The Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship

The Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship is designated for full-time Master of Divinity Students, pursuing ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church, and at one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries/schools of theology.

Scholarship recipients come from a majority of the annual United Methodist Annual Conferences. The funding for these scholarships is sourced from matching donors, including GBHEM, the Lilly Endowment, the 13 United Methodist seminaries and schools of theology, as well as participating United Methodist Annual Conferences and Foundations.

2024 Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship Recipients

Darrell Arnold

Claremont School of Theology

Ashtyn Ball

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Melissa Brasher

Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Gricelda Careaga

Southern Methodist University – Perkins School of Theology

Nathan Dugger

Duke University Divinity School

Elizabeth Emis

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

John Haynes

Saint Paul School of Theology

Kayela Horn

Duke University Divinity School

Andrew Ingram

Duke University Divinity School

Christopher Jackson

Saint Paul School of Theology

Betty Kiboko

United Theological Seminary

Hanbin Lee

Emory University – Candler School of Theology

Amber Lloyd

Duke University Divinity School

Maria Marquez

Iliff School of Theology

Joseph Meinholz

Duke University Divinity School

Brandi Meyer

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Brandon Murphy-Ward

Duke University Divinity School

Dennis Myers

United Theological Seminary

Musonda Ngolwe

Saint Paul School of Theology

Brett Reith

Duke University Divinity School

Grace Rogers

Emory University – Candler School of Theology

Luis Vasquez Valdez

Southern Methodist University – Perkins School of Theology

Caralyn Ware

Iliff School of Theology

Craig Willson

Emory University – Candler School of Theology

2025 Participating Conferences and Foundations

Award Amount: $2,500 – $11,000

The final award amount is based on matching donations and award approval from participating funding partners.

GUIDELINES

  • United Methodist pursuing or certified candidate for ministry (elder or deacon)

  • Demonstrate merit, progress, and commitment in the candidacy process

  • Full-time MDIV student enrolled at one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries/schools of theology

  • Demonstrate financial need and how this scholarship will help avoid additional student loans

  • Approval/recommendation through funding partner’s scholarship committee review

Applicants will receive and must participate in assistance from a financial counselor from the EY Financial Planning Center or participate in a Saving Grace approved cohort curriculum. The curriculum through EY includes assistance with cash flow, personal savings and debt management, retirement savings strategies, investment allocation decisions, understanding tax issues, and estate and insurance planning. Scholarship recipients complete a financial wellness assessment, a comprehensive and customized financial plan, and a personalized guidance consultation with a licensed planner.

AWARD RANGES $2,500 – $11,000

The individual award amount is based on matching donations and award approval from participating funding partners which could be one or more of the following:

• The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

• The applicant’s United Methodist Annual Conference (if participating as a funding partner to the program)

• The United Methodist Foundation connected with the applicant’s annual conference (if participating as a funding partner to the program)

• Wespath Benefits and Investments (a few restricted awards funded from Lilly Endowment National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders)

Complete applications must be submitted online and include the following:

  • Most recent copy of transcript
  • United Methodist Church ministry and candidacy references
  • Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Completed applications will be reviewed by a committee who will evaluate applications and award recipients by demonstrated financial need, ministry readiness, academic achievement, and availability of funds. Funds will disburse upon completion of financial literacy requirement, and receipt of verification of enrollment for the fall term. All funds will be made payable to the college and/or university.