Author

Jennifer R. Ayres

Associate professor, Candler School of Theology

The Rev. Dr. Jennifer R. Ayres is an associate professor of religious education and the director of the doctor of ministry program at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Her research interests include religious environmental education, social activism and religious identity, faith formation in the context of popular culture and feminist practical theology. She is the author of two books: "Waiting for a Glacier to Move: Practicing Social Witness" and "Good Food: Grounded Practical Theology." Ayres also is a frequent speaker on topics of faith formation, religion and food, and Christian ecological theology and practice.

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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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