The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church has received a five-year grant of $1.25 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the “Reimagining Children’s Ministry” program. The program is funded through Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative. The aim of the national initiative is to support faith-based organizations as they help children grow in faith and deepen their relationships with God.

Through this program, the CME Church will work with a selected group of local congregations over a four year period to strengthen their children’s ministry and children’s participation in worship and prayer. Participating congregations will also receive mini-grants to purchase educational materials and technology for their children’s ministry. In addition, the program will create liturgical resources that are both culturally sensitive and adaptable for use with children with learning disabilities. Beginning in 2024, the program will release a new resource packet each year of the grant and these resources will be available for use in all local congregations.

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, the Grant Administrator stated: “Through this program we will establish best practices for effective ministry to children. By focusing on worship and prayer, we ensure that the next generation is equipped with a spiritual understanding of the faith and have the opportunity to actively engage in congregational life. Finally, in the development of resources, we will be utilizing a variety of formats – written, audio-visuals and technology applications – for ministry, instruction and activities with children.” The program will work in collaboration with the CME Department of Christian Education and Formation and its General Secretary, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield.