University of Southern California

Passing the Mantle: Now Accepting Applications

The Passing the Mantle Clergy and Lay Leadership Institute, known as PTM, is now accepting applications for the 2008 program year. PTM trains African-American clergy and lay leaders in community organizing, economic development, and church leadership strategies. In addition to training, the program includes structured mentoring meetings with leading ministers in the Los Angeles area.

This year's residential program takes place August 3-9, 2008 and is limited to 40 participants. PTM is open to pastors, lay leaders, and community development professionals. Clergy and lay leaders who are engaged in civic programs,community development or other related projects will be given special consideration.

Housed at USC's Center for Religion and Civic Culture, the institute is led by the Rev. Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, Tanzy Professor of Christian Ethics at USC, and former pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Mark Whitlock, founder and pastor of Christ Our Redeemer African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rev. Eugene Williams, founder of Regional Congregations and Neighborhood Organizations, are co-directors of the program. PTM is made possible with support from The James Irvine Foundation.

“We need an extremely sophisticated pastor in the new generation," says Rev. Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray. "Passing the mantle on to them just means that somehow we’ll finish the race.”

Applicants must submit an application form and must be nominated by a church, organization, or community development corporation. Please complete and submit the following forms by May 30, 2008.

Read the letter of invitation (PDF).