Professor Scott Thumma recently participated in the concluding gathering of the National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges for Pastoral Leaders at the Villanova University Church Management Center in Villanova, PA.

Professor Thumma and a team of seven other research mentors guided 12 junior faculty in their yearlong research projects on the economic difficulties facing clergy.  During the three-day gathering, Professor Thumma heard stimulating reports on the ways clergy are managing their financial challenges.  This diverse and informative gathering was supported by a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant and was guided by the staff at the Church Management Center.