THE DIVINITY SCHOOL at WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
An informal commitee of several clergy from local African-American churches approached WFU Divinity School to discuss new ways for Divinity students to serve as a resource to their congregations. Over seven years these pastors advised the Divinity School on leadership and program needs in African-American congregations and not-for-profits that serve African-American communities. These clergy also wanted to overcome obstacles to sustaining ministry programs initiated by interns who served in these congregations and not-for-profits. Bridging Faith Communities evolved from these discussions.
The Divinity School is uniquely positioned to respond to the committee's request to undertake this program because many of our students are African-American. They understand the needs of congregations, can help improve and enhance racial dialogue, and empower congregations to build networks and resources to address specific needs. To accomplish these goals, Bridging Faith Communities channels funds to programs, initiated by congregations and local not-for-profits, that collaborate with Divinity School interns to address their primary goals.
Through the Bridging Faith Communities program, mini-grants are available to African-American congregations and not-for-profit agencies that have a ministerial student intern. To be eligible for a mini-grant, an intern from the Divinity School and a congregation or not-for-profit must collaborate on a 12 to 24-month internship proposal.
Goals of the grants are to:
If you are interested in applying for a grant send your request for an application package to:
Bridging Faith Communities
WFU Divinity School
PO Box 7719
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Or call 336.758.5121.
Samuel Stevenson, Director
Bridging Faith Communities Project
Core Adjunct Faculty
Wake Forest Divinity School
Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church
Winston-Salem 336.767.7530
