Ashland University’s seminary receives Lilly Endowment grant

Ashland University’s Ashland Theological Seminary has received $2.4 million from Lilly Endowment’s Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative. The initiative is intended to strengthen rural and small town ministries via the leadership of pastors and other church leaders. 

According to an article on Ashland University’s website, Yvonne Glass, whos serves as the executive dean and associate professor of counseling for Ashland Theological Seminary, was quoted as saying of the new grant funding, “I am excited for the grant as a significant part of our reach extends into rural and small towns. 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 the manner in which it will utilize its grant funding to achieve the goal of strengthening rural ministries. First, it will focus on retaining youth interest in church by expanding its programs for children, and nurturing potential future church leaders from a young age. Second, it will help increase scholarship funding for undergraduate and seminary students to reduce the financial burdens of pursuing seminary education, and it will focus on providing internships and degree options that can stack. Finally, it will provide continuing education for pastors and church leaders via workshops, seminars, microcredentials, and certificates.

Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion, said, “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.”

For more information about Ashland University, visit the school’s website.