York University announced a partnership with the Lilly Endowment to create programming and support for rural and small-town church growth. The grant for York University is part of a larger effort based out of Pepperdine University titled “Empower and Equip - Rural and Small Town Church Initiative”, led by Mike Cope. 

During a recent visit to the YU campus, Cope observed York's ideal position for such an effort to launch and said, “Pepperdine is delighted to participate in this new, exciting initiative from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., focused on the renewal and strengthening of rural and small-town churches. I'm especially thankful to partner with York University as a regional hub for this work. York is ideal both in its geographical location and in the missional focus of its leaders to continue helping so many churches. It's a genuine blessing to have York University agree to participate in this wide initiative.”

The grant will channel almost a million dollars to York University over 5 years to create a center for supporting churches in rural and small towns. Many churches in the midwest and rocky mountain states face significant challenges with declining memberships, limited resources, isolation, and lack of ministry preparation. York University’s strategic location makes it ideal as the locus for this new effort. Funding will provide vital resources, training, and support for small churches outside the Bible Belt to bless, nurture, and strengthen the body of Christ in this region.

The grant will also expand the Equip Conference, an event launched two years ago by the Chair of the Department of Bible and Ministry Dr. Garrett Best. The Equip Conference is designed for regional churches to address unique challenges and concerns and specifically to encourage and prepare church leaders for the challenges of ministry.

Best said, “Since arriving at York University, my inbox and office phone have been flooded with requests from local church leaders seeking help to navigate significant challenges they face. I echo the Apostle Paul’s feelings of “daily concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28). We believe this generous grant positions us to be a hub for spiritual renewal in our region of the country. Our goal will be to serve existing churches by providing much-needed resources and support as well as assisting efforts to plant new churches in this region. We are grateful for this opportunity to strengthen the body of Christ for years to come.”

Interim President Jared Stark echoed Dr. Best’s sentiments saying, “The original dream of those who founded York University centered around the idea that a Christian institution would have a beautiful reciprocal relationship with the local church. I deeply believe in the same vision that was cast by Dr. Dale Larsen and many others who invested their lives in this place. In practical terms, it means we exist to serve as a support for churches however we can, knowing that the growth of the university and church are bound together. I believe we must anchor our current mission in the belief that our institution and the regional churches are vitally important to one another. Everything about this initiative supports that vision. On behalf of York University, I want to thank the Lilly Endowment and Mike Cope for their support in this endeavor. I am certain we will see God move in powerful ways through this effort.”

Consider attending the Equip Conference on March 17-18 at York University to learn more about this grant and how it will be used.