PC(USA) grant program designed to launch student activists
1001 New Worshiping Communities program was designed by students for students

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is launching a program for students who want to pursue anti-racism, anti-poverty, or a spiritual practice with others on their campus.

“Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists” is a new leadership development opportunity from 1001 New Worshiping Communities in the PC(USA). Faith Shepherd, a recent graduate of the University of Chicago, helped design the program alongside leaders of Commonwealth of Oakland, a new worshiping community in Pittsburgh recognized for its anti-racism work. According to Shepherd, the Wayfinders program believes in “empowering the next generation of organizers and community leaders by connecting current college and university students with both the mentorship and financial resources to found a justice or spirituality experiment on their campuses.”
For more than 12 years, the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative of the PC(USA) has launched hundreds of new faith-based projects across the country. They’re aimed at providing space for groups that traditional churches have historically excluded or marginalized. As it has done for previous projects, 1001 New Worshiping Communities will provide coaching, financial support, and structure to help students who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities reach their fullest potential.
“We’ve learned that the most successful founders of new initiatives are those who have started anything in the past,” said the Rev. Michael Gehrling, associate for assessments and recruitment with 1001 NWC, an initiative of the Interim Unified Agency of the PC(USA). “We want to give college students the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial projects to awaken them to the possibilities for spiritual justice work beyond their college experiences.”

“We are committed to support each Wayfinder throughout the planning and implementation process,” said Shepherd. Along with Gehrling and Shepherd, the Revs. Mike Holohan and Erin Angeli of the Commonwealth will be serving as leaders in a program that will begin with an in-person incubator from May 16-18, provide monthly one-to-one coaching during the project’s trial semester and conclude with another gathering Jan. 9-11, 2026.
This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students that have a connection to a PC(USA) ministry (a church, new worshiping community or campus ministry) who are excited to create a new on-campus initiative related to anti-racism, anti-poverty, or spiritual practice. “Experience is not required,” said Gehrling.
Applicants must be under the age of 30. “We expect your ideas to grow and develop throughout your participation,” Gehrling said.
Apply by March 10.
Questions? Contact Michael Gehrling (Michael.Gehrling@pcusa.org).
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