Author

Nelson Granade

The Rev. Nelson Granade is pastor of First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, N.C., and a consultant with Center for Congregational Health. He is the author of “Lending Your Leadership: How Pastors are Redefining Their Role in Community Life.” Since arriving in North Wilkesboro in 1994, he has served as a United Way campaign chair, chair of Wilkes Vision 20/20 and on the boards of the Wilkes Pastoral Counseling Center and the Cross Cultural Coalition Task Force, among other roles.

Only a preacher

By Nelson Granade

Pastors no longer automatically hold positions of community influence. But they can -- and should -- earn a place in their communities by participating in them, says pastor and author Nelson Granade.

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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