A Lilly Endowment Grant

Free Methodist Theological Connection

A New Collaborative Network

Free Methodist Theological Connection

Roberts Wesleyan/Northeastern Seminary is one of 45 theological schools being supported through Lilly Endowment’s latest round of giving

Roberts Wesleyan University has received a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative 2025. This money will support Northeastern Seminary in establishing the Free Methodist Theological Connection, a collaborative network of Free Methodist Church conferences and educational institutions, which will be called the “Free Methodist Theological Connection.” 

Roberts Wesleyan and Northeastern Seminary is one of 45 institutions that was approved in this latest competitive round of funding to support theological schools as they lead large-scale collaborations with other seminaries, colleges and Universities, and other church-related organizations.

The Free Methodist Theological Connection’s main objective will be to expand the collaborators’ capacities to offer ministry-focused education for preparing pastoral leaders and position them for a more sustainable future of Church leadership.

Renovating Educational Pathways

Renovating educational pathways by developing and expanding accessible, multi-linguistic pathways to provide training for pastoral leaders. This initiative's key activities include assessing current certificate offerings across all collaborators, aligning educational standards, creating a shared platform to deliver credentials, and adding course offerings in Spanish and Swahili. 

Expanding Online Education

Expanding online education by establishing a consortium of Association of Free Methodist Educational Institutions schools to align academic programs, share credits and resources, and use technological tools like VR to transform online learning experiences.

Deepening Formational Experiences

Deepening formational experiences by offering experiential education opportunities, establishing a mentoring program, and providing spiritual formation resources.

Providing Funding For Accessibility

Providing funding for accessibility by establishing a shared endowment to underwrite The Connection’s operating budget. Collaborators will raise the endowment funds in the first stages of the grant project. Housed in Free Methodist Financial—the Free Methodist Church’s financial services provider—the endowment will fund key personnel for The Connection, ensuring The Connection’s long-term sustainability.

Across the Free Methodist Church, as well as among our collaborating organizations, the need is clear. Pastoral leaders in our conferences require greater access to high-quality, affordable theological education and training. At the same time, our partner schools need support to expand their capacity to deliver this education at a moment when higher education is facing significant challenges. With support from the Lilly Endowment Inc., we can pool our strengths, share resources, and build a sustainable network that will provide accessible, robust training for pastoral leaders now and into the future.

Academic Dean of Northeastern Seminary Dr. Josef Sykora

“Theological schools play a vital role in preparing and supporting pastoral leaders for Christian congregations,” said Christopher L. Coble, the Endowment’s vice president for religion. “We believe that one of the most promising paths for theological schools to carry forward their important missions and enhance their impact is to work collaboratively with other schools, as well as congregations and other church-related organizations. By doing so they can strengthen their collective capacities to prepare and support pastoral leaders for effective congregational service now and in the future.”

In 2025, Lilly Endowment Inc. has gifted Roberts Wesleyan and Northeastern Seminary $11,100,00 that will fully support new projects, initiatives, and partnerships, including the Free Methodist Theological Connection.