The Kerns' Commitment to Pastoral Ministry

Robert and Patricia Kern: Giving Back

Drs. Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern established the Pastoral Ministry Program through the Kern Family Foundation as a means of giving back. This program fulfills the Foundation’s mission to enrich the lives of others by promoting strong pastoral leadership.

Some of tomorrow’s exceptional evangelical pastors are receiving full tuition seminary scholarships through the Kern Scholars Initiative, the heart of the Foundation’s Pastoral Ministry Program.  Bob and Pat Kern trust that faithful pastors will lead both youth and adults to develop a personal faith that motivates Christian service in local communities and around the world.

Throughout their lives Bob and Pat have been influenced and inspired by pastors within the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A.  Kern Scholarships are given in honor of Bob’s parents, Rev. John D. & Irene Kern, who served American Baptist churches in Iowa and Illinois for over fifty years.

The Kerns built a successful business and have been active in their local church and community. In addition, Pat has served on the Board of Directors of the Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin, including several years as a chair. She has also served on the Board of Trustees at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois for over twenty years, including four years as the first woman chair.

Bob and Pat Kern are committed to helping Kern Scholars realize their dreams of becoming pastors whose leadership positively transforms congregations and communities to the glory of God. They care deeply about the Kern Scholars’ spiritual development, educational program, and ministry experience.  Bob and Pat have been blessed. They celebrate a shared sense of responsibility and gratitude as they seek to be good stewards of their resources.