The Mantle Bearers Project

The Mantle Bearers Project

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Mantle Bearers Project, College & University, 634 Henderson Street, .

Our mission is to support ministers of the Gospel, through the development of mentoring and coaching relationships, career developmental opportunities, and interpersonal connections, in order to maintain long-term, thriving ministries.

Operating as usual

$2.4 Million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Fund Ministry Initiatives - University of Mount Olive 13/01/2024

We have some great news coming out of the Univeristy Ministries division of UMO! Take a few moments to read up on these two grants, and when you’re done, share your prayers and feedback with us! Our goal is to steward well these opportunities God has granted us for the sake of the Kingdom!

$2.4 Million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Fund Ministry Initiatives - University of Mount Olive MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive has received two grants totaling $2,492,000 from Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc., to fund two important ministry-related initiatives. “These are extraordinary gifts!” said UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom. “On behalf of our University, I a...

29/11/2023

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

17/11/2023

1 Corinthians 2:9

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”

09/11/2023

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

01/11/2023

Proverbs 11:25

A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.

27/10/2023

As a young adult, Liz Rick knew that God had a call in her life, and yet never knew that such a call would ask her to leave her home state in order to relocate in Goldsboro, NC. “Since 18-years-old, I have watched the call that God placed in my life evolve – first in children’s ministry, and now as the lead pastor of Hydrant Church,” claimed Liz. “In fact, I thought that church, or ‘big church’ – larger, more numerically grand churches – was all that ministry was. Since coming here, more than eight years ago, I have come to love the call to a small, more rural setting.”

Now, such a setting, Liz would posit, creates different socioeconomic and cultural challenges. But those challenges have allowed her space to continue to grow in a direction that has begun to bear fruit. She went on to state that, “with these challenges, came the support and friendships of The Mantle Bearers Project.” By committing and investing in the tasks and opportunities of this work, Liz has seen her own capacity as a minister, coach, and Christian grow at home and beyond!

When asked about the Project, and what she might say to someone who is interested in joining, Liz said, “Commit to it! Other things might try to get in the way, but make it a priority – for yourself, and for the sake of those God has called you to minister to.”

As staff of The Mantle Bearers Project, we are proud of Liz and her choice to say “yes!” to the call of the Gospel. Daily, we watch her grow into the leader that God is molding, and we are all better for her witness, presence, and encouragement along the way!

24/10/2023

Phillippians 1:6

“…..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

20/10/2023

Hope everyone is having a great Friday! Have a blessed weekend as well!

13/10/2023

For our next Meet a Mantle Bearer segment, we will introduce you to a powerful and vibrant minister who is no less than Sha-ta Holliday!
As founder and planter of Truth and Love Ministries in Goldsboro, NC, Sha-ta’s calendar is full of teaching, preaching, and leading others towards a deeper walk with Christ. “This call, a call to ministry, brings with it a sense of love and compassion that can only come through Christ Jesus,” proclaims Sha-ta, “it is a call to love people where they are at, equip them to walk alongside Christ, and then send them on their way to fulfill their own calls within the Kingdom of God.”

In 2022, Sha-ta was introduced to the work of The Mantle Bearers Project by none other than her mother, who, at the time, was a Christian Studies major at the University of Mount Olive. From there, she joined the 2023 cohort, finding a community and space to be comfortable in her call. Sha-ta attests to knowing that “I did not have to walk this pathway alone, and I can be strengthened by, while giving strength to others who have also said yes to the call into Gospel ministry.” Following the 2023 cohort, Sha-ta chose to dive even deeper with The Mantle Bearers Project, beginning her journey into the Coaching Cohort of the project – a 150-hour commitment!

Recently, Sha-ta and her husband joined with several other Mantle Bearers as we took time to step away from eastern NC, and rest, reflect, and reimagine the call that God has for us. Because of their presence, the rest of us were able to eat better, laugh more, think deeper, and even learn how to [somewhat] skillfully play the dominos-based game, Bones!

Let’s all welcome Sha-ta – a Bearer of the Mantle of the Gospel!

10/10/2023

Here are the meeting times and links for the Q&A zoom session on Thursday, October 12th!

9:30 AM - https://umo.zoom.us/j/98858698738

12:30 PM - https://umo.zoom.us/j/95274640953

7:30 PM - https://umo.zoom.us/j/98608693583

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Photos from The Mantle Bearers Project's post 06/10/2023

“It was a great week for our ending retreat! By gathering at the beautiful Victory Mountain campground, several Mantle Bearers were able to step back from the business of ministry and focus on theirselves, their families, and the call to care for oneself! During this time, we ate, laughed, learned, and played together as a gathered community!

On October 26th, we will gather one last time for 2023, and send one another off with blessing and hope for what God will do for the Kingdom through us!

If you, or a minister you know has any interest in the ongoing and supportive work of this communtiy, please share the information on the upcoming Zoom Q&As - it’s worth it!”

04/10/2023
02/10/2023

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

29/09/2023

Meet a Mantle Bearer!

Friends, this is a new adventure where, on alternating Fridays, we will look to highlight one of our participating Mantle Bearers!

First up is Reverend Gavin Daniels, Director of Church Ministry at the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home.

According to Gavin, his call to ministry began in college, somewhere between the intersection of affirmation and experience, anchored in his hometown of Kenly, NC. Through mission trips, Bible studies, and chaplaincy among student-athletes, Gavin began to discern God’s call in his life.

His call, which currently allows him to serve the children and youth of the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home in Middlesex, NC, continues to allow him to experience that anchoring towards rural eastern NC communities. When asked about this, Gavin attests to seeing and experiencing the weight of rural ministry – a ministry where “everybody knows everybody, and family legacies matter.”

Gavin first joined The Mantle Bearers Project back in 2021, and was a part of our first interpersonal cohort. This experience, Gavin would say, allowed him to grow both professionally and interpersonally through an ecumenical community. Such an experience has been a large part of his formation, as he anticipated that “coming home” would result in lacking ministerial communities. Gavin would also posit that his, and your experience(s) within The Mantle Bearers Project has all the makings of a worthwhile journey. “At just one day a month, with no financial burden, The Mantle Bearers Project is an experience beyond what you could anticipate.”

As Mantle Bearers, we are thankful for Gavin and all that he brings to the table!

If you have interest in telling your own story as a Mantle Bearer, please send us a direct message, or email Dustin Bannister at [email protected].

The Mantle Bearers Project is a ministry of University Ministries of the University of Mount Olive. We are an ecumenical gathering of Christ-following clergy, who seek to grow both interpersonally and professionally, in order to be the most effective parts of the Kingdom of God.

26/09/2023

Hey, Mantle Bearers! We wanted to give a quick update on what all is going on with the Project, so take a moment to read and just a second to share!

First, we will be wrapping up our Mantle Bearer Meals for this fall on Friday at 11:30 am at El Tapatio in Wilson! Come and join us for good conversation, laughter, and food! As always, this is a free event, with your only investment being your time!

Next, we move towards our ending retreat(s)! As part of The Mantle Bearers Project, cohort participants are invited to a week away from eastern NC, as we gather together in a retreat format to help close out this year’s work. This year, we will be in beautiful Sophia, NC, at Victory Mountain Campground. This retreat will begin Sunday evening, and last through Thursday morning. Participants will have a chance to worship, refresh, reflect, and spend time together over these days.

We will also have an ending retreat that will begin on the afternoon of October 26th, and end at lunchtime on the 27th. This “official” ending retreat will be held at the place we began – The Refuge of Eastern NC in Ayden, NC – and will allow us to move forward towards the callings that Christ has for us individually and as members of the Body of Christ.

Finally, as 2023 ends, and 2024 is approaching, we are looking with optimism towards those who will join us for the next year’s cohort. Already, many have said yes to this journey, but there is still room for many more to join us in the next year. As part of this, we will be hosting three Q&A Zoom sessions in the month of October. These sessions will take place on October 12th at 9:30 am // 12:30 pm // 7:30 pm – giving three times for curious or interested individuals to join. More info will be coming out about how to join these sessions soon!

As always, we appreciate your interest in yourself, and in this work – and thank you for sharing this information with those who have said yes to the call to Gospel Ministry!

25/09/2023

Psalm 37:23-24 “The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”

20/09/2023

For the last nine months, participants in The Mantle Bearers Project, known as Mantle Bearers themselves, have walked alongside one another in deep, meaningful ways, in order to increase their own sense of professional calling, as well as their connectedness to one another through the call. These months have allowed cross-pollination from among more than a half-dozen faith traditions represented by several congregations, and have led to friendship and family.

Throughout the month of October, these Mantle Bearers will celebrate and conclude the last year’s progress through two separate, but special ending retreats. However, this is not the end, but only the beginning of healthier, more thriving congregational calls.

Starting in January of 2024, new Mantle Bearers will be invited into this same experience – one that will allow transformation both inside and out. To join, one must only acknowledge their call, and then commit the time needed for an opening retreat, once-a-month meeting (first Thursday from 8:30-3:30), and closing activities. Such a commitment will undoubtedly allow for maturation in both interpersonal and professional aspects of the Gospel ministry call. But don’t take our word for it…take the word of a current or former Mantle Bearer!

If you, or someone you know in ministry could benefit from the space provided by a nonjudgmental, safe professional space -- one whose only key indicator is that you proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and say yes to the call of the Gospel – then come join us. There is no cost, and resources have been graciously provided through a collaborative grant between The Lilly Endowment and the University of Mount Olive.

For any questions or feedback, please contact Dr. Dustin Bannister, Director of Thriving in Ministry of the University of Mount Olive at 919.299.4817 or [email protected]

21/12/2022

Congratulations to Bryan Talton for winning the MBP giveaway. Bryan was nominated by Rev Ken White, and we are glad to gift him both a Yeti cooler and a Hot Wheels set!

Photos from The Mantle Bearers Project's post 09/12/2022

Merry Christmas To All! A Christmastime Giveaway!

Over the last year, we have heard story after story of the women and men who have said yes to a life of vocational ministry. So often, the presence of these ministers shifts the trajectory of lives, reconciles families, and offers a grace and guidance that point us towards Christ.

So, in the spirit of Christmastime, we want to give you a chance to give back to the minsters and pastors in your own life! Here's how we will do it!

In this post, we need you to:
- Tag a minister who has encouraged, been present, or embodied Christ to you
- Give that minister a word or two of encouragement along with the tag
- Share this post so that others can see the difference they have made in your own faith journey!

By doing this, you will enter that very minister into a giveaway for TWO GIFTS. These two gifts are a YETI cooler and a Hot Wheels set -- one for them to keep and one for them to give to someone they care about!

The drawing for these items will be held on or around December 23rd!

So, let them know the difference they have made in your life, friends!

John 14:21-24 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, | New Revised Standard Version... 17/11/2022

"They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me."
John 14:21‭-‬24 NRSV

John 14:21-24 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, | New Revised Standard Version... They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him,

12/11/2022

Congratulations to Ms. Carol Becton on winning the Beats headphones from our recent meet ups!

If you attend one of our meet ups next week (see prior post!), you, too, can enter to win a pair!

11/11/2022

Over the last year, we have spent time in community, reflecting, celebrating, mourning, and growing with one another. This week, we were able to put the final piece into place for The Mantle Bearers Project. Through this ending retreat, we spent time in dialogue, prayer, and rest, all while reflecting on the beauty of this opportunity. As director, I look forward to seeing what God will continue to do in 2023’s cohort, as we begin again so quickly (January 13th)!

I’ll avoid cliché or trivial statements, and will replace them with this – if you’d like to hear about this work, just ask one of the Mantle Bearers…and then, come and see!

Blessings, friends!

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past a | New Revised Standard... 09/11/2022

"What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God's gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already is; and God seeks out what has gone by."
Ecclesiastes 3:9‭-‬15 NRSV

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past a | New Revised Standard... What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past a

04/11/2022

I've been reflecting on the story of Luke 5 of the paralyzed individual and his friends.

Today, I reflect on the question - what would it be like to be one of those friends who was willing to go to those lengths for someone you care about?

What are your thoughts, friends?

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college?

Videos (show all)

Mantle Bearers Christmas Giveaway
Congratulations to Ms. Carol Becton on winning the Beats headphones from our recent meet ups! If you attend one of our m...
Good morning Mantle Bearers! Happy Wednesday!We have a surprise giveaway, please watch the video to see if you won!
Thank you everyone who entered to win in this giveaway! We finally have the winners so make sure to watch the video to s...
As clergy, we need connections with one another, but too often these opportunities to connect are impaired due to cost, ...
Mantle Bearers, we want to begin with a word of thanks for all of you that participated in our Meet Up Events! These eve...