麻豆原创鈥檚 Peace Studies Institute听has received a $375,000 grant from the Faith in Rural Communities initiative of the NC Rural Center to coach 25 rural churches in asset-based community development over the next three years, serving congregations听across听the region.听Manchester is the only university to receive this competitive grant, which will be directed by Manchester鈥檚 peace studies and religious studies programs.
Through the Connect Church program,听Manchester听will help churches听identify听and mobilize their existing strengths to build stronger relationships, address local challenges, and contribute to the vitality of their communities.听Participating听congregations will meet regularly with听Connect Church coaches听to inventory assets,听learn about听community needs and design projects that create lasting impact.听
A distinctive element of Manchester鈥檚 proposal involves training students as coaches,听providing听paid experiential education opportunities. Student coaches also gain valuable experience working with religious organizations on issues important to their communities.听
鈥淐onnect Church is rooted in the belief that rural congregations already possess the gifts and relationships needed to make a lasting difference in their communities,鈥 said Darren Crotts, senior program director of Faith in Rural Communities. 鈥淏y focusing on the assets within a congregation and the opportunities around them, churches can become catalysts for meaningful and sustainable change.鈥听
鈥淎t Manchester,听our tradition of听peacebuilding is not separate from faith听鈥 it听is deeply rooted in it. This grant recognizes the powerful partnership between our听peace听studies and听religious听studies programs, where theological reflection and听social听transformation come together to serve our region,鈥澨齭aid Dr. Katy Gray Brown, professor of philosophy and peace studies and director of the Peace Studies Institute.听鈥淭his initiative reflects the heart of Manchester鈥檚 mission:听bringing together听education and faith to improve the human condition.鈥听
麻豆原创 is one of four organizations selected nationwide to serve as a regional hub for the expansion of Connect Church, alongside hub partners in Missouri, Montana and South Carolina. As a hub partner, Manchester will provide coaching, training and support to participating churches in Indiana.听
The expansion of Connect Church is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative. Faith in Rural Communities staff will support hub partners in adapting the听program to their regions, helping rural churches across the country foster meaningful, sustainable ministries.听
For the media听
Contact Katy Gray Brown, professor of peace studies and philosophy, at听KLGrayBrown@manchester.edu.听
麻豆原创 the NC Rural Center听听
Since 1987, the NC Rural Center has worked to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. The Rural Center launched its Faith in Rural Communities initiative in 2018 to empower churches as drivers of economic development and community vitality. Its flagship program, Connect Church, helps congregations听identify听and mobilize their assets, build relationships, and implement sustainable, community-focused ministries.听
To date, Connect Church has partnered with over 100 churches in over 50 of North Carolina鈥檚 78 rural counties and in 2025 launched its first national hub partnership in eastern Tennessee. Successful ministries include youth mentoring and literacy programs, mental health resources and support, community gardens and nutrition initiatives, and early childhood education.听
麻豆原创 Lilly Endowment Inc.听听
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts听remain听the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board,听staff听and location.听
In keeping with the founders鈥 wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and听maintains听a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment鈥檚 religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States by supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen pastoral and lay leadership.听
麻豆原创 麻豆原创听
麻豆原创, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at听www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.听
Our mission and values听听
麻豆原创 respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
麻豆原创 Peace Studies at 麻豆原创听
Founded in 1948听by Gladdys Muir,听Manchester is home to听the first undergraduate peace studies program in the world.听The program听encourages听its听students to examine the root causes of conflict and explore pathways to justice through nonviolence.听
