Then called Pacific Bible Institute, Fresno Pacific College moved to its main Fresno campus in 1959. It now occupies several facilities in the Central Valley. Images via Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University has secured a $9.99 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc, an Indianapolis-based private foundation, focused on “promotion and support of religious, educational or charitable purposes,” to expand training and support for current and future church leaders, with a focus on co-vocational ministry. 

The investment will improve Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary and fuel a multi-organizational collaboration that includes the university’s Center for Community Transformation, the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, Vineyard USA, Lead from Transformation, the Bridge to Ministry Program at FPU and Messiah University.

Funding will support five main initiatives: launching a new hybrid Master of Arts program for co-vocational pastors; hiring a Bible and theology faculty member who will work with both English and Spanish-speaking communities across partner organizations; developing new training materials for ministry leaders; helping U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and Vineyard USA make staffing decisions; and establish an endowment to provide significant scholarships for seminary students.

The grant is part of Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which aims to strengthen theological schools as they adapt to changing demands in preparing pastoral leaders. 

“This grant allows us to equip ministry leaders for the realities of today’s church,” said Brian A. Ross, associate professor of pastoral ministries. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work even closer with two denominations, other university-based programs and two other organizations serving ministry leaders. Our hope is to provide more thorough training, coaching and spiritual formation, and to make education even more accessible to those who are already serving in church leadership.”

FPU President André Stephens said the funding will have a lasting regional impact. 

“This represents an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the work of the church in the Central Valley,” he said.