Religion Meets Business

Duke Divinity School has received a $14 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. for an initiative that will help Christian leaders combine theological insight with wise business practices to meet "real world" challenges.

When fully developed, the initiative will  provide resources for leaders of key Christian institutions that support congregations and pastors. Its reach will extend from bishops and executive directors of denominations to senior leaders of seminaries and other organizations that serve congregations.

The initiative will develop programs focused on leading and managing Christian institutions. Goals include helping Christian leaders analyze the pressing issues they face, collaborate with one another in creatively addressing systemic challenges, and support and encourage one another in their work.

L. Gregory Jones M.Div. '85, Ph.D. '88, the divinity school's dean, says the initiative advances the school's work in cultivating pastoral leaders, building on the extensive work of Pulpit & Pew, a series of research and other programs also funded by the Lilly Endowment.