Christian formation is the lifelong process by which individuals and communities are shaped into the likeness of Christ through worship, learning, spiritual practice, relationship, and participation in God’s mission in the world. Formation is not simply education or activity; it is transformation—of identity, imagination, and behavior—rooted in baptism and lived out in community. Since 1974, the diocese has supported our collective commitment to formation of disciples through Faith in Life grants. These endowment-supported grants are specifically and exclusively set aside to fund projects related to lifelong formation.
Historically, many applications have described good missional ministry projects, but have failed to address how these projects are formational in nature. The current Faith in Life committee will evaluate projects based on the following criteria:
- How does this project help your community follow Jesus more intentionally?
- How are spiritual practices and/or theological reflection embedded in the project?
- What change do you hope to see in participants’ faith, identity, or practice, and how will you know if formation is taking place?
The Faith in Life Grant supports:
- Initiatives that deepen discipleship and Christian identity
- Projects that embed spiritual practices and theological reflection
- Experiments that build a culture of formation, not just events
The Diocese of Southern Ohio invests in formation because we believe the Church’s vitality flows from communities shaped by the love of Christ. We seek proposals that cultivate disciples—not just participants—and that help congregations become places where faith is practiced, embodied, and lived.
Grant Applications
All projects must be an initiative or partner of a faith community in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Grants will range between $1,000-$10,000. Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis. Grants will be reviewed three times per year.
The 2026 application form is now open. Applications will be reviewed in three cycles:
- due April 15 for review in early May
- due July 15 for review in early August
- due October 1 for review in mid October
As you prepare to submit an application or consider future projects, we commend to you our emerging diocesan mission:
As the Diocese of Southern Ohio, we embody the Gospel of Jesus Christ and share in God’s transformation of our communities with the Holy Spirit as our guide.
For more information, please contact the Rev. Miriam McKenney, missioner for Beloved Community, at mmckenney@diosohio.org.
