Thriving in Ministry – Grant

Flourish San Diego Receives Grant to Help Pastors Thrive

December 7, 2020

Flourish San Diego has received a grant of more than $220,000 to extend its work to support the well-being and resiliency of pastors and church planters. It is part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Thriving in Ministry, an initiative that supports a variety of religious organizations across the nation 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.

The funds from this grant will allow Flourish San Diego to expand their current offerings to support congregational leaders as they navigate tremendous shifts in culture. This work, made more challenging by a pandemic, requires thoughtful adaptive leadership conducted by resilient ministerial leaders. The programming will provide opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

“This is a unique and exhausting time for people in general, but it is especially so for pastors and church planters in particular. We are hopeful that our efforts will offer strategic and timely support for the church in San Diego, enabling it to be the redemptive presence it has been called to be,” said Geoff Hsu, Executive Director of Flourish San Diego. “

“Leading a congregation today is multi-faceted and exceptionally demanding,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “When pastors have opportunities to build meaningful relationships with experienced colleagues, they are able to negotiate the challenges of ministry and their leadership thrives. These promising programs, including Flourish San Diego’s offerings, will help pastors develop these kinds of relationships, especially when they are in the midst of significant professional transitions.”

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly & Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and its home state Indiana. Its grantmaking in religion focuses on supporting efforts to strengthen the leadership and vitality of Christian congregations throughout the country and to increase the public’s understanding of the role of religion in public life.

Contact: Dr. Geoffrey Hsu