Lilly Awards $476,010 to Continue Pastoral Innovation Network

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In 2019, the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at HIU, with support from the Lilly Endowment Inc., successfully implemented the Pastoral Innovation Network of New England (PINNE) program to encourage creativity and support early-career clergy. The project has been so successful that the Lilly Endowment Inc. has granted $476,010 to continue the network.

“The Pastoral Innovation Network has provided a life-giving space for clergy across Mainline Protestant traditions who are bringing the best of their creativity to ministry in New England," said Project Director Dr. Allison Norton. "We are excited to build on the work of the last four years and expand the program with the addition of new cohorts starting in 2024.”

The PINNE project creates a cross-denominational innovation hub where creative, early-career clergy interact with experienced coaches to highlight effective approaches to ministry in the New England context.

In addition, PINNE is a public-facing initiative. The PINNE community shares its most innovative ideas on thriving in ministry and vital approaches with other pastors across the region through its website, conferences, and participation in judicatory and clergy events.

PINNE also serves as a vital link between clergy leaders and the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, bridging applied research and on-the-ground perspectives. This connection benefits the institute's faculty in research design, interpretation, and dissemination.

Hartford International University's non-denominational approach and experience in organizing multi-faith cohorts make it an ideal host for PINNE. The project also aligns with HIU's Continuing and Professional Education initiative.

PINNE's 2024-2028 plan involves creating two cohorts of 22 clergy fellows and six coaches, engaging in gatherings, peer coaching, and a robust Ministry Change Project that can earn participants six graduate-level credits. In the past four years, PINNE has been instrumental in helping younger creative clergy survive throughout the pandemic and thrive in their ministry settings during these challenging times, thanks to peer and staff support and coaching.