Bethel University Receives $1.2 million Grant from Lilly Endowment
Summary
MISHAWAKA Bethel University has received a grant of $1,245,748 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Nurturing Childhood Faith Through the Arts program.The program is funded through Lilly Endowments Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative. The aim of the national initiative is to support faith-based organizations as they help children grow in faith and deepen their relationships with God.Bethel Universitys NCFTA program will enable BU to partner with local church congregations in developing creative programming designed to enhance the worship experiences of children through intergenerational corporate worship events. BU will facilitate the collaboration of local ministry leaders from multiple congregations, distribute local grants to support innovative programming, and develop workshops and seminars to benefit local ministry leaders.This generous gift by Lilly Endowment represents an exciting opportunity for Bethel to support the local church, and to help raise up a new generation of leaders, says Stephen Martin, D.C.M., chair of music and theatre and associate professor of music.Bethel is one of 170 organizations funded through three rounds of the initiative, which was launched in 2022. The grants are funding efforts to help organizations that serve congregations in a broad spectrum of Christian traditions develop new and/or enhance existing programs as they design worship services and prayer practices that more intentionally and fully engage children.