Milligan College, affiliated with the Independent Christian churches, will use its grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., to establish a Ministry Resource Center.  Based at the college’s Emmanuel Christian Seminary, the Center will: 1) develop a placement program that supports pastors at every level of experience and works with pastors and congregations to ensure alignment between the pastors’ gifts and skills and the needs of congregations; 2) create a robust mentoring program for pastors transitioning from seminary into their first ministerial appointments; and 3) assist all pastors in maintaining a fresh perspective on their call by offering ongoing opportunities for learning and renewal. Milligan anticipates sustaining this initiative through enrollment growth as well as through support from alumni and congregational leaders eager to nurture the next generation of pastors.