York University's new Center for Ministry will focus on ministry training, resource development, and leadership support for churches and ministers across the Midwest, Great Plains, and Rocky Mountain states. “The creation of the Center for Ministry marks a significant step forward in York University’s mission to equip individuals for lives of service to God, the church, and the world,” said Jared Stark, interim president of York University. The center is scheduled to open in Fall 2025.
Earlier this year York University announced a partnership with the Lilly Endowment to create programming and support for rural and small-town church growth. The grant for York University is part of a larger effort based out of Pepperdine University titled “Empower and Equip - Rural and Small Town Church Initiative”, led by Mike Cope.
During a recent visit to the YU campus, Cope observed York's ideal position for such an effort to launch and said, “Pepperdine is delighted to participate in this new, exciting initiative from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., focused on the renewal and strengthening of rural and small-town churches. I'm especially thankful to partner with York University as a regional hub for this work. York is ideal both in its geographical location and in the missional focus of its leaders to continue helping so many churches. It's a genuine blessing to have York University agree to participate in this wide initiative.”
The grant will channel almost a million dollars to York University over 5 years to create the new center. Many churches in rural areas and small towns face significant challenges with declining memberships, limited resources, isolation, and lack of ministry preparation. Funding will provide vital resources, training, and support for small churches outside the Bible Belt to bless, nurture, and strengthen the body of Christ in this region.
The grant will also expand the Equip Conference, an event launched two years ago by York University's Chair of the Department of Bible and Ministry Dr. Garrett Best. The Equip Conference is designed for regional churches to address unique challenges and concerns and specifically to encourage and prepare church leaders for the challenges of ministry.
Best said, “Since arriving at York University, my inbox and office phone have been flooded with requests from local church leaders seeking help to navigate significant challenges they face. I echo the Apostle Paul’s feelings of “daily concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28). We believe this generous grant positions us to be a hub for spiritual renewal in our region of the country. Our goal will be to serve existing churches by providing much-needed resources and support as well as assisting efforts to plant new churches in this region. We are grateful for this opportunity to strengthen the body of Christ for years to come.”
Interim President Jared Stark echoed Dr. Best’s sentiments saying, “The original dream of those who founded York University centered around the idea that a Christian institution would have a beautiful reciprocal relationship with the local church. I deeply believe in the same vision that was cast by Dr. Dale Larsen and many others who invested their lives in this place. In practical terms, it means we exist to serve as a support for churches however we can, knowing that the growth of the university and church are bound together. I believe we must anchor our current mission in the belief that our institution and the regional churches are vitally important to one another. Everything about this initiative supports that vision. On behalf of York University, I want to thank the Lilly Endowment and Mike Cope for their support in this endeavor. I am certain we will see God move in powerful ways through this effort.”
--------------- Updated April 25, 2025 ----------------
York University is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Anessa Westbrook and Dr. Scott Laird as co-executive directors of the newly established Center for Ministry. In her new role, Dr. Westbrook will oversee strategic planning, daily operations on campus, and women’s spiritual formation. Dr. Laird will focus on church relations and expanding the Center’s outreach through partnerships and regional services.
Dr. Anessa Westbrook brings extensive experience as both a professor and ministry leader, with a strong background in teaching, mentoring, and leading conferences. She joins York University after more than a decade on the faculty at Harding University, where she served in the College of Bible and Ministry and led the Bloom Conference. The Bloom Conference is an annual women's conference with guest speakers, local speakers, and student speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. She was recently honored with the Teacher Achievement Award for the College of Bible and Ministry, and students dedicated the university yearbook in her honor. Her research interests include the spiritual development of women, and she has published on topics such as church growth, baptism, women’s ministry, discipleship programs, leadership development, and small group formation. She and her husband served as missionaries in northeast Hungary from 1995 to 2003, where they were involved in church planting efforts.
Dr. Scott Laird brings a wealth of experience to the position and specifically has expertise for the target region, having served churches for many years in Montana and Canada. Dr. Laird has also served as an adjunct professor for Harding School of Theology. Laird completed his Bachelor of Science in Business from Montana State in 1981 and a Doctorate of Ministry focused on Leadership from Harding School of Theology in 2019. Laird has also been a presenter at the Christian Scholars Conference, been published in the periodical, Church Growth Magazine, is serving on the Board of Directors for The Christian Chronicle, a consultant for Hope Network, an associate with Heritage 21 and is the founder and organizer of the Shepherds Network and the Yellowstone Bible Camp Foundation.
“Anessa and Scott are deeply committed to our mission of transformation, education, equipping, and service, says Interim President Jared Stark. "Both have demonstrated outstanding, long-term dedication to the church and a deep love for people and congregational life. We are excited to see how their leadership will bless both our campus and the broader region.”
Together, they will ensure the sustainability of the center, coordinate key events, and facilitate coaching and equipping opportunities for churches. They will also work collaboratively to identify and engage consulting partners to support the center’s mission.