The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church has received a grant of $1.1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Faithful Parenting program. The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Intiave. The aim of the initiative is to help parents and caregivers share their faith and values with their children.  

According to Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, the Grant Administrator, “we are especially excited because this will be a locally executed project that will gather parents in their Episcopal Districts to share stories and identify their parenting needs through the Listening Sessions. Then in retreat songs, the parents will be provided tools and resources to enhance family rituals based on the Christian faith and increase their confidence in sharing their faith with their children.”
Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary of the CME Department of Christian Education and Dr. Evelyn Parker, Professor Emerita of Practical Theology, Perkins School of Theology – Southern Methodist University and Visiting Distinguished Professor of Practical Theology, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary will serve as Project Coordinators. 

Under their leadership, the CME Episcopal Districts Christian Educators Coordinators will be trained to lead Listening Sessions and Retreats for parents of children ages 10-13 years old. Children in this age group are more vulnerable as they move into social contexts beyond the home. Parents need to be equipped with effective means of communicating, supporting and guiding these young adolescents in how to use faith and healthy values to inform daily living and decision-making.

Lilly Endowment launched the Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative in 2022 because of its interest in supporting efforts to help individuals and families from diverse Christian communities draw more fully on the wisdom of Christian places to live out their faith fully and well, passing on a vibrant faith to a new generation.

Visit the Program Development Office page to connect and to learn about other grant opportunities.