Trinity Anglican Seminary Receives Grant to Launch Anglican Formation Network

Trinity Anglican Seminary has been awarded a grant of $9,999,876 from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch the Anglican Formation Network: Equipping Leaders for Mission. This five-year initiative will be developed in collaboration with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and several regional formation centers across the province. The goal is to create a comprehensive leadership development ecosystem to strengthen Anglican ministry formation across North America.

The Anglican Formation Network responds to a pressing need within the ACNA. As one of North America’s fastest-growing Christian denominations, with a reported 13% growth in 2024, the ACNA requires more well-formed clergy and lay leaders than current pathways can supply. The grant will enable Trinity to work closely with the ACNA Provincial Office to develop a strong network of strategic partnerships, including The Ridley Institute, The Charles Simeon Institute, Anselm House, The Anglican Center for Theology and Formation, The Anglican Catechist Training School, the Brazos Societies Project, and others.

“This grant represents a transformative moment not just for Trinity but for the entire Anglican Church in North America,” said the Very Rev. Cn. Dr. Bryan Hollon, Dean & President of Trinity Anglican Seminary. “We face a wonderful challenge: The ACNA is growing rapidly, drawing young leaders hungry for theological depth and liturgical formation. But our bishops and rectors tell us often that they need more qualified candidates than we can supply. The Anglican Formation Network will multiply our capacity to form excellent leaders while ensuring that Anglican formation—grounded in Scripture, shaped by the Prayer Book, and oriented toward mission—becomes more accessible across our province.”

The Anglican Formation Network will address the need for more robust leadership development through three strategic initiatives. First, it will cultivate a robust vocational discernment and leadership pipeline infrastructure. Second, it will integrate residential seminary education with practical church-based ministry experience. Third, it will develop consistent leadership formation standards across the ACNA. These initiatives aim to ensure that formation is not only accessible but also aligned with the theological and liturgical traditions of the Anglican Communion.

The initiative reflects a commitment to equipping leaders who are both spiritually grounded and mission-oriented. By fostering partnerships across various formation centers, the network seeks to create a more unified and effective approach to leadership development. This aligns with the broader goal of strengthening the ACNA’s capacity to respond to its growing membership and expanding ministry needs.

The grant underscores the importance of investing in human capital as a strategic priority for the ACNA. As the denomination continues to grow, the need for well-formed leaders becomes increasingly urgent. The Anglican Formation Network represents a proactive response to this challenge, emphasizing the value of intentional formation and the importance of nurturing leaders who are equipped to serve in diverse and dynamic ministry contexts.

The initiative also highlights the role of collaboration in addressing systemic challenges. By bringing together various formation centers and institutions, the network aims to create a more cohesive and impactful approach to leadership development. This collaborative model reflects a shared commitment to the mission of the Anglican Church and the belief that strong leadership is essential to fulfilling that mission.

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