York University will host an open house featuring its new Center for Ministry on Saturday, October 18, during Homecoming 2025. The center was announced when York was selected as a regional hub by Pepperdine University for a nationwide effort to empower and equip churches. The initiative is funded by a Lilly Endowment grant.
The grant will channel almost a million dollars to York University over 5 years to create a center supporting churches in rural and small towns in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain states. York University’s strategic location makes it ideal as the locus for this new effort in support of congregations facing significant challenges with declining memberships, limited resources, isolation and lack of ministry preparation. Funding will provide vital resources, training and support for small churches outside the Bible Belt to bless, nurture and strengthen the body of Christ in this region.
In April, YU announced the appointment of Dr. Anessa Westbrook and Dr. Scott Laird as co-executive directors for the newly established Center for Ministry.
Executive Vice President Jared Stark said, “As we continue to move forward, we are excited to announce our mission for this effort and to invite everyone to attend an open house and meet our executive directors during homecoming weekend. During this time, you will be able to hear more about the center’s plans for the grant funding and meet the co-executive directors. Dr. Laird and Dr. Westbrook will be poised to field questions and build connections with York University alumni. Beyond the open house, they are ready to hear from church leaders and from congregations throughout the region as they craft a way forward for the center. Central to our plan is the Center for Ministry’s mission statement that reads, ‘The Center for Ministry exists to equip and empower men and women for ministry and leadership in local churches, making disciples through supporting and encouraging congregations.’”
The mission statement speaks directly to the grant’s purpose of empowering and equipping churches and builds on the work already being done in the university’s department of Bible and ministry. The center’s work will focus on building connections, providing resources and insight as churches seek to remain faithful to God and relevant to the communities they serve. Dr. Garrett Best, chair of the department of Bible and ministry, said, “We are thrilled to launch this new Center for Ministry on our campus. Whether a church is facing a crisis, seeking a new minister, pursuing coaching for growth and renewal, considering closing, or looking for discipleship resources for all ages, there's now a go-to hub based at York University to support and equip leaders and congregations. Our prayer is that this center is a catalyst for kingdom revival in our region.”