Continuing Education Scholarship Guidelines

Criteria used by Empower Ministry to grant scholarships: The team seeks to ensure that the intended continuing education program:

1. Relates to the applicant’s practice of ministry in the church of Jesus Christ.
2. Will lead to the development of ministry skills through education and reflection.  While continuing education takes many legitimate forms, presbytery scholarships are designated for opportunities where the primary purpose is educational in nature rather than recreational, inspirational, or service oriented.
3. Will facilitate the applicant’s understanding of himself/herself as a person and as a leader.
4. Will bring about growth in the congregation or situation in which the applicant ministers.

Process for Receiving Funds:

1. Continuing education scholarships are approved by the Empower Ministry Mission Priority Leadership Team which meets approximately 6 times a year. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit an application two weeks prior to the meeting so that the application can be circulated to the EM membership.
2. Applications from members of Chicago Presbytery will be accepted from ministers, Christian Educators, elders or deacons involved in the work of the congregation and the presbytery.  Forms are available at the presbytery office or on the website.  Since funds are limited, applicants are encouraged to submit applications in a timely fashion.
3. It is expected that applicants will personally provide at least 25% of the total cost of the continuing education experience.
4. Applicants can receive scholarship aid for three years in a row.  The fourth year the applicant may not apply until a year has passed.
5. Completed applications, including photocopies of continuing education registration forms, should be sent to the attention of the Empower Ministry Priority Mission Team at the Presbytery of Chicago, 100 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60607 or faxed to 312-243-8409.

Revised 8-17-2011