The Kern Scholars Initiative

NEW: The Kern Family Foundation cordially invites ATS-accredited evangelical theological schools in the United States to submit proposals for the Kern Scholars Initiative. Proposals must be postmarked by November 15, 2010. Click here to download the document, “Request for Proposals for the Kern Scholars Initiative.”  Click here to download the “Frequently Asked Questions about the Request for Proposals for the Kern Scholars Initiative.”

The Kern Scholars Initiative was created in 2002 by Drs. Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern in consultation with Dr. Ian M. Chapman.  The Kern Scholars Initiative is the heart of the Pastoral Ministry Program.  Through this initiative the Foundation provides selected seminaries with grants for scholarships awarded to evangelical men and women committed to lifelong service in pastoral ministry. 

Kern Scholars receive full tuition scholarships through participating seminaries.  They seek seminary education in response to God’s call to serve as pastors of local churches throughout their careers in ministry.  They are 27 years of age or younger at time of application to seminary, and they maintain a 3.25 annualized grade point average.  They normally earn their degrees within three years, and are committed to serving as pastors or church planters in the U.S. pursuant upon graduation.  Only students enrolling in the Master of Divinity programs at pre-selected seminaries are eligible for this scholarship.  Students may apply for the Kern Scholarship at only one school.  Information on application procedures is available through participating seminaries.

Kern Scholars become part of a network of young evangelicals dedicated to becoming excellent pastors in local churches in the U.S.  They receive unique opportunities for personal and professional growth throughout their seminary education and for the first five years of their initial postgraduate ministry experience.  Kern Scholars and Kern Pastors enjoy retreats and conferences at beautiful Green Lake Conference Center.  The Green Lake Conference Center is the Midwest’s premier Christian conference center.  It provides facilities and service for conferences, retreats, workshops, and vacations for pastors, church groups, and the public.

The Kern Scholars Initiative is made possible through the resources of the Kern Family Foundation in Waukesha, WI.  Click here to see a list of frequently asked questions.