Chattanooga’s Kingdom Partners Secures $1.25 Million Grant to Enhance Church Leadership and Community Engagement

Chattanooga’s Kingdom Partners Receives $1.25 Million Grant for Church Training

In a significant development for local churches, Chattanooga’s Kingdom Partners has been awarded a $1.25 million grant aimed at improving church leadership and fostering community engagement. The announcement was made on August 25, 2024, highlighting the organization’s commitment to training local churches over the next three years.

A Focus on Leadership and Community

The grant, which is the largest ever received by Kingdom Partners, comes through the *Thriving Congregations Initiative* of Lilly Endowment Inc., a private foundation based in Indianapolis known for supporting efforts in community development, education, and religion. Kingdom Partners plans to use these funds to enhance the skills and strategies of church leaders across the region.

According to Kingdom Partners President Oliver Richmond, the training will focus on several key areas, including leadership, strategic planning, and community involvement. He noted that many churches tend to focus their efforts inwardly, often neglecting the needs and problems facing their surrounding communities. Richmond emphasized the importance of equipping church leaders to better engage with their neighborhoods.

Engaging the Community

Richmond explained that part of the training will show church leaders how to aid local schools and families effectively. For instance, if a nearby school is struggling, church leaders will learn how to mobilize their congregations to provide support such as literacy programs and after-school activities for children and their families. This outreach aims to create actionable plans that bridge the gap between churches and their communities, fostering collaboration with other local partners.

Informational Sessions Planned

Interested churches are encouraged to reach out for more information about the training programs. There is an upcoming informational session scheduled for September 19 at Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, where church leaders will learn more about the support available to them.

Training Components

The training will cover a variety of topics essential for effective church operation and outreach, including mentoring, team building, gift assessment, and the use of church software. Through this extensive training, Kingdom Partners aims to help leaders grasp the theological importance of reaching out and providing care for those in their communities.

Past Efforts and Future Plans

This grant is not Kingdom Partners’ first engagement with Lilly Endowment. In 2021, they received a $20,000 grant from Leadership Foundations, a group linked to the foundation. This funding initiated a program where church leaders gathered monthly in small groups for training focused on social justice and community engagement. These efforts also included a capstone project aimed at local issues, particularly concerning literacy support for students at the Tommie F. Brown Academy, a charter school in Chattanooga.

As the organization looks ahead, Richmond remains optimistic about the potential impact of this new grant, saying, “By offering extensive training and coaching to church leadership, Kingdom Partners expects to see participating churches flourish.”

Conclusion

The investment in church leadership training represents a promising step towards enhancing community service and engagement in Chattanooga. With a focus on outreach and collaboration, the hope is to empower churches not only to grow but also to become vital partners in addressing local challenges.

For those interested in learning more about the training opportunities, contact Andrew Schwartz at 423-757-6431.