Orlando, FL – The Evangelical Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $888,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of the Thriving Congregations Initiative. The initiative, launched by Lilly Endowment, aims to encourage the flourishing of congregations by deepening their relationships with God, enhancing connections within the community, and contributing to the vitality of the world.

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church is among the 104 organizations selected through a competitive round of the Thriving Congregations Initiative. This grant will support our comprehensive church revitalization program, designed to turn inward-facing churches into outward-facing entities that actively serve their local communities.

The program, spanning the next four years, will be led by the EPC’s National Director of Church Health Dr. Robert Stauffer, supported by a dedicated National Church Health Leadership Team and Church Health Coordinators across our 16 presbyteries. The focus is on building healthy churches that view every member as a missionary on a mission, contributing to the Kingdom’s outreach.

“We desire that every one of our congregations be an outpost of the Kingdom, with every member viewing himself or herself as a missionary on a mission,” said Rev. Dean Weaver, Stated Clerk and President of the EPC.

The three-step revitalization program includes preparing the congregation, forming vision and prayer teams, and creating the church implementation team. Throughout the process, local Presbytery Church Health Coordinators will conduct seminars and workshops, providing support to develop and implement new visions and missions.

Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion, highlighted the importance of congregations, stating, “Congregations play an essential role in deepening the faith of individuals and contributing to the vitality of communities.”

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937, supporting causes of community development, education, and religion. With a commitment to enhancing the vitality of congregations and strengthening leadership, Lilly Endowment aims to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions.

For more information, contact:
Gianna Lazzaro
Publications and Creative Coordinator
EPC Office of General Assembly
Phone: (407) 930-4305
Email: gianna.lazzaro@epc.org