Our History

The Washington Institute was founded by Dr. Steven Garber with initial support from the Lilly Endowment’s grant, Programs in the Theological Exploration of Vocation.  In 2005 the Institute began its work among universities, colleges, congregations, and seminaries. Born out of a long relationship with The Falls Church, a historic Anglican parish located a few miles outside of Washington DC in Falls Church, Virginia, from the beginning it has been its own institution with a 501.C3 status (IRS). In its earliest beginnings, The Institute was inspired by the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, begun by the late Rev. Dr. John Stott, which exists to teach people to live in the world under the Word.