Bell Trust Awards $40 Million to Churches of Christ Over 70 Years

The Bell Trust, established in 1956 by Robert S. Bell and his wife Katharine, has provided over $40 million in support to Churches of Christ across the United States. The trust was created to fund religious, missionary, and charitable works, reflecting the Bells’ commitment to advancing the kingdom of God. The foundation has awarded grants to individual congregations for various needs, including minister and missionary salaries, church building maintenance, and mission-related expenses.

Clark Packer, the current executive trustee of the Bell Trust, described the organization’s mission as helping churches fulfill their dreams of impacting the kingdom. As a member of the Bammel Church of Christ in Houston, Packer emphasized the importance of the Bells’ legacy and the trust’s ongoing role in supporting congregational efforts. The trust’s approach focuses on empowering local churches rather than individual missionaries, ensuring accountability within the sending congregation.

Nancy Snelson, missions committee chairwoman for the Legacy Church of Christ in North Richland Hills, Texas, praised the Bell Trust for its model of funding. She noted that the sending church applies for grants, maintaining a connection between the congregation and its missionaries. The Legacy Church has partnered with the Bell Trust to send missionaries to countries such as Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and Ukraine.

Minister Tom Riley, who planted a new congregation in Arizona in 2003, received financial assistance from the Bell Trust through the Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Franklin, Tennessee. Riley described the trust as a “cruciform ministry,” shaped by the cross of Christ and dedicated to serving Jesus. This perspective aligns with the broader mission of Churches of Christ to prioritize service and sacrifice in accordance with their theological beliefs.

The Bell Trust continues to play a vital role in supporting the work of Churches of Christ, offering financial resources that enable congregations to carry out their ministries. Through its long-standing commitment, the trust has helped sustain and expand the reach of these churches, reflecting a dedication to the principles of service and stewardship. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, values that the Bell Trust has embodied through its generous support of congregational efforts.

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