Author

Becca Stevens

Priest and founder of Magdalene and Thistle Farms

The Rev. Becca Stevens is an Episcopal priest serving as chaplain at St. Augustine's Episcopal Chapel at Vanderbilt University. She is founder of Magdalene and Thistle Farms, a community and social enterprise for women recovering from trafficking, prostitution, addiction and life on the streets. Magdalene is a residential program that serves women for two years at no cost. Thistle Farms employs more than 40 residents and graduates who manufacture, market and sell all-natural bath and beauty products. In 2011, Stevens was named a “Champion of Change” by the White House. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Grammy-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon, and their three sons. Her blog is available at beccastevens.org.

droplet on a leaf

Apply for a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant 

Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants from the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship are designed for worshiping communities. These grants allow a wide range of Christian worshiping communities to focus on projects that connect public worship with Christian discipleship and faith formation. Funding awards range from $8,000 to $25,000. 

The grants support year-long projects that show promise in fostering renewed or strengthened worship practices within worshiping communities in the United States or Canada. Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants for teacher-scholars are also available. Applications for the October 15 deadline will open on July 15, 2026.

Learn More