The Generous Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. is part of its “Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative”
Berkeley, CA – Pacific School of Religion (PSR) has been awarded a grant of $1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. This support will allow PSR to launch Leading Theological Education into a Hybrid Future, a transformative project designed to prepare Christian leaders for ministry in an era where congregational life is increasingly both digital and in-person.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a shift toward hybrid ministry, creating both challenges and opportunities for congregations and educational institutions. PSR has embraced this reality with a hybrid-first educational model that expands access, increases diversity, and strengthens formation. Building on this foundation, the new initiative will deepen faculty development, reimagine campus learning spaces, and create resources to help congregations adapt to hybrid ministry.
Through the project, PSR faculty will embark on “learning journeys,” visiting students in their ministry contexts, congregations leading innovative digital engagement, and organizations developing new technologies. These experiences will enrich pedagogy, strengthen student formation, and ensure that graduates are prepared to lead faithfully and effectively in hybrid settings.
The initiative will also engage PSR’s historic Berkeley campus in new ways. Working with expert partners, PSR will explore ways to create more flexible, tech-enabled spaces that foster collaboration, worship, and innovation. These steps will model for congregations how legacy facilities can be reimagined to serve changing communities.
In addition, PSR will create digital toolkits, workshops, and practical theological resources to equip pastors and lay leaders navigating hybrid congregational life. These materials will be shared broadly through PSR’s online learning platform and through “teaching journeys” with denominational partners and local churches, extending the project’s reach far beyond the campus.
“PSR’s future is faithfully hybrid, engaging with learners and leaders in both physical and digital spaces,” said Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, President of PSR. “This initiative strengthens our ability to form spiritually grounded, technologically fluent leaders who can guide communities with resilience, compassion, and imagination.”
With this grant, PSR takes a bold step in shaping the future of theological education and supporting the wider church in this moment of transformation.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A primary aim of its grantmaking in religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance congregational vitality and strengthen the leadership of Christian communities.
About Pacific School of Religion
Founded in 1866, PSR is a leading multi-denominational seminary and center for social justice and innovation in Berkeley, CA. Grounded in the rigorous study and practice of progressive Christianity, PSR partners with students of all backgrounds to deepen their spirituality and enhance their capacity to lead in transformative ways. PSR’s graduate school offers a doctoral program in ministry, three master’s programs—including the first-of-its-kind stackable MDiv program that offers two master’s degrees and one graduate certificate in a three-year span—and three graduate level certificates. The PSR Collective is an online collection of courses and learning paths that create an accessible and affordable entryway to seminary-level education. PSR’s four institutional centers are the Badè Museum of Biblical Archeology, the Center for LGBTQ+ and Gender Studies in Religion, the Ignite Institute, and the Theological Education for Leadership program. In 2024, PSR launched Kwaray, a digital learning solution for theological institutions , and mission-driven organizations.
For Media Inquiries
Jacob Perez
Sr. Director of Marketing, Growth & Communications
jperez@psr.edu
(510) 849-8239