Close to $140K was awarded by our district in 2022 to equip workers and churches. We wanted to share with you some of the impact.
Developing the Next Generation of Workers
At York Alliance Church, a grant supported the development of an intern who has since been hired full-time. “We saw this intern learn—by trial and error—how to lead a leadership team well,” Mike Carletti said. “It has been helpful for us as an older leadership team to learn how to listen to the younger generation and to understand their point of view.”
Fairlawn Community Church supported their first summer intern who practiced leadership through preaching, officiating communion, and assisting in a funeral. “Wow, he grew in every area,” Steve Cutter said. “I realized how much I enjoyed mentoring and equipping the younger generation of future pastors.”
With the help of a diversity grant, Bill Bota was brought on as staff at Fairlawn and will likely become accredited with the Alliance this year. “Bill has brought a passion to our church that’s contagious,” Steve said.
At Immanuel Alliance Church, Brett Warner began his Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience (ALME). He primarily oversees their English ministry, which has allowed him to build relationships with men of different religions and begin having Gospel-centered conversations. “He is a great example of the godly and capable young people who will lead us into the future,” Steve Wiggins said. “I have hope for future generations!”
Equipping Our Pastors
Adam Eshbaugh received a grant as he is pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies. “Engaging in-depth study naturally draws me closer to God,” Adam said. “Thanks for your generous investment in my education!”
Scott Wills graduated with an MA in Biblical Studies. “I am so thankful to the district for helping me to afford this degree. I had wanted to attend seminary for quite a long time. The district grant allowed me to complete the degree and not accumulate any student loan debt in the process.”
Jake Howard received a grant as he pursues a DMin. As a direct result of the program, he has seen his elder’s ministry going to a deeper level.
With financial assistance for their master's program, Marcelo Castro and Jim Entwistle have seen themselves develop as preachers.
Shawn Andrews was able to finish his Theodyssey Spiritual Formation leadership certification. He can now equip other group leaders with skills in the church for leading Theodysssy.
Chad Oberholtzer was able to attend an evangelism conference hosted by the Center for Pastor Theologians. “This conference was truly a gift for my mind, my heart, and my soul,” he said.
Supporting Our Churches
Sherman Stoltzfus in Paintersville may explain it best: “While success in God’s eyes is measured by more than buildings, buildings are a tool for ministry and there is a need for investing in building improvements.”
At Sherman’s church, a district grant helped cover the costs of installing an elevator to provide handicapped access to the Fellowship Hall and Sunday school rooms. “By God’s grace, we want to see this (building) momentum continue in life change and the broader ‘building’ of God’s Kingdom,” Sherman said.
Centre Church was also able to update its space to appear more inviting and less like the original firehouse building.
Several churches were granted money to update their websites, including First Alliance in Harrisburg. “Thank you so much for helping our church financially to be able to make this leap into the 21st century!” Kendra Beeman said.
A grant also supported Mount View Alliance Church's operational expenses. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This grant kept us going,” Robert Parish said.
Reaching Our Communities
With the help of a grant, Immanuel Church hosted a community fun night. Mount Union hosted a block party. Common Places Church held a dinner for international students, with new students connecting with the church in meaningful ways. Valley Alliance Church offered GriefShare to the community. And a grant allowed Penns Valley Community Church to support the Penns Valley Youth Center for three months.
Assisting Churches and Workers Overseas
Assistance was given to help send out short-term mission teams from Chambersburg Alliance Church and York Alliance Church. “[On one of our trips] over half the team had never been outside the continental US before, and for most, it was their first exposure to a developing country,” Mike Carletti said.