Bridging Faith Communities

Supported by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund

An informal commitee of several clergy from local African-American churches approached WFU School of Divinity to discuss new ways for Divinity students to serve as a resource to their congregations. Over seven years these pastors advised the School of Divinity 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 School of Divinity 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 School of Divinity interns to address their primary goals.

Guidelines for Mini-Grant

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 School of Divinity and a congregation or not-for-profit must collaborate on a 12 to 24-month internship proposal.

Goals of the grants are to:

• Provide assets of leadership and programming to under-resourced African-American ministries in Forsyth County and surrounding communities.
• Provide networking resources for our African-American Divinity Alumni.
• Provide African-American mentors and internship contexts for the School of Divinity's students.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for a grant send your request for an application package to:

Bridging Faith Communities
WFU School of Divinity
PO Box 7719
Winston-Salem, NC 27109

Or call 336.758.5121.

Bridging Faith Application

For more information contact

Samuel Stevenson, Director
Bridging Faith Communities Project
Core Adjunct Faculty
Wake Forest School of Divinity
Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church
Winston-Salem 336.767.7530