Covenant Seminary receives $2 Million Grant for Sustaining Pastoral Excellence
Covenant Seminary has been awarded a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., to be devoted to Sustaining Pastoral Excellence.
Covenant Seminary will expend the grant to nurture pastors through three programs: renewal retreats, vocational discipleship retreats, and a pastor-in-residence program.
As to developing the programs, the seminary hired Rev. Dr. Robert Burns to direct the effort for Covenant Seminary. Bob joins the seminary administration after serving for 34 years in pastoral ministry, most recently as Associate Pastor for Perimeter Church (PCA) in Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Burns earned a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.
Coinciding with the grant is the seminary's purchase of nine acres of property to the south of campus. The seminary plans to expand within its suburban St. Louis location. The new property includes a home that will be used to house a retreat center for pastors and their spouses.
Reformed Theological Seminary and Westminster Seminary will also be supported by the grant as partners of Covenant Seminary in this effort. These institutions will work together with the goal of refining seminary education, and creating lifelong learning and renewal opportunities for pastors.