SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University (EU) recently received a $7.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative to support rural churches across the U.S.
The grant will fund efforts at the university’s seminary, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), to develop educational resources, internships, and an extensive resource hub connecting existing programs and leaders to address the unique needs of rural pastors and congregations. Partners include the Assemblies of God USA, Rural Compassion, 13 AG networks/districts, and Trinity Bible College and Graduate School. The resource hub will form a network of representatives at both national and local levels to work directly with rural churches, delivering region-specific programming. The goal is to ensure pastors and churches have access to the most effective resources when the need is greatest.

“We are profoundly grateful to Lilly Endowment for its visionary initiative and extraordinary generosity,” said Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel University president. “This grant empowers EU and AGTS, along with key partners, to take bold, strategic action in equipping churches in rural America to become cornerstones of hope and renewal for their communities.”
EU is one of 20 organizations from across the United States awarded a grant through the initiative, including colleges and universities, denominational agencies, church networks, and parachurch organizations, among others.
“Our hope is that these grants will provide much needed resources and support to rural and small-town churches to help them address their challenges and enhance and extend the many ways that they serve their communities, ” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion.
This marks EU’s fifth grant from Lilly Endowment since 2022, totaling $14.75 million.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it 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 founders’ 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. The Endowment values the broad diversity of Christian traditions and endeavors to support them in a wide variety of contexts. The Endowment also seeks to foster public understanding about religion by encouraging fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of the positive and negative effects of religion on the world and lifting up the contributions that people of all faiths make to our greater civic well-being.
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers.