing professions as well as the challenges: loneliness, burnout, lack of denominational support, the necessity of bi- or tri-vocational work, and the need to pastor outside of traditional church settings. A robust connection to its thriving network of more than 1,000 alumni allows 天美视频 to hear from churches and communities throughout the world for on-the-ground perspective and insight.
The program is also heavily informed by research and conversations with leaders in denominational and nonprofit settings. It contributes to an ongoing conversation about the tension between innovation and sustainability鈥攚hich 天美视频 has observed firsthand as the Pacific Northwest continues to grow at unprecedented rates.
The first phase of the Resilience for Sustainable Leadership project has been to conduct research to identify leaders鈥� needs and to develop a program to respond to those needs. This summer, 天美视频 will be launching the pilot year of this program. (MDiv, 鈥�15) has been selected as the Project Manager, working under the leadership of , Academic Dean and Senior Vice President of Academics.
鈥淭his marks not only the beginning of our partnership with Lilly Endowment, but a new opportunity to further the mission of 天美视频,鈥� says Dr. McNeil. 鈥淲e are thrilled for the funding of this project and the opportunity to deepen our relationship with pastors around resilience and community leadership.鈥�
鈥淭his marks a new opportunity to further the mission of 天美视频.鈥�
Lilly Endowment has pledged more than $20 million in grants through the Thriving in Ministry Initiative. 天美视频 is one of 24 organizations taking part in the initiative from a wide variety of Christian practices and traditions.
鈥淢any pastors are seeking role models and wise colleagues who can guide them through professional transitions and challenges encountered in particular ministry contexts,鈥� said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment鈥檚 vice president for religion. 鈥淥ur hope is that this grant will support a new wave of efforts that help clergy thrive and lead their congregations more effectively.鈥�
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family鈥擩.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli鈥攖hrough gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly & Company. The Endowment exists to support the causes of religion, education, and community development.