Evangel University Receives $7.5 Million Grant to Support Rural U.S. Churches

Evangel University (EU) recently received a $7.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative to support rural churches across the U.S.

The grant will fund efforts at the university’s seminary, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), to develop educational resources, internships, and an extensive resource hub connecting existing programs and leaders to address the unique needs of rural pastors and congregations. Partners include the Assemblies of God USA, Rural Compassion, 13 AG networks/districts, and Trinity Bible College and Graduate School. The resource hub will form a network of representatives at both national and local levels to work directly with rural churches, delivering region-specific programming. The goal is to ensure pastors and churches have access to the most effective resources when the need is greatest.

“We are profoundly grateful to Lilly Endowment for its visionary initiative and extraordinary generosity,” said Mike Rakes, Evangel University president. “This grant empowers EU and AGTS, along with key partners, to take bold, strategic action in equipping churches in rural America to become cornerstones of hope and renewal for their communities.”

EU is one of 20 organizations from across the United States awarded a grant through the initiative, including colleges and universities, denominational agencies, church networks, and parachurch organizations, among others.

“Our hope is that these grants will provide much needed resources and support to rural and small-town churches to help them address their challenges and enhance and extend the many ways that they serve their communities,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion.

This marks EU’s fifth grant from Lilly Endowment since 2022, totaling $14.75 million.