Seminary Scholarships

The Nelvada Surbaugh Dean MAR Scholarship – $2,000 Award

This scholarship is to support students pursuing a Master of Arts in Religion degree by providing scholarship money to those students who are seeking additional financial support.

Who Can Apply: 

• First year students
• Student must be pursuing a Masters degree in the Seminary program
• Students must maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progress as determined by the university
• Students cannot be receiving tuition assistance from Community of Christ including the Emerging Leader Scholarship

How to Apply: 

• Submit a one-page letter of application for the scholarship. Include in your letter your full name, Graceland ID# (if you have received one), anticipated graduation date, a brief bio of your ministerial and professional background and statement of your reason for applying
• Provide a 750-word essay on the following question: How will seminary impact your ministry and discipleship?
• Submit both the letter and essay to seminary@graceland.edu by May 31

Selection: 

• Only one Nelvada Surbaugh Dean award will be given
• A committee of seminary leaders, faculty, and staff will make the selection
• Selection is based on students a) application letter, b) essay, c) financial need

The Sandra Gleazer Johnson Seminary Scholarship – $2,000 Award

This scholarship has been established to aid second year students who are not receiving tuition assistance from the Community of Christ.

Who Can Apply: 

• Second year students
• Students who have completed 12 credit hours (4 courses) by May of the current year
• Students must have received a grade of “B” or better in all classes
• Students must be eligible and plan to finish the MAR or MAPST degree within four years of start date
• Students cannot be receiving tuition assistance from Community of Christ including the Emerging Leader Scholarship

How to Apply: 

• Submit a one-page letter of application for the scholarship. Include in your letter your full name, Graceland ID#, anticipated graduation date, a brief bio of your ministerial and professional background and statement of your reason for applying
• Provide a 750-word essay on the following question: How has seminary affected your ministry and/or discipleship? Include a discussion of a class or an assignment from a class that has had the most significant impact on your theology, ministry, or spiritual journey so far
• Submit both the letter and essay to seminary@graceland.edu by May 31

Selection: 

• Only one Sandra Gleazer Johnson award will be given
• A committee of seminary leaders, faculty, and staff will make the selection
• Selection is based on students a) application letter, b) essay, c) financial need, d) current GPA

Emerging Leaders Scholarship – Variable Amount

This scholarship has been established through the generosity of donors to help people who are emerging as leaders in Community of Christ and are not employed by Community of Christ. Scholarship amount will vary based on available funding and student need.

Who Can Apply: 

• First or Second year students who are not employees of Community of Christ
• Students who are active in the ministry and mission of Community of Christ and emerging as leaders in Community of Christ
• Students who are interested in being leaders in congregations, mission centers, or world church
• Students pursuing a Masters degree with the Seminary program
• Students must eligible for admissions to Graceland and the Seminary Masters program

How to Apply: 

• Seminary Director announces the availability of scholarships
• Students submit the following items to the Seminary Director:
  • Essay on how the MAR or MAPST will improve their leadership and ministry in Community of Christ to the Seminary Director
  • How much financial support through this scholarship they require in completing the Seminary Masters degree
  • Willingness to maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progress as determined by the university
• Students must have two Community of Christ priesthood members or leaders submit letters of recommendation directly to the Seminary Director, Zac Harmon-McLaughlin at zmclaugh@graceland.edu indicating the potential of the student as a leader in Community of Christ

Selection: 

• Scholarships are offered when funding is available
• Seminary Director and a member of the First Presidency review the applications and grants scholarships to the student(s), depending on available funds
• The selected student is notified by the Seminary Director how much is being provided, for what purposes, and when the degree must be completed
• The student agrees to maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progress as determined by the university
• The student also agrees to write an annual report of what they are learning that can be sent as a thank-you to the donors of the scholarship