Partnering Churches
“God will provide.” Most seminarians are well-acquainted with this expression of faith.
Learning to trust God in practical areas is as essential to Christian maturity and training for leadership as academic preparation. While Paul did not solicit funds on his own behalf, he certainly accepted gifts from the churches as God’s provision for his needs (Philippians 4:10). It is evident that the norm for God’s provision is through His people.
Today’s seminarian faces high tuition on top of increased living costs. It is difficult for the average seminarian to work his or her way through school. Moreover, at this level of education many students are married, and some have children. Family responsibilities add to the cost of living and place demands on a student’s time. Most seminarians today have a financial struggle that can at times discourage them and distract from their studies. For these reasons we ask you to prayerfully consider becoming a Partnering Church with your seminarian at Asbury Seminary.
What is Partnering Churches?
Your church can become a Partnering Church with your seminarian by establishing a scholarship fund. Such a fund must have guidelines for granting scholarships to assure equitable distribution. Contributions to the fund must be under the complete control of the administering board and not simply a channel whereby parents and/or friends receive tax deductible receipts for assisting with their seminarian’s school costs. However, such a scholarship fund established in a local church to aid those preparing for ministry can be a great help and encouragement to your seminarian.
Partnership
The role of the student:
- Commit to a biblically based evangelical ministry
- Pray for your church
- Be available for service in the church
- Visit and write on a frequent basis
The role of the church:
- Pray for your student
- Support your student financially
- Keep up with your student’s needs, concerns, accomplishments and joys
- Keep students involved in the ministry of your church
A scholarship fund in your church may be God’s provision for the preparation of Christian service for some of your young people. Questions relating to the Partnering Churches program may be mailed to the Office of Alumni and Church Relations, Asbury Theological Seminary, 204 North Lexington Avenue, Wilmore, KY 40390, or you may call us at 1-866-287-2586. Students from the Kentucky, Florida and virtual campuses may also use this number for more information.