Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has received a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to lead a collaborative project among theological schools in South Florida. The funding is part of the Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which supports theological education and leadership development for Christian congregations.
The grant is one of 45 awarded in this round to theological schools across the United States and Canada, with the aim of helping them address challenges in preparing future pastoral leaders.
“I believe this confirms our reputation as a leading interdenominational university with a strong and growing School of Ministry,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, president of PBA.
A steering committee chaired by Drs. Bryan Froehle and Austin Stevenson from PBA’s School of Ministry will oversee the initiative. The collaboration involves five partner institutions: Knox Theological Training, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Barry University Department of Theology, and the Contextually Engaged Theological Education Foundation.
The project includes three main initiatives: “Houses of Study” for advanced ministry formation within specific Christian traditions; the Boisen Agency for Pastoral Formation to train students in chaplaincy and pastoral care; and faculty exchanges to improve teaching effectiveness across participating schools. Centralized staff will be hired to increase efficiency.
“These initiatives are focused on forming the next generation of pastors at the highest possible level. ‘The grant will ensure our collective capacity to equip the next generation of church leaders. Churches need great pastors. Pastors need great formation. This grant opens up entirely new possibilities,’” said Dr. Jonathan Grenz, dean of PBA’s School of Ministry.
Dr. Grenz noted that enrollment in Houses of Study is expected to start with 40 students in 2026 and grow to 320 by 2030 among participating schools, with PBA taking a leading role.
Since launching its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative in 2021, Lilly Endowment has provided over $700 million in grants to support theological education at 163 schools and foster large-scale collaborations among 61 institutions.
“Theological schools play a vital role in preparing and supporting pastoral leaders for Christian congregations,” said Christopher L. Coble, vice president for religion at Lilly Endowment Inc. “We believe that one of the most promising paths for theological schools to carry forward their important missions and enhance their impact is to work collaboratively.”
Palm Beach Atlantic University was founded in 1968 as a private Christian institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees on campuses in West Palm Beach and Orlando.
Lilly Endowment Inc., established in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr., Eli Lilly, and J.K. Jr., is an independent foundation supporting community development, education, and religion with a focus on strengthening congregational life and leadership across the United States.
