Since 2014, First Church has provided a substantial scholarship to Master of Divinity students at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. This three-year professional degree is the portal through which young men and women must pass to become ordained pastors in most denominations. It is rigorous and demanding and requires (among other expectations) complete competence in reading and translating ancient Hebrew and Greek, thorough knowledge of Christian theology, and demonstrated skills in teaching and preaching the Bible. And this degree is expensive. Gordon-Conwell is one of the largest non-denominational Christian graduate schools in the country; its curriculum and degrees are focused exclusively on preparing students for church ministry, teaching, missionary service, counseling, and leadership in faith-based non-profits.
The generosity of our congregation has allowed us to make seminary affordable for six worthy students each year, helping them prepare for effective pastoral ministry and complete their schooling without crippling debt. Our scholarship program provides full tuition of approximately $24,000 per year for two students per class. The students are responsible for providing their room and board, an additional $10-12,000 per year, typically through part-time jobs during the academic year, summer work, and gifts from family and supporting churches. Many of our scholarship recipients have told us that they would not have been able to attend seminary without the First Church full-tuition scholarship program. We are thus doing our part to provide future leaders for the Church of Christ.
First Church announced the launch of this scholarship program in 2014 while celebrating my 10th anniversary of pastoral service in Bonita Springs. Church members gave generously and raised an initial fund of over $200,000. That fund replenishes annually as church members continue to make contributions to sustain our support for students. Working in partnership with Gordon-Conwell’s Development Office and the Professor of Pastoral Ministry, we determined that making a substantial impact on a few students was more beneficial than spreading the funds across a large range of students. The fund is the most significant scholarship offered by Gordon-Conwell and the only one that provides full-tuition for the entire three-year degree program.
The scholarship recipients are selected annually from each incoming class by the Admissions Office. I am then able to begin a mentoring and supportive relationship with each of them. I meet with the students in regular on-campus visits twice a year. Usually, in January of their second year, students are invited to participate in our onsite Mentorship Program here at our church. To date, ten students have completed their seminary training as scholarship recipients, and another six are currently in the process.
Because the total tuition cost for six students each year requires that I raise nearly $150,000 annually, I am always eager to speak to church members personally about this wonderful giving opportunity. If you can make a special gift (or if you have a family foundation), please consider this investment. Holding our mentorship program in January allows us the benefit of meeting and forming relationships with the students receiving our scholarships midway through their professional preparation.
Raising the next generation of leaders for the churches of America is a critical priority. If you are a grandparent, this can be a strategic investment for you. Not only are you financially supporting Christian role models as they complete their education and begin their careers, but you are also helping to prepare young men and women of this generation to lead churches long after we have departed. Who knows? One day your grandson or granddaughter might be led to Christ and pastored by someone you helped sponsor and support during their seminary training!
by Pastor Doug Pratt
