The North/West Lower Michigan Synod supports called leaders to the rostered ministry of the Church. As supported by resolution at the 2003 Synod Assembly, funds are available for distribution to those preparing for rostered ministry through the North/West Lower Michigan Synod Seminary Scholarship Fund.
The purpose of the fund is 1) to decrease the amount of debt a candidate for rostered ministry may incur by decreasing need through a scholarship process, 2) encourage a partnership in ministry between the Synod and rostered leader candidates from the NWLMS in faithful stewardship of resources, and 3) to decrease the challenges of seminary debt which can impact the quality of ministry when a candidate receives and transitions into a call.
Scholarship applications may include both tuition and non-tuition expenses that will be incurred as part of the seminary education and development processes. Non-tuition expenses may include items like books and fees, necessary computer software, housing support, required clothing (i.e, alb, clerical shirts, etc.), related travel within the educational program, etc.
To qualify to receive a scholarship, applicants muse be a member of a congregation within the North/West Lower Michigan Synod, have received a positive entrance decision from the North/West Lower Michigan Synod Candidacy Committee, been admitted to an accredited ELCA seminary (or equivalent as approved by the NWLMS Candidacy Committee), complete and submit a scholarship application by stated deadlines which includes providing a copy of the financial aid package offered from the seminary, be enrolled in and actively taking courses at the approved educational institutions, and remain in good standing with the NWLMS Candidacy Committee throughout the seminary process.
For more information and to apply, please see the documents below: