In an effort to expand on the work of the Leadership Education initiative at Duke Divinity, the school has announced a new identity, focus, and name for its work strengthening congregational vitality: the Forum for Congregational Life. 

The transition to the "Forum" is made possible by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Duke University in December 2025. This grant will allow the initiative's grant-making capacity and projects to grow exponentially, with plans to triple the current grant-making over the next three years. 

This new chapter is shaped by insights and learnings from Lilly Endowment’s initiatives and Duke’s Leadership Education community. Since its founding in 2008, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity has aimed to strengthen Christian institutions by focusing on training Christian institutional leaders. But in the last decade, organizations supporting congregations wanted more than leadership training. They felt isolated and welcomed the opportunity to participate in networks focused on supporting congregational life. Grants have been proved to be an effective way to cultivate networks—bringing together denominations, schools, faith-based nonprofits, and consultants. When the grantees gather, there are opportunities for learning and collaboration across different traditions, regions, and convictions. Ultimately congregations are better served. 

“We want an identity that clearly reflects both this shift in our approach and our deepened sense of mission,” said Dave Odom, executive director of the Forum for Congregational Life. “The name, Forum for Congregational Life, emphasizes our calling to be a connection and resource point that affirms, equips, and inspires networks of Christian institutions and leaders that nurture congregational life.”

A new activity of the Forum will be to convene working groups of practitioners and scholars to explore significant questions that congregations and their supporters from a wide variety of Christian traditions are wrestling with. The groups will clarify questions, reflect theologically and practically, and recommend efforts that are needed to make progress. 

This renewed focus is rooted in the belief that congregations make a difference in the lives of people and communities. Christian congregations are the primary social and institutional manifestation of Christian faith. From the work of communal worship, congregation members are given broadened imaginations to see God at work in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond. Congregations are more resilient in these vital efforts when they are surrounded by supportive networks of fellow congregations and supporting organizations.