About Us

Our Vision & Purpose

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.

How do we Cultivate a Legacy of Living Faith?

Cultivating a Legacy of Living Faith brings our vision to life through intentional, hands-on approaches that support children, families, and churches. We focus on three key areas:

  1. Congregational Recruitment and Assessment – We partner with a cohort of churches to understand their children’s ministry needs, learn from their experiences, and explore ways to strengthen intergenerational worship and faith formation.

  2. Curriculum Development – We create resources and tools that equip children, parents, and volunteers to nurture faith at home and in the church. Drawing on research, storytelling, and the rich traditions of the Black Church, these materials foster meaningful spiritual growth for children ages 0–12.

  3. Intergenerational Worship Development – We help congregations integrate children into worship and prayer practices, ensuring that all ages participate fully in the life of the church. This includes creating engaging, family-centered experiences that deepen faith and strengthen community connections.

Through these efforts, we aim to empower children, families, and church leaders to cultivate lasting faith that spans generations, creating a legacy of living faith that is authentic, enduring, and rooted in God’s love.

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 earned her MBA from Franklin University. Robin’s background includes 30 years in business & ministry administration and 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

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.