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YORK UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES NEW CENTER FOR MINISTRY
from Heritage 52
York University is stepping into a bold new chapter of its mission to empower and support Christian communities through an innovative collaboration with Pepperdine University. This exciting initiative will foster growth and provide critical resources to rural and small-town churches across the Midwest and Rocky Mountain states. With a shared commitment to revitalizing the spiritual and community life of these congregations, the partnership signifies a landmark moment for York as a leader in ministry outreach.
The “Empower and Equip – Rural and Small Town Church Initiative,” led by Mike Cope at Pepperdine University, is a nationwide effort aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by churches outside urban centers. These challenges—such as dwindling memberships, isolation, and limited access to resources— are compounded by the geographic and demographic realities of rural ministry. For York University, these struggles resonate deeply with its history and purpose.
During a 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 partnership brings nearly $1 million in funding to York University over the next five years, enabling the establishment of the Center for Ministry. This initiative will provide training, resources and ongoing support to church leaders and congregations seeking to navigate their complex ministry environments.
York University’s strategic location makes it ideal as the focus for this new effort. 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 Center for Ministry will seek to address these issues head-on by providing leadership development programs, tailored training sessions, curated resources, networking opportunities and ongoing support.
A critical component of this partnership is the expansion of the
Equip Conference, which has already established itself as a beacon of hope and inspiration for church leaders in the region. A key offering of the Department of Bible and Ministry, organized by Dr. Garrett Best, this conference has become a vital resource for church leaders. It addresses practical ministry needs while fostering a sense of connection and collaboration among attendees. With additional funding and focus, the conference will scale its reach and content to serve as both an annual highlight and a practical resource for those engaged in ministry.
Dr. 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.”
As the Center for Ministry takes shape, its leaders and partners remain focused on the long-term impact of their work. The goal is not merely to sustain struggling churches but to enable them to thrive. By fostering spiritual growth, providing innovative resources, and cultivating strong leadership, the Center aims to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual congregations.
Jared Stark, executive vice president, 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 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."
In April 2025, York announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders to guide the Center for Ministry: Dr. Anessa Westbrook and Dr. Scott Laird. Together, they bring decades of experience in ministry, leadership development, and theological education to their new roles as co-executive directors.
Dr. Westbrook comes to York University from Harding University, where she made significant contributions to the College of Bible and Ministry. Her tenure at Harding included directing the Bloom Conference, an annual event aimed at equipping women in ministry. A seasoned educator and leader, Dr. Westbrook’s academic journey includes a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Church Growth from Harding School of Theology. 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.
In her new role, Dr. Westbrook will oversee strategic planning and daily operations on campus. She will also lead initiatives focusing on women’s spiritual formation and leadership development. Her vision for the Center aligns closely with its mission to serve as a vital resource for churches, enabling leaders to feel equipped and empowered in their work.
“Thanks to the generosity of the grant, York University has the opportunity to partner with churches and church leaders in a region that is starved for encouragement, assistance, and resources,” said Westbrook. “Our hope is to create a center that will help address church needs—equipping and empowering both churches and ministers as they do Kingdom work. I am humbled and honored to be part of this important effort.”
Joining Dr. Westbrook is Dr. Scott Laird who brings extensive experience to his role as co-executive director of the Center for Ministry, with a strong connection to the target region through years of service in Montana and Canada. A 1981 graduate of Montana State, Laird earned his Doctor of Ministry in 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.
Passionate about mentoring church leaders and strengthening local churches, Laird expressed his excitement for the Center’s mission, stating, “I am humbled and blessed to accept this role... I am excited to see how God develops relationships for the furtherance of his kingdom. Please join us in prayer as we seek God’s wisdom and blessings for this new work." His efforts will include fostering connections with church leaders, organizing training programs, and ensuring the Center remains attuned to the evolving needs of rural and small-town ministries.
York University’s partnership with Pepperdine University and the establishment of the Center for Ministry mark a bold step in serving Christian communities. By addressing the challenges of rural churches and expanding the Equip Conference under the leadership of Dr. Westbrook and Dr. Laird, the Center aims to transform ministry in the region. As York University looks to the future, its work through the Center for Ministry embodies the values of faith, service, and community that have long been central to its identity. York is set to leave a lasting impact on the faith and community life of rural America.
