Explanation

There is little scholarship funding available to persons pursuing theological education other than in seminary M.Div. programs. If a person seeking ordination intends to serve in a non-stipendiary position or in a bi-vocational ministry in a small congregation, a substantial impediment to pursuing this goal is the cost of obtaining the necessary education. Even the reduced cost of theological education in a non-residential setting or in a diocesan program can present a significant barrier to many potential clergy. Some for whom a costlier program might be most appropriate are prevented from pursuing that program because of financial constraints. Moreover, funding theological education of any kind puts financial strain on many smaller dioceses. The Task Force perceives that creating a need-based, central scholarship fund is a justice issue. The fund would significantly level the playing field and enable access to a wider variety of educational resources by those who most need them. The findings of the Task Force indicate that in the future, an increasing number of ordained ministers in The Episcopal Church will be non-stipendiary or bi-vocational. The data also shows that small congregations will depend more heavily on these clergy. To meet the need of small congregations for clergy and to avoid burdening these clergy with substantial debt, new strategies to provide funding for their theological education are needed.