Author

Cherry Crayton

Writer

Cherry Crayton is a writer, editor and brand strategist in Garner, North Carolina. She works at NC State University's College of Education and previously worked at Campbell University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Duke University, including serving as an assistant editor at Faith & Leadership. She attends Saint Andrews United Methodist Church. She earned her bachelor's and master's in curriculum and instruction from NC State.

Every member in mind

By Cherry Crayton Writer

Despite being a small, rural congregation in an impoverished part of North Carolina, Sandy Plains United Methodist Church has sent a large proportion of its members into mission, leaving some to wonder: How has this tiny church produced so many leaders?

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.

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