Mission Alive Receives Grant for Its Rural and Small Town Initiative
Dallas, TX – April 17, 2025
Mission Alive is delighted to announce the receipt of a grant in support of our new Rural and Small Town Initiative (RSTI) as part of a collaboration with Pepperdine University’s Empower and Equip program. This project, funded by a $7,500,000 grant to Pepperdine University from Lilly Endowment Inc., aims to encourage and support rural and small town churches, their leaders, and their communities.
Innovative Approach to Community Transformation
Mission Alive’s approach resonates with the perspective of this grant that communities and churches thrive when focused on local needs. Mission Alive’s Innovative Faith Communities (i.e., churches) adopt a “serve-first” approach, aiming to transform marginalized populations by addressing community needs first and letting faith emerge through service. By focusing on service, we believe the church will thrive and become an anchor institution contributing to community vitality.
Collaborative Efforts
Mission Alive will collaborate with existing rural and small-town Innovative Faith Community partners. Together, we will:
- Pilot innovative approaches to enhance partnerships between churches and community organizations
- Deepen collective investment in loving our neighbors in tangible ways
- Develop strategies to help people and their communities thrive
By fostering creative strategies and Spirit-shaped leadership, Mission Alive seeks to renew the church’s role in transforming neighborhoods with the gospel. This grant will accelerate our efforts to pursue positive change in rural areas and small towns nationwide. We are grateful for the support of Pepperdine University in this endeavor.
Schedule a time with Tod Vogt to discuss your interest in the RSTI