Continuing education

Scholarships for licensed clergy

Disciples Home Missions now has limited funds for continuing education grants to licensed clergy of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The following is the criteria by which eligibility for grant will be determined.

Grants can be made to individual clergy or to regions as block grants for training and educational events.

Information and eligibility

Applicants are licensed clergy with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), or persons who are in the process of being licensed by a regional commission/committee on the ministry. Eligible persons should be listed as licensed lay ministers in the regions where they have standing or have a letter from the region stating they are candidates for licensing.

• Licensed theological students are not eligible for these funds.
• Each applicant must be in good standing as a Licensed Minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
  
• Preference for continuing education grants will be given to persons attending events which enhance their leadership skills; such events include preaching, administration, Bible study, theology, and education.
  
• Recipients are limited to one grant in a twelve month period. Annual requests for continuing education funds are strongly discouraged and must be approved and supported by the regional minister as a special circumstance for consideration.
  
• Recipients of continuing education scholarships are expected to contribute to the cost of their educational experience. In all cases, demonstrated financial need will be a strong factor in determining the amount of the grant.
  
• When requests exceed funds available, preference will be given to those with the greatest need, and/or for whom no other funds are available.
  
• Normally all the partners in continuing education ...
  - the clergy applicant, as well as
  - the congregation, or other related employer, or sponsoring institutions or agencies,
  ... are expected to invest financially in the proposed continuing education program in equitable amounts.
• Normally a grant from the Disciples Home Missions will not exceed $500.
• All questions on application form must be answered before an application can be processed; be sure to print a copy of the completed application form for your own records should any document verification be required.
• No application will be processed until DHM has received the required information from the minister's regional office. Please have your regional minister complete the regional online endorsement form on your behalf.
  
• Grants will be made only to those who propose to participate in a continuing education event recognized by an accrediting body beyond the sponsoring institution or organization; approved by a regional or general unit of the church; or endorsed by the regional commission on the ministry as a valid continuing education program. Denominational events such as General or Regional Assemblies, fellowship meetings, and ecumenical assemblies do not qualify for continuing education grants.

You may apply by completing the online application or contacting our office.