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 pastors and/or church leaders that describe the applicant's:

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

   4. Participate in an interview with Denver Seminary staff if chosen as a finalist

Questions? 

Contact the Financial Aid Office and/or visit The Kern Family Foundation website.