GBHEM Introduces a New Scholarship to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders

NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 6, 2016 – The Office of Loans and Scholarships at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) today announced the creation of a new scholarship that launches January 3, 2017, for students enrolled in United Methodist seminaries. The Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship was created to help entering United Methodist clergy avoid excessive educational loan debt, minimize financial stress and build financial acumen. Wespath Benefits and Investments (formerly the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits), GBHEM and the National Association of United Methodist Foundations collaborated on a proposal and were awarded a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. The proposal included implementing half of the grant as a “loan avoidance” scholarship for United Methodist seminarians pursuing elder or deacon ordination.  To read more about this opportunity, click here