Truett receives endowment for future ministers

Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary has received a grant as part of Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Theological School Initiative to Address Economic Issues Facing Future Ministers.

The grant will establish the Truett Seminary Financial Wellness Program to meet the needs of Truett's students and alumni. Funding from the grant will be used to host a conference and workshops throughout the year to improve the financial education of students, alumni of Truett Seminary and ministers in Central Texas.

"Our goal is to help students plan ahead for their careers as ministers as they think critically about relevant financial issues. We will invite a team of experts from the fields of ministry and finance to lead sessions at the conferences and workshops to help us accomplish these goals," said Jo Ann Sharkey, assistant director of student services at Truett.

"Theological schools play a critical role in preparing pastors and are uniquely positioned to address some of the economic challenges they face," said Christopher L. Coble, vice president for religion at Lilly Endowment Inc. "The Endowment hopes that these grants will support broad efforts to improve the financial circumstances facing pastoral leaders so that pastors can serve their congregations more joyfully and effectively."