The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Fund for Leaders has been offering scholarships for students at ELCA seminaries who are pursuing rostered ministry in the ELCA since 2000. We seek people who are passionate about Jesus Christ, spiritually grounded, ecumenically oriented and committed to growing their leadership capacity in an increasingly complex world. Deadlines will vary, depending on which type of scholarship is being applied for.
Scholarship Details
- The Fund for Leaders Direct Full-Tuition Scholarship covers full tuition for students starting a degree program at an ELCA seminary who have begun the ELCA candidacy process for becoming a rostered pastor or deacon.
- The Federal Chaplaincy Ministries Scholarship supports students preparing for ministry as military, Veterans Administration, or federal prison chaplains.
- The Mission Developer Scholarship is for rising middlers, seniors, or TEEM candidates identified as mission developers by their seminary and ELCA Christian Community and Leadership (CCL).
- Synod or Congregation Scholarships are established by synods or congregations to support ELCA seminary students.
- The TEEM Scholarship supports students currently enrolled in or beginning the TEEM program and taking coursework at an ELCA seminary.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an ELCA seminary.
- Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship type, such as pursuing candidacy, specific ministry goals (e.g., mission development, chaplaincy), or synod/congregational affiliation.
- For Direct Full-Tuition Scholarships, students must be in their first year of seminary and remain eligible throughout their coursework.
- TEEM scholarships are available to current TEEM students or those starting in the fall semester.
Application Process
- Identify the scholarship type that aligns with your goals and eligibility criteria.
- Consult your seminary or the relevant ELCA program office (e.g., Federal Chaplaincy Ministries or CCL) for guidance and nomination processes.
- Submit the required application materials during the scholarship’s designated application period (typically winter or early spring).
- Await notification of award decisions and follow up with any additional requirements for maintaining eligibility.
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and be exceptionally gifted in ministry, innovation, creativity and other qualities that will make them successful leaders for a changing church. All applicants must plan to be enrolled at an ELCA seminary during the coming academic year and must be pursuing rostered ministry in the ELCA.