The Journey Toward Ordained Ministry is a scholarship and mentoring experience for college and seminary students pursuing ordination in The United Methodist Church. The $5,000/year scholarship and mentor support also includes an annual weekend retreat to learn more about the ordination process, self-awareness and interview skills.
“It allowed me to dive deeper into the structure of The United Methodist Church and to prepare for answering a number of questions, both theologically and pastorally. In particular, the group meeting with the mentor provided valuable advice and feedback on areas I had missed or needed to be better prepared for.”
— Recent JTOM Scholar
JTOM Mentorships
Journey Toward Ordained Ministry mentors nurture the gifts of racial/ethnic minority scholars pursuing ordination in The United Methodist Church. They help strengthen cultural identity and affirm each scholar’s call to ministry. Through guidance, insight, and community, scholars gain confidence, clarity, and resilience. This support helps them process their experiences and equips them to continue effectively through the credentialing process.
The Scholars Retreat
The Journey Toward Ordained Ministry retreat empowers racial/ethnic minority scholars pursuing ordination in The United Methodist Church to claim their call with confidence, build community across cultures, and strengthen their spiritual resilience. Through shared learning, honest conversation, and collective discernment, scholars leave renewed, more connected, and better equipped to take their next steps in the ordination process.
Applications Open in January and Close in March
Eligibility Criteria:
- Citizen or permanent resident of the United States and identify as Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino/a, Native American or Alaska Native, Pacific Islander or Multiracial.
- Pursuing ordination through an annual conference in the United States.
- Active member of a United Methodist Church or a baptized participant of a recognized United Methodist campus ministry or other United Methodist ministry setting for a minimum of one (1) year.
- Enrolled in a United Methodist-affiliated college, university or United Methodist theological school.
- Enrolled for a minimum of part-time.
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.85 + and/or a graduate GPA of 3.0 + (whichever is more recent)
- Be available to attend the mandatory retreat and group mentoring sessions.
“I enjoyed everything but the most meaningful part of the retreat was practicing the interviews.”
— Recent JTOM Scholar
