About Us

Our Vision

At Baptist Grove Church, we believe that cultivating faith across generations is central to the life of the church. Cultivating a Legacy of Living Faith builds on our long-standing tradition of integrating children fully into worship, family life, and spiritual formation. This initiative empowers children, families, and congregations to grow deeper in faith together, drawing on research-based practices and the rich storytelling traditions of the Black Church.

Our vision is to see children come to know and love God, to equip parents and volunteers to nurture faith at home and in the church, and to create resources that support lasting spiritual growth. By partnering with churches and experts nationwide, we aim to develop curriculum and worship practices that foster meaningful intergenerational engagement, making faith formation accessible, inclusive, and enduring.

We are committed to ensuring that every child experiences God’s love, guidance, and presence as part of a supportive, multigenerational community — helping to shape disciples who will carry this legacy of faith into the future.

Our Leadership

Grant Program Team

Robin Smoot, Program Director

Robin is an Ohio native who moved to North Carolina in 2012. She is a graduate of Miami University with a degree in Public Administration and holds an MBA from Franklin University. Robin expects to complete her Master of Divinity in 2029 at Duke Divinity School. Robin’s professional background includes 30 years in business & ministry operations, and she has a heart for helping others fulfill their call to entrepreneurship. Robin loves spending time with her husband and three adult children. She enjoys gardening, movies, the beach, and football (Go Buckeyes!).

Averee Gentry, Program Administrator

Averee is an Ohio native who moved to North Carolina in 2021 after spending much of her life in East Tennessee. She holds a degree in Social Entrepreneurship from Carson Newman University and completed her Master of Divinity in 2023 at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. Averee's background includes an active involvement in church and community, and more notably, the former co-ownership and management of a family-owned donut shop. Currently, Averee is actively involved in event management and Christian hospitality, and has a passion for serving and lifting up the voices of others. Averee enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her daughter and family. Her favorite sports team is Ohio State. Go Buckeyes!

Bettina Lampkin, Grant Specialist

Bettina C. Lampkin is a finance and grants management professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting research, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. She specializes in grant development, financial oversight, budgeting, and strategic operations for large, complex programs. Bettina currently serves as Director of Centralized Business Operations and Strategy for Duke Health Affiliations and Networks, where she supports strategic initiatives, operational planning and oversight, and grant-related activities for the department. She is a member of Baptist Grove Church and is volunteering her grant management expertise to assist with the Lilly Grant initiative. Bettina is also the sole proprietor of Jumpstart Business Services, where she helps nonprofits and small businesses develop strong grant strategies and secure sustainable funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It is an initiative of Baptist Grove Church, funded by Lilly Endowment, designed to support intergenerational worship and faith formation for children ages 0–12. The initiative develops resources, curriculum, and tools to help families and churches nurture lasting faith across generations.

  • While the initiative primarily works with a cohort of partner churches, the resources and insights we develop are intended to inform and inspire all families, children’s ministry leaders, and church communities interested in intergenerational worship and faith formation.

  • Through research-informed curriculum, storytelling, and prayer practices, the initiative equips children, parents, and volunteers to deepen faith both at home and in the church.

  • Currently, the initiative is working with a selected cohort of churches over the four-year grant period. While direct participation is limited, we share learnings, resources, and tools that can benefit churches and families more broadly.

  • Families are central to the initiative. We create resources and guidance that help parents teach faith at home, engage children in worship, and encourage spiritual growth across generations.

  • You can access publicly available resources and the latest news on this website. Additional materials are available to our partner churches through a secure, private portal.