The mission of the Jesus Worldview Initiative — to effectively articulate and advance the following of Jesus as the defining priority of the Christian faith — is timely and needed.
The launching of a three-year campaign will build support for determining the extent of the initiative’s reach and impact.
“I am concerned that more and more expressions of Christianity in the U.S. seem to leave Jesus out of the equation,” said Vickie Wiley Willis, a retired strategic human resources leader.
She and her husband Scott, members of Nashville’s Glendale Baptist Church, are early supporters of the initiative.
“Through the Jesus Worldview Initiative, thoughtful voices will help us understand more fully what it means to follow Jesus on the way of love,” she added. “We need all the help we can get to center our faith on the life and teachings of Jesus.”
In January, Belmont University welcomed the Jesus Worldview Initiative as part of the school’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership directed by Jon Roebuck.
The university provides excellent services including receiving and processing charitable gifts. However, all operational and programming funds for the Jesus Worldview Initiative must come from designated gifts.
With low overhead costs — due to part-time leadership and Belmont University’s supportive services — designated, charitable gifts directly determine the programming and resources to be carried out by the Jesus Worldview Initiative.
Potential projects include:
• creating and maintaining an online preaching, teaching and learning library
• planning an annual Jesus Worldview Conference with creative and insightful program personnel
• strategic ecumenical engagement
• facilitating more and diverse voices to convey the message
• producing new digital and published resources
• collaborating with organizations that exhibit shared values and trust.
Donor support — some of which is already being received — will determine the timing and extent of these and other projects.
Randy Brantley, a development professional and Episcopal lay leader in Concord, N.C., made the first three-year pledge and initial gift in the campaign.
“There’s never been a more urgent need during my lifetime to uplift the fundamental tenets of Jesus’ mission and ministry,” said Brantley.
“I need to be reminded, and the faith community needs to be reminded, of the paramount importance of viewing scripture and life itself through the lens of Jesus’ example,” he continued.
“I consider my contribution to the Jesus Worldview Initiative to be an investment in upholding Christ’s gospel.”
Likewise, Tim Willis, a retired campus minister and chaplain in Clemson, S.C., and his wife Lynda, have made early, generous gifts.
“We support the Jesus Worldview Initiative because at its core is a holistic approach to being much more intentional with our lovingkindness, inclusivity and message of justice,” he said.
Details about the campaign — including an online pledge form and giving options — can be found here jesusworldview.org/give.
To further explore funding opportunities, discuss the initiative in more detail, or simply convey your financial pledge by email, reach out to John Pierce at jdpworldview@gmail.com.
Again, support will directly determine the scale and the impact of the Jesus Worldview Initiative. Your pledges and gifts are much needed and deeply appreciated.
John D. Pierce is director of the Jesus Worldview Initiative (jesusworldview.org), part of Belmont University’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership.