The Center for Appalachian Ministry (CAM) exists to strengthen and support churches throughout Appalachia through meaningful partnership, practical resources, and shared ministry.
Created through the generosity of the “Thriving Congregations” grant awarded to Milligan University by the Lilly Endowment, this exciting new initiative aims to equip smaller Appalachian Independent Christian Churches (ICC) to thrive in today’s religious landscape by pursuing three objectives:
- Fostering an Outward Focus
- Leveraging Church Buildings and Physical Assets for the Community
- Catalyzing Congregations to be Conduits of Health and Well-Being in Their Communities
Milligan University believes that smaller Appalachian Highland ICC are poised to flourish for the sake of the Gospel and bring forth new, innovative, and creative ways for the Church to embody the mission of God. The Center for Appalachian Ministry is Milligan’s “central hub” for facilitating this partnership, and we look forward continuing to work with the churches in Appalachia for the good of the community!
Fostering an Outward Focus
Appalachian Ministry Partners (AMP)
Learning communities of smaller Appalachian ICC, called Appalachian Ministry Partners (AMPs), are formed each year to meet quarterly, discuss new ideas, and learn from each other while sharing a meal in fellowship. Each meeting, Milligan facilitates conversation around a strategically selected topic to foster creativity, missional mentality, and contextual analysis. Our AMPs are the foundation of what we do at the Center for Appalachian Ministry, they are our partners for thriving congregations across the Appalachian Highlands.
Currently, the Center for Appalachian Ministry is facilitating two AMP groups with 6 churches each and aims to establish a third by 2027.
Leveraging Church Buildings and Physical Assets for the Community
Coaching or Consultation with an Architecture Firm
CAM provides participating churches two consultation meetings with a church architecture firm or coach to better utilize their space. Reimagine how your physical space and resources can be leveraged to serve the community, and you could implement those changes through a mini grant!
Mini grants for Community Ministry Endeavors
During their second year, Appalachian Ministry Partners are given the opportunity to apply for a mini grant to strengthen and sustain a ministry endeavor on behalf of the surrounding community. CAM welcomes innovative new ideas in these proposals, as well as initiatives that will sustain current missional work already taking place in congregations and envisions congregations collaborating within their AMP for the benefit of the community.
Catalyzing Congregations to be Conduits of Health and WellBeing in Their Communities
Center for Appalachian Ministry (CAM) Internships
Utilizing Milligan University’s robust Ministry Leadership Program (MLP), CAM will pair a participating congregation with a paid undergraduate ministry student to intern at the church for 10-15 hours per week. A CAM intern is intended to contribute to outreach efforts, helping congregations strengthen or create connections with non-profits, churches, or other organizations in the area. CAM Internships run for 9 months with a church match between the participating congregation and the CAM, totaling up to $8000.
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Appalachian Ministry
Funded by the Thriving Congregations grant, Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan has introduced a brand-new certificate program, the Certificate of Graduate Studies in Appalachian Ministry. This certificate combines seminary-level courses in biblical, theological, and pastoral studies with instruction on Appalachian culture and heritage, providing both practical ministry training and regional insight. Ideal for continuing education, this certification prepares participants for leadership roles in local churches and can also serve as a steppingstone toward a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) or other seminary degree programs.
It is Milligan’s heart to use the Center for Appalachian Ministry to help smaller churches in Appalachia flourish and Appalachian communities thrive.
Interested in learning more about the Center for Appalachian Ministry? Connect with Thriving Congregations Grant Director, Stephen Carpenter, below.
