CHICAGO, IL (November 27, 2018) — Michelle Sanchez, executive minister of Make and Deepen Disciples, was recently named a recipient of a Reflective Leadership Grant from Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School.
She is one of 20 Christian leaders from a variety of faith-based organizations to receive a grant in this first year of the program. The grants of up to $15,000 offer leaders the opportunity to “step away from their current work to reflect and focus on the long view,” according to the grant’s website.
Leadership Education aims to create lasting change in U.S. congregations by supporting Christian leaders and the institutions they serve. The initiative designs educational services, develops intellectual resources, and facilitates networks among institutions.
It is a non-degree-granting initiative of Duke Divinity School funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.
“The Reflective Leadership Grant at Leadership Education recognizes and supports the faithful and innovative work of lay and ordained Christian leaders who find themselves at a pivotal moment in their ministry,” said Victoria White, managing director of grants for the program.
“We want to encourage grantees to continue to develop their leadership capacities in ways specific to their work and context,” White said. “For some, this might look like attending interdisciplinary conferences, and for others it might look like observing similar work in different settings.”
“I am beyond grateful to be among the very first recipients of this incredible leadership grant. It comes at the perfect time!” says Sanchez. “I have absolutely loved serving the ECC as executive minister through initiatives like Covenant Community Bible Experience, the BLESS intentional evangelism, CHIC, Embrace, and others. My hope is to serve the ECC well for many years to come.”
The grant will fund Sanchez’s first ministry sabbatical next year, including a retreat, leadership coaching, and a course in Jerusalem on the life of Jesus.
More on the grant and other recipients is posted on the Leadership Education site.
