Seeking Clergy for Lilly Endowment Grant Innovation Opportunity: Reaching Gen Z, Millennials, and the "Spiritual but Not Religious"

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The landscape of faith is shifting, and we’ve all felt the growing gap between traditional church structures and the spiritual hunger of younger generations. We are reaching out because we have identified a significant grant opportunity designed to bridge that exact divide. 

This grant focuses on creating and testing innovative Christian practices specifically tailored for Generation Z, Millennials, and those who identify as "Spiritual but Not Religious" (SBNR). It is a chance to move beyond "business as usual" and pilot meaningful ways of being the Church in a post-institutional world.

The Vision

The goal is to move past traditional programming and develop practices that resonate with the values of authenticity, justice, and community that define Gen Z and Millennials. Whether it’s through new forms of liturgy, digital community building, or justice-oriented spiritual rhythms, this grant provides the resources to experiment boldly.

The Commitment (The "Fine Print")

We’ve reviewed the key requirements, and while the potential is immense, the road to a successful application is rigorous. To move forward, we need a core team that is ready to dive in deep.

Please be aware of the following expectations:

  • Strict Deadlines: The granting body maintains a tight timeline; there is no room for "mission creep" or late submissions.

  • Active Design: We aren't looking for "names on a page." We need individuals who will actively roll up their sleeves to design the project and draft the proposal.

  • Presence & Participation: Commitment means attending all scheduled planning meetings. Consistency is the only way we will meet the high standards required for funding by the Lilly Endowment.

Why Now?

We know that ministry is already demanding. However, the opportunity to receive dedicated funding to engage the very people who often feel excluded from our pews is too important to pass up. If we are going to shape the future of the faith, we have to be willing to do the heavy lifting of preparation today.

If you are ready to commit your time and creative energy to this project, please reply by March 4th to Dr. Gloria so we can convene our first working session.