VST Receives Lilly Endowment Grant for Field Education
The Vancouver School of Theology is pleased to confirm that it is a recipient of a substantive grant from the Lilly Endowment.
This grant is part of The Pathways for Tomorrow, a multi-phase initiative by the Lilly Endowment to support pastoral education and training for the church by theological schools. VST has received a phase one grant of $49,000 USD ($60,000 CDN) and coupled with other sources, is embarking on research and extensive consultation to further develop its Field Education program. Discoveries arising from this phase one grant support will be drawn upon as VST looks for additional support from the Lilly Endowment in subsequent phases of this initiative and invites other partners to engage in the continued advancement of its innovative and intensive Theological Field Education program.
Anthony B. Robinson
VST is fully mobilizing its diverse and experienced leadership and administrative team, with the expert facilitation of Seattle-based Anthony B. (Tony) Robinson as theologian, pastor, author, teacher, speaker and consultant, and Robin Galey, a VST graduate who is a communications specialist and experienced researcher.
Robin Galey
Theological Field Education (TFE) at VST has, for many years, been a mutual experience in which students, mentors in various areas of practice, and the school’s faculty have established a teaching and learning network. TFE has a central place in the school’s core mission to “prepare thoughtful, engaged and generous Christian leaders”, in conversation with other faith traditions and the Indigenous church. This funding begins a process to explore more dimensions to further its teaching, mentoring and learning that is even more responsive to the needs of its partners.
About the Lilly Endowment – Pathways for Tomorrow
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis. The Endowment was created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons – Eli and J.K. Jr. – through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Lilly Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion.
Recently, the Lilly Endowment announced the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative to help theological schools strengthen and sustain their capacities to prepare and support pastoral leaders for Christian churches – primarily ordained pastoral leaders and secondarily, congregational lay ministers. Pathways for Tomorrow is a three-phase $87.5 million initiative to assist theological schools in the United States and Canada accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).