Our Purpose
Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Thriving Congregations Initiative aims to help congregations strengthen their ministries so they can better help people deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities and the world. Leadership Education at Duke Divinity supports this initiative through a Coordination Program that gathers grantees for mutual learning.
Overview
In all, 237 charitable organizations have been awarded grants of up to $1.25 million each to help congregations adapt to changing social and cultural contexts, clarify their values and mission, and draw on Christian practices. Leadership Education at Duke Divinity supports and networks these grantees and shares what they are learning.
Our Commitments
Local congregations are the primary form of Christian community. Those that thrive share three characteristics.
Lilly endowment inc. 2020 annual report
Shifting demographics, social disruptions move congregations to explore how to remain relevant and serve their communities
Project Directory
Grantees include colleges and universities, theological schools, denominational agencies, individual congregations and other faith-based organizations and serve churches in a broad spectrum of Christian traditions.
Congregational storytelling
The following videos offer a glimpse into the experiences of participating congregational leaders.
This project was developed in response to a critical problem: addressing declining or plateauing attendance at many of the denomination’s established congregations, including Queens Herald Church in New York.
Stories & Resources
Discover stories, essays and interviews about topics related to congregational life, including racial healing and justice, economic models, innovative ministry, leadership and more.
