The Louisville Institute seeks to identify and support ecclesially-engaged academics and intellectually-astute pastoral and religious leaders whose scholarly research work can contribute to the vitality of Christianity in North America. For too long, a gap has separated church and academy, preventing both pastors and academics from learning from each other. This gap renders the insights from religious scholarship largely unknown to church leaders and the wisdom of church leaders unavailable to shape the sensibilities and research agenda of academics, making all the more important the mission of the Louisville Institute to bring pastors and academics together. Toward this end, the Louisville Institute offers this grant program in support of scholarly research by academics and pastors that can enrich the life of the churches in North America.