The following scholarships are available to seminary students through HELM:
SEMINARY
SCHOLARSHIPS
SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIPS
The following scholarships are available to seminary students through HELM:
The HELM Seminary Scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership among seminary students pursuing ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or related entity. Grants are awarded in amounts up to $1,000 and may be used for tuition, fees, and/or educational materials.
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation.
-
Must submit a completed online application by the stated deadline of March 15, no exceptions.
-
Must be pursuing ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or related entity.
-
Must be enrolled in an accredited Seminary, Theological School, or Divinity House.
-
Must submit recommendation by a regional minister or minister at current ministry setting, and a professor in the school of attendance.
-
Demonstrates academic progress for re-application, annually.
APPLY HERE
The Burnie and Naomi Hill Fund is given annually to deserving and qualified women preparing for ordination in the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and attending one of the theological institutions affiliated with the Division of Higher Education [HELM] of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Preference will be given to women from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.)
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation.
-
Must be a woman pursuing ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
-
Must submit a completed online application by the stated deadline of March 15, no exceptions.
-
Must be enrolled in an accredited Seminary, Theological School, or Divinity House related to Higher Education & Leadership Ministries.
-
Preference given to applicants from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
APPLY HERE
The HELM Non-Traditional Track Scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership capacity among students pursing ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Applicants must be under care with a Regional Commission on Ministry and in the process of seeking ordination (or, are already ordained). Students must submit their educational plan demonstrating how it meets the criteria for Commissioned Ministry. Applicants are eligible for up to $1,000 per academic year provided they are enrolled at least part-time (6 credit hours or similar) in a Certificate of Ministry program or similar credentialing program recognized by an ATS accredited seminary.
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a congregation listed in the yearbook of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and/or a new church/entrepreneurial ministry.
-
Must be under the care of a Regional Commission on Ministry.
-
Must submit a completed online application by the stated deadline of March 15, no exceptions.
-
Must submit a recommendation from the regional minister or minister in current ministry setting.
-
Must be enrolled a minimum of 6 credit hours/or equivalent in a Certificate of Ministry program or similar credentialing program recognized by an ATS accredited seminary.
APPLY HERE
The Ministerial Student Hughey-Perry one-time Grant enables Disciples M.Div. students to participate in non-curricular or extra-curricular experiences that enhance their ability to provide transformational leadership to congregations and other ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A qualifying Disciples ministerial student may apply for a grant of up to $3,000 for support of a research project, educational experience outside the curricular structures of their theological institution, travel for study, or other activities likely to fulfill the purpose of this program. Applicants will present written proposals to Higher Education and Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by January 15.
Written proposals will: Describe the purpose and plan of the project; Indicate how the project will enhance the applicant’s capacity for leadership within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Provide a project budget indicating all sources of income for the project, including her or his own funds, funds from other sources, and funds requested from HELM.
Grantees will provide a full report on the project to HELM, suitable for publication, including evaluation of the leadership development goals and outcomes, within 90 days after the completion of the project. Projects must be completed by Dec. 15.
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a congregation listed in the yearbook of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
-
Must submit a completed written proposal by the stated deadline of January 15, no exceptions.
-
Must be under the care of a Regional Commission on Ministry.
-
Must be a student at an ATS-Accredited Theological Institution.
-
Must be a second-year Student (or the equivalent) in a Master of Divinity Program, as certified by their institution.
-
Must not be a previous recipient of a HELM Ministerial Student Grant.
APPLY HERE
SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIPS
The following scholarships are available to seminary students through HELM:
The HELM Seminary Scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership among seminary students pursuing ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or related entity. Grants are awarded in amounts up to $1,000 and may be used for tuition, fees, and/or educational materials.
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation.
-
Must submit a completed online application by the stated deadline of March 15, no exceptions.
-
Must be pursuing ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or related entity.
-
Must be enrolled in an accredited Seminary, Theological School, or Divinity House.
-
Must submit recommendation by a regional minister or minister at current ministry setting, and a professor in the school of attendance.
-
Demonstrates academic progress for re-application, annually.
APPLY HERE
The Burnie and Naomi Hill Fund is given annually to deserving and qualified women preparing for ordination in the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and attending one of the theological institutions affiliated with the Division of Higher Education [HELM] of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Preference will be given to women from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.)
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation.
-
Must be a woman pursuing ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
-
Must submit a completed online application by the stated deadline of March 15, no exceptions.
-
Must be enrolled in an accredited Seminary, Theological School, or Divinity House related to Higher Education & Leadership Ministries.
-
Preference given to applicants from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
APPLY HERE
The HELM Non-Traditional Track Scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership capacity among students pursing ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Applicants must be under care with a Regional Commission on Ministry and in the process of seeking ordination (or, are already ordained). Students must submit their educational plan demonstrating how it meets the criteria for Commissioned Ministry. Applicants are eligible for up to $1,000 per academic year provided they are enrolled at least part-time (6 credit hours or similar) in a Certificate of Ministry program or similar credentialing program recognized by an ATS accredited seminary.
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a congregation listed in the yearbook of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and/or a new church/entrepreneurial ministry.
-
Must be under the care of a Regional Commission on Ministry.
-
Must submit a completed online application by the stated deadline of March 15, no exceptions.
-
Must submit a recommendation from the regional minister or minister in current ministry setting.
-
Must be enrolled a minimum of 6 credit hours/or equivalent in a Certificate of Ministry program or similar credentialing program recognized by an ATS accredited seminary.
APPLY HERE
The Ministerial Student Hughey-Perry one-time Grant enables Disciples M.Div. students to participate in non-curricular or extra-curricular experiences that enhance their ability to provide transformational leadership to congregations and other ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A qualifying Disciples ministerial student may apply for a grant of up to $3,000 for support of a research project, educational experience outside the curricular structures of their theological institution, travel for study, or other activities likely to fulfill the purpose of this program. Applicants will present written proposals to Higher Education and Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by January 15.
Written proposals will: Describe the purpose and plan of the project; Indicate how the project will enhance the applicant’s capacity for leadership within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Provide a project budget indicating all sources of income for the project, including her or his own funds, funds from other sources, and funds requested from HELM.
Grantees will provide a full report on the project to HELM, suitable for publication, including evaluation of the leadership development goals and outcomes, within 90 days after the completion of the project. Projects must be completed by Dec. 15.
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a congregation listed in the yearbook of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
-
Must submit a completed written proposal by the stated deadline of January 15, no exceptions.
-
Must be under the care of a Regional Commission on Ministry.
-
Must be a student at an ATS-Accredited Theological Institution.
-
Must be a second-year Student (or the equivalent) in a Master of Divinity Program, as certified by their institution.
-
Must not be a previous recipient of a HELM Ministerial Student Grant.
APPLY HERE
At Lexington Theological Seminary, each Disciples of Christ or United Church of Christ M.Div., M.T.S., Certificate in Pastoral Ministry with credit, or Special student who has been an active member of a Disciples of Christ or UCC congregation for a year or longer and who is under care of his/her regional commission on the ministry will receive a scholarship of 50% per credit hour up to the total number of credits required by the program. Other full-tuition or 75% tuition scholarships are available to students regardless of denomination.
APPLY HERE
Phillips University Legacy Foundation offers a renewable, merit-based Seminary Scholarship for graduate students pursuing a master’s degree, are committed to pastoral ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and will attend a Disciples-affiliated theological institution. The Scholarship honors the legacy of Phillips University by developing leaders who will transform the world through ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Annual merit-based scholarships of up to $4500 are awarded annually and can be renewed in the following years. Applications are available on a rolling basis.
Criteria:
-
Committed to pastoral ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
-
Must attend a Disciples-affiliated theological institution
-
Must have attained an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
-
Must show promise for transformative service to the church and community.
APPLY HERE
The Burnie and Naomi Hill Fund is given annually to deserving and qualified women preparing for ordination in the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and attending one of the theological institutions affiliated with the Division of Higher Education [HELM] of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Preference will be given to women from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.)
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation.
-
Must be a woman pursuing ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
-
Must submit a completed online application by the stated deadline of March 15, no exceptions.
-
Must be enrolled in an accredited Seminary, Theological School, or Divinity House related to Higher Education & Leadership Ministries.
-
Preference given to applicants from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
APPLY HERE
The HELM Non-Traditional Track Scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership capacity among students pursing ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Applicants must be under care with a Regional Commission on Ministry and in the process of seeking ordination (or, are already ordained). Students must submit their educational plan demonstrating how it meets the criteria for Commissioned Ministry. Applicants are eligible for up to $1,000 per academic year provided they are enrolled at least part-time (6 credit hours or similar) in a Certificate of Ministry program or similar credentialing program recognized by an ATS accredited seminary.
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a congregation listed in the yearbook of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and/or a new church/entrepreneurial ministry.
-
Must be under the care of a Regional Commission on Ministry.
-
Must submit a completed online application by the stated deadline of March 15, no exceptions.
-
Must submit a recommendation from the regional minister or minister in current ministry setting.
-
Must be enrolled a minimum of 6 credit hours/or equivalent in a Certificate of Ministry program or similar credentialing program recognized by an ATS accredited seminary.
APPLY HERE
The Ministerial Student Hughey-Perry one-time Grant enables Disciples M.Div. students to participate in non-curricular or extra-curricular experiences that enhance their ability to provide transformational leadership to congregations and other ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A qualifying Disciples ministerial student may apply for a grant of up to $3,000 for support of a research project, educational experience outside the curricular structures of their theological institution, travel for study, or other activities likely to fulfill the purpose of this program. Applicants will present written proposals to Higher Education and Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by January 15.
Written proposals will: Describe the purpose and plan of the project; Indicate how the project will enhance the applicant’s capacity for leadership within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Provide a project budget indicating all sources of income for the project, including her or his own funds, funds from other sources, and funds requested from HELM.
Grantees will provide a full report on the project to HELM, suitable for publication, including evaluation of the leadership development goals and outcomes, within 90 days after the completion of the project. Projects must be completed by Dec. 15.
Criteria:
-
Must be a member of a congregation listed in the yearbook of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
-
Must submit a completed written proposal by the stated deadline of January 15, no exceptions.
-
Must be under the care of a Regional Commission on Ministry.
-
Must be a student at an ATS-Accredited Theological Institution.
-
Must be a second-year Student (or the equivalent) in a Master of Divinity Program, as certified by their institution.
-
Must not be a previous recipient of a HELM Ministerial Student Grant.
APPLY HERE
The following scholarships are available to seminary students through other ministries and institutions. If your institution would like to have a scholarship listed below, please use this link to fill out the request form.
Disciples Seminary Foundation (DSF) offers generous financial support for covenanted students at our three partner schools: Claremont School of Theology, Pacific School of Religion, and Iliff School of Theology. All Disciples and UCC students are eligible to apply for DSF financial assistance. Applicants will be asked to write a brief essay (2 pages) on two or three topics provided. A letter of recommendation from three references (Congregational minister, Regional/Conference minister, college dean, professor or someone related to higher education) will need to be provided. The deadline is rolling until the quota has been met per academic year.
Criteria:
-
The applicant must be admitted to a graduate degree program at one of the DSF partner schools.
-
The applicant must be affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or the United Church of Christ.
APPLY HERE
The following scholarships are available to seminary students through other ministries and institutions. If your institution would like to have a scholarship listed below, please use this link to fill out the request form.
Disciples Seminary Foundation (DSF) offers generous financial support for covenanted students at our three partner schools: Claremont School of Theology, Pacific School of Religion, and Iliff School of Theology. All Disciples and UCC students are eligible to apply for DSF financial assistance. Applicants will be asked to write a brief essay (2 pages) on two or three topics provided. A letter of recommendation from three references (Congregational minister, Regional/Conference minister, college dean, professor or someone related to higher education) will need to be provided. The deadline is rolling until the quota has been met per academic year.
Criteria:
-
The applicant must be admitted to a graduate degree program at one of the DSF partner schools.
-
The applicant must be affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or the United Church of Christ.
APPLY HERE
Phillips University Legacy Foundation offers a renewable, merit-based Seminary Scholarship for graduate students pursuing a master’s degree, are committed to pastoral ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and will attend a Disciples-affiliated theological institution. The Scholarship honors the legacy of Phillips University by developing leaders who will transform the world through ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Annual merit-based scholarships of up to $4500 are awarded annually and can be renewed in the following years. Applications are available on a rolling basis.
Criteria:
-
Committed to pastoral ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
-
Must attend a Disciples-affiliated theological institution
-
Must have attained an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
-
Must show promise for transformative service to the church and community.
APPLY HERE
Phillips Theological Seminary provides tuition assistance to students who maintain satisfactory academic progress and are enrolled in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry and Culture, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts (Social Justice), or Doctor of Ministry program. For DOC/UCC students, they receive 100% tuition assistance.
APPLY HERE
Starting Fall 2025, Phillips will award Phillips Seminary Scholarships to eight incoming, masters-level students. Awards include 100% tuition assistance, plus living stipend. Awards include 2 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) students each year.
APPLY HERE
The Robert T. and Harriet M. Peake Endowed Scholarship provides 100% Full Tuition (up to 24 hours) and requires the completion of an application, including a written essay and two references. One qualified DOC student will receive the award, which will cover 100% full tuition, fees, and a book stipend. Application is made in the spring. One scholarship is available per year.
APPLY HERE
The Student Gift Membership program, established in 1953 as part of Pension Fund’s Ministerial Relief and Assistance, is a unique opportunity designed to support and empower students preparing for ministry. The program provides eligible ministry students with early access to the Pension Plan. This initiative not only helps students start their financial journey toward a secure retirement but also introduces them to the benefits and values of the Pension Fund community. By participating, students can begin building a strong financial foundation for their future in ministry while gaining access to resources that promote long-term stability and growth.
APPLY HERE
Ketcherside Scholarships are given for in-house archival or writing projects for the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. The program is open to students in graduate studies at one our constituent institutions, or any academic committed to the study of the Stone-Campbell heritage. We do not provide scholarships for course or degree work.
APPLY HERE
The Christian Ministries Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance for those persons living in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America (CCMA) Region who are preparing for Christian Ministries, both in seminary and undergraduate education.
APPLY HERE
Phillips Theological Seminary provides tuition assistance to students who maintain satisfactory academic progress and are enrolled in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry and Culture, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts (Social Justice), or Doctor of Ministry program. For DOC/UCC students, they receive 100% tuition assistance.
APPLY HERE
The Robert T. and Harriet M. Peake Endowed Scholarship provides 100% Full Tuition (up to 24 hours) and requires the completion of an application, including a written essay and two references. One qualified DOC student at Phillips will receive the award, which will cover 100% full tuition, fees, and a book stipend. Application is made in the spring. One scholarship is available per year.
APPLY HERE
Christian Theological Seminary is offering a full tuition scholarship for M.Div. students who are members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or the United Church of Christ. Early application is recommended. It covers full tuition (excluding student fees) and requires minimum enrollment of 6 credits per semester, for up to 6 years.
APPLY HERE
Christian Theological Seminary is offering a full tuition scholarship for M.Div. students who are members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or the United Church of Christ. Early application is recommended. It covers full tuition (excluding student fees) and requires minimum enrollment of 6 credits per semester, for up to 6 years.
APPLY HERE
At Lexington Theological Seminary, each Disciples of Christ or United Church of Christ M.Div., M.T.S., Certificate in Pastoral Ministry with credit, or Special student who has been an active member of a Disciples of Christ or UCC congregation for a year or longer and who is under care of his/her regional commission on the ministry will receive a scholarship of 50% per credit hour up to the total number of credits required by the program. Other full-tuition or 75% tuition scholarships are available to students regardless of denomination.
APPLY HERE
All masters students at Brite Divinity School receive full scholarships covering tuition and fees. Students seeking additional funds may apply for Merit Awards ranging from $5,000 - $10,000 per year for three years of full-time study. Recipients of these merit awards are expected to excel academically, to demonstrate outstanding potential for leadership in the church and in the wider community.
APPLY HERE
The Disciples Divinity House at the University of Chicago offers generous financial support to approximately twenty House Scholars each year, covering 100% of tuition at the University of Chicago Divinity School (60% funded by the Divinity House and 40% funded by the Divinity School), a $10,000 stipend to assist with books and expenses, and either a rent-free study/bedroom in the Disciples Divinity House or a $5,000 annual housing subsidy.
APPLY HERE
The Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt offers tuition and housing scholarships for Divinity School students. Support for MDiv students is merit-based and awarded for the duration of the degree program, subject to certain requirements for demonstrating satisfactory progress and fitness for ministry, broadly defined.
APPLY HERE
Disciples Home Missions (DHM) offers a wide range of scholarships to seminary students pursuing ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). By completing an application, you will be considered for each scholarship for which you qualify. The scholarship committee determines for which scholarship each applicant qualifies. See all eligibility requirements at the link below. Applications are usually due in April.
APPLY HERE
Through The National Benevolent Association’s Young Adult Leadership Development program area, they seek to co-create spaces with and for young adults 18-30 to flourish in life and service. NBA’s Young Adult Leadership Development grants are specifically designed to support current and future leaders in identifying their leadership qualities, building leadership capacity, and allowing young adults to explore new possibilities in the areas of service and justice.
APPLY HERE
John and Maxine McCaw established a scholarship with the Christian Church Foundation for the purpose of encouraging a new generation of Disciples leaders to proclaim the prophetic gospel. Master of Divinity students are invited to apply by May 31. In concert with their values, the McCaws carry specific expectations of their scholarship recipients, namely that recipients commit to serving in pastoral ministry, live a healthy and modest lifestyle, and preach with prophetic freedom.
APPLY HERE
Offered by The Pacific Southwest Region's (PSWR) Alliance Q, this scholarship is for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Intersex seminarians in the PSWR who are purposefully pursuing ministerial standing within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). All applications must be received by midnight December 31 of the previous year that the scholarship funds are to be awarded.
APPLY HERE
The Disciples Women's Endowment Fund (DWEF) was established in 1990 as the Women's Endowment Fund to provide the opportunity to contribute to a permanent fund that supports both present and future work of women in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Funding categories include leadership training, scholarship support, outreach ministries, faith development, or women’s programming.
APPLY HERE
The purpose of the Black Disciples Endowment Fund is to undergird Black ministries within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. This purpose is achieved through grants to individuals and ministries for Leadership Development, Congregational Growth and Vitality, and responses to and advocacy for the well-being of the African American community.
APPLY HERE