Kern

The Kern Family Foundation Scholarship

Denver Seminary is proud to partner with The Kern Family Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides full-tuition scholarships to Master of Divinity students committed to lifelong service in pastoral ministry in the United States.  Recipients also receive "value-added" benefits both during and after the seminary experience, including involvement in a leadership network that provides opportunities for professional growth and access to specialized resources.

Guidelines

Pre-Seminary Requirements
  • U.S. citizen
  • 27 years of age or younger by the application deadline
  • Graduate of an accredited college with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
  • Accepted into the Master of Divinity program
  • Not a transfer student
  • Committed to serving as a pastor or church planter in the US pursuant upon graduation, with an expectation to eventually become a senior preaching and teaching pastor with pulpit responsibilities
    The Seminary Commitment
    • Maintain a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA
    • Attend all regularly scheduled meetings and activities
    • Submit an annual "Reaffirmation of Call to Pastoral Ministry"
    • Attend a Kern Scholar's retreat during third year
    • Complete the Master of Divinity degree within four years
    The Post-Seminary Commitment
    • Serve as a pastor or church planter in the U.S. pursuant upon graduation, with an expectation to eventually become a senior pastor with pulpit responsibilities
    • Actively participate in a national network of Kern Pastors managed by the Kern Family Foundation

      The Application Process

      Complete and submit the following to Denver Seminary by March 1st:

          1. Kern Scholar Student Information Sheet

          2. A written statement containing:

                  • Personal testimony, including previous and present church involvement
                  • Statement of call and commitment to service in pastoral ministry
                  • Statement from spouse (if married) reflecting on applicant's call to ministry

                          3. Two letters of reference from church leaders that describe the applicant's:

                        • Character
                        • Call to pastoral ministry
                        • Ability to relate to others within a ministry setting

                        Finalists will be contacted by the end of March to schedule a 1-hour interview in April. Given a smooth internal process, recipients will be notified around the 1st or 2nd week of May.

                          Questions? 

                          Contact the Financial Aid Office (, 303-762-6888) and/or visit The Kern Family Foundation website.