Grant Means Formative Training for Asbury Students
Asbury Theological Seminary received a $1 million grant Thursday, Nov. 12, from the Lilly Endowment’s initiative on Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (PSALM). This grant continues programs begun in 2003 under the “Pastoral Seasons as Life and Ministry” project, which received a $2 million Lilly grant. Asbury Seminary was also awarded more than $50,000 from the Lilly Foundation in 1992-1994. At the core of the project is Seminarius, a program that invites students to participate in the rhythms of the Christian life in personal and communal practices. It parallels the seminary’s Christian Formation Plan, a measurable quality enhancement plan rooted in Asbury’s historic commitment to holistic spiritual formation.
Seminarius, overseen by vice president for community life J. D. Walt, calls Asbury to a journey in wholeness and holiness. “This $1 million grant extension from the Lilly Endowment enables us to better shape a learning experience that nourishes and forms the whole person,” Walt says. “It allows our faculty and staff to more richly participate in the shaping of our students (and vice-versa) beyond the essential curricular learning of the classroom. We are very thankful for the vision and generosity of the Lilly Endowment.”
(Source: Asbury Seminary)
