by Roger R. Wade

Link to this story online: https://iamsouthcentral.org/south-central-conference-awarded-prestigious-black-rural-ministry-grant/

Nashville, TN – February 20, 2025 — The South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is thrilled to announce that it has received the Black Church Rural Small-town Ministry Initiative (BCRSMI) in partnership with Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. This grant is intended to preserve and strengthen the important role of African American churches as essential pillars in their communities.

“We are excited to receive this grant,” said Troy Brand, the Community Engagement Co-Leader of the South Central Conference. “It will allow us to continue our mission of being both salt and light, influencing society as agents of redemption.”

The grant will support three key initiatives:

1. Annual training sessions focused on developing ministry structures that promote community engagement and build social capital.
2. Creative evangelistic outreach that emphasizes partnerships and addresses issues specific to the African American community.
3. Direct mentorship and support for Black female clergy who lead small rural congregations.

Organized in 1946, the South Central Conference has grown from 42 churches to 145 congregations with over 29,000 members throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Florida panhandle. With nearly 75% of its congregations located in rural areas and small towns, this grant will significantly enhance the conference’s ability to serve its communities.

“This collaboration with Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary aligns perfectly with our recent shift towards engaging our mission field in more innovative ways,” added Benjamin Jones, Jr., Conference president. “We’re excited to see how this grant will help us build stronger, more resilient communities.”