January 25, 2008

VALLEY FORGE, PA – Five American Baptist pastors were recipients of grants from the Lilly Endowment's National Clergy Renewal Program in 2007. Along with 127 other clergy men and women from 18 different denominations across the country, these pastors were able to briefly step away from their daily church obligations "to engage in a period of renewal and reflection." The Endowment made over five million dollars available for these opportunities.

"The Ministers Council members who have received National Clergy Renewal Grants from the Lilly Endowment have been blessed by a gift that has transformed their lives and ministries," said Rev. Dr. Kate Harvey, executive director of the Ministers Council. "The program encourages pastors to dream big dreams of experiences for their entire families anywhere in the world, and actually gives them the resources to make those dreams come true. Their testimonies give vivid witness to renewal for continuing their work as pastoral leaders."

Grants have enabled some clergy to travel to Greece and follow the path of the Apostle Paul on one of his missionary journeys. One pastor was able to discover his roots and reconnect with family and ancestors in Seoul, South Korea. Another ministry couple attended a language intensive in Mexico so they could better reach out to their largely Hispanic community back home in the San Fransisco area.

Whatever their dream, the program offers clergy a chance to grow spiritually; something that the persistent demands of service don't always allow for.

For a sabbatical leave policy and resources on planning, visit the Ministers Council website Sabbatical Information page: http://www.ministerscouncil.com/Sabbaticals/default.aspx.

American Baptist Churches USA