Warner Pacific College receives $292,000 ministry grant from M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust

PORTLAND, Ore. — Warner Pacific College has received a three-year, $292,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust that will establish a strategic mentorship program specifically focused on newly developing ministry roles. The grant will provide greater service opportunities for undergraduate students majoring in Religion and Christian Ministries (RCM) and bring national experts to campus to help the college community examine how to conduct urban ministry more effectively.
 
“We worked to create a proposal that we feel uniquely addresses students’ preparation for ministry in our urban context,” said Warner Pacific College president Andrea P. Cook, Ph.D.
 
In the project, RCM majors will serve as interns at area non-profits and schools to coordinate service opportunities for community volunteers, including other Warner Pacific students. Last year, nearly 400 students in Warner Pacific’s traditional program contributed 8,024 service hours to organizations and schools that serve underresourced populations, including the Oregon Food Bank, Union Gospel Mission, Julia West House, and Bridger Elementary School.
 
“Whether it involves tutoring programs or work parties, our students will plan and implement sorely needed programs for the community,” said Jess Bielman, Director of Campus Ministries and the project coordinator of the grant.
 
In addition, the grant will support the creation of ministry-related residential communities on Warner Pacific’s Mt. Tabor campus that will facilitate peer-to-peer mentorship. Finally, the grant will fund new staff positions and resources necessary to manage the entire project.

“Warner Pacific College is committed to working in the city, for the city,” said President Cook. “With the support of the Murdock Charitable Trust, our students will be better equipped to face the challenges of serving economic and socially diverse populations with greater compassion, clarity, and purpose. This is a thrilling opportunity.”

For media inquires, contact:
Lani Faith
Executive Director of Marketing and College Relations
503.517.1369
lfaith@warnerpacific.edu