The grant is funded by Lilly Endowment and will allow for the establishment of a Church Leadership Formation Project at the university.
Lee University has recently received a $32,708 grant from the Council of Independent Colleges, funded by Lilly Endowment, to support the establishment of a Church Leadership Formation Project at Lee University. The program seeks to support students of all majors as they explore their vocational opportunities.
According to an article on Lee University’s website, Dr. Lorinda Roberts, who serves as the university’s vice president for student success, was quoted as saying of the grant award, “We are committed to preparing our students for a life of service to God and others. Thus, we are thrilled for this partnership with local churches, which will provide our students with invaluable opportunities to serve alongside their mentors. Through these meaningful experiential learning opportunities, our students will grow in their understanding of their calling and ministry.”
Lilly Endowment’s Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) “Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith” initiative has awarded grant funding that has established the Church Leadership Formation Project. The Church Leadership Formation Project will give students of all majors the opportunity to form partnerships with local churches to experience ministry and explore how to integrate their vocations within their faith.
Campus pastor Wes Lutes said, “One of the most personally meaningful aspects of this grant is how it supports students who feel called to ministry—whether in a vocational or lay capacity. As a former Lee student who sensed that same call, I pursued it through a musical path, often seeking out practicum experiences beyond what was available through the academic program. This grant opens doors for students to engage directly with various local church ministries, offering hands-on learning opportunities they might not otherwise be able to access.”
The program will help equip students with the skills and capabilities they need to address challenges that may come up in ministries through leadership development and the opportunity to explore how their chosen vocation can be applicable in a ministry setting.
For more information about Lee University, visit the school’s website.