Lilly Grant helps fund PC (USA)-related School’s Initiatives
January 24, 2017
Maryville College, a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-related school in Tennessee, is one of 82 institutions nationwide that has received funding as part of the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes. It is the only PC(USA)-related school awarded the grant. The $433,152 grant will help the college establish Maryville Adventures in Studying Theology (MAST) and continue its long history of youth leadership development.
The college has run its Expanding Horizons program, in one form or another, for the past 15 years. This week-long residential retreat brings 10th, 11th and 12th grade students with an interest in religion and theology to the campus for leadership training and religious studies, and gives participants the opportunity to experience college campus life. Expanding Horizons will remain a cornerstone of MAST’s leadership development curriculum.
Conerty lifts up last year’s Expanding Horizons session as an example of why it was selected by Lilly for further development. The inquiry point for discussion was thinking about theological nuances between the Bible and the Quran.
“We noticed different ways different figures talked about themselves, their communities and God,” he says of the dialogue that began around the issue of Islamaphobia. “We visited a mosque as part of that—to learn about Islam and what people practice, and why they believe what they believe. Our students were able to go back to their churches—and I’ve heard success stories about it—and bring our conversations back to their youth groups. This is especially important at a time when this topic is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. These students have actually held a Quran and read it and can say to others, ‘Jesus actually shows up in both [the Bible and the Quran.]’”
Conerty is proud of the program’s wide reach and ecumenical nature, recruiting students who are leaders in their churches as well as those who exhibit leadership in other areas of student life.
“Anybody who looks like they could potentially be a leader in their youth group, or leader on student council, or on their sports teams is a candidate,” he says. “We want to foster leadership in the church as well as the world. We want them to be informed and thoughtful leaders in whatever capacity they find themselves.”
While church membership or even a faith background isn’t required for potential candidates, Conerty says curiosity is the key for participants who will discuss issues of faith and theology, and how they relate to leadership.
“Students should have an interest in pursuing the depths of faith and religion, and be willing to ask questions,” he says. “It wouldn’t be the best program for students who are willing to accept faithful ultimatums or capital-T ‘this is an absolute and unquestionable and infallible Truth.’”
Conerty says the program hopes to recruit a cohort of 15 students for its June 4–9, 2017, session. Student costs are set at $225, while the program funds most of the approximately $1,500 expense related to each attendee. Those who complete the program are automatically granted a $500 annual scholarship from Maryville College if they choose to enroll at the school.
“We are so grateful to Lilly Endowment for its commitment to help young people explore, grow and embrace a complex faith for a complex world—and to those who work with youth in the Presbytery of East Tennessee, whose enthusiasm and willingness to try new approaches are making this work possible,” says the Rev. Anne McKee, Maryville College campus minister. “We look forward to expanding our own horizons of understanding through the MAST program, so that we can help equip a new generation of leaders.”
Gregg Brekke, Presbyterian News Service
Today’s Focus: Maryville College
Let us join in prayer for:
Maryville College Staff
Dr. Mardi Craig, associate academic dean and associate professor, Education
Dr. Alesia Orren, associate professor of Elementary Education
Dr. Terry Simpson, professor of Secondary Education, director of Teacher Education
Ms. Sharon Wood, director of Wellness and Athletic Training, adjunct instructor, PHR
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Toya Richards, OGA
Christy Riggs, PMA
Let us pray
Gracious God, bless the young people. They are indeed the future of your church—the idealism, the willingness to be involved in worthwhile causes, and the energy to serve. Give us the patience to listen to them and the courage to support their endeavors. Amen.
Daily Readings
Morning Psalms 54; 146
First Reading Isaiah 48:12-21 (22)
Second Reading Galatians 1:18-2:10
Gospel Reading Mark 6:1-13
Evening Psalms 28; 99