In 2018, the Lilly Endowment awarded Catawba a $1 million grant to help establish the Catawba Clergy Network Program. This grant was part of the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving in Ministry initiative, which supports various religious organizations nationwide as they create or strengthen programs that help pastors build relationships with experienced clergy who can serve as mentors and guide them through key leadership challenges in congregational ministry.
“We are proud that the Lilly Endowment has recognized the good work the Catawba Clergy Network has done for pastors, counselors, church planners, and other clergy, said Rev. Dr. William Hoyle, Interim Director of the Catawba Clergy Network. “Their generous gift for the next five years is a great blessing to clergy and their congregations through this important work at Catawba.”
Catawba College’s program focuses on college alumni who are members of the clergy in the United Church of Christ and clergy from other denominations. This grant supports clergy through facilitated small groups, small grants recognizing the work of clergy, and grants focused on helping clergy thrive in ministry and personal growth. The Catawba Clergy Network also sponsors a two-day clergy enrichment and renewal event each Fall.
This grant recognizes the success of the Catawba Clergy Network and the need for the program’s continued growth.
This is the fifth grant from the Lilly Foundation Inc. to Catawba College in the last 20 years.
