Date: April 2, 2025
Ever dream of helping shape an Episcopal Church that looks and acts like Jesus? Learn more about the work of the Episcopal Evangelism Society (EES). Since 1862, EES has financially supported members of Episcopal seminary communities in their exploration to serve the church and the world in thoughtful and innovative ways. Although the mission and ministry of EES continue to adapt to an ever-changing Episcopal landscape, the current ministry of EES centers around awarding grants to seminarians, faculty, staff, and their spouses and partners to implement ministry projects that will help develop a culture of evangelism in their respective vocations.
The VTS community has been a vital part of EES for decades, with many members of the community receiving grants while others offer their gifts of leadership on the EES board. Dr. Lisa Kimball, Dr. Sharon Heaney, and Dan Morrow serve on the Board of Directors of EES, alongside VTS alumni Philip DeVaul, Tim Baer, and Marianne Ryan. Recent EES grantees from VTS include Dana Jean, Melody Dillon, Rich Nelson, and Rodah Wanyanga. EES’s Executive Director, The Very Rev. Troy Mendez (‘09), also has a long history of leadership with Virginia Theological Seminary.
You may read more about EES grants here and watch a short video here. Troy Mendez arrived on Monday morning and will be on campus through Thursday morning, hosting the spring meeting of the EES Board of Directors. Board members will be present at Tuesday evening worship, Wednesday lunch in the Refectory, and may also be around 1823 in the evening. We invite you to introduce yourselves, welcome them, and learn more about EES’s support of creative and faithful evangelism. If you’re curious about grant opportunities, Troy and several board members are happy to share more—just say hello!
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of The General Theological Seminary