We all like to know that our charitable gifts make an impact. Whether gifting to the Church, the local food bank, a program for victims of domestic violence, a pet shelter, or one of the many other nonprofits that provide assistance to worthy causes, it is important to know our gifts make a difference.

Rest assured, your gifts to HELM have a tremendous impact on the lives of students and their ability to be leaders of the future. For example,

• For more than 20 years, between twenty and forty Disciples students have annually participated in HELM’s Leadership Fellows Program (LFP). Fellows  appreciate the scholarship stipend, for sure, but more importantly, HELM gives them the opportunity to become a community and develop both their vision and experiences in order to become stronger future leaders of the Church and global community. To learn more: https://helmdisciples.org/leadership-programs/leadership-fellows-2024/ Your gifts not only sustain, but allow this program to grow!
• High school seniors from Disciples congregations can participate in the Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS). This six-month program pairs students with mentors from throughout the life of the Church, business, higher education and beyond. Students learn important life skills, develop a better understanding of how congregations operate, and find ways to impact their local church through leadership service projects. All of this at no cost to the student participant or their congregation. To learn more: https://helmdisciples.org/yls-comes-to-helm/ Your gifts help mentor our future leaders!
• And, of course, there are many direct scholarships offered to undergraduate, Seminary and PhD students associated with Disciples congregations. Whether they are named scholarships created by a donor or a congregation, or part of HELM’s general scholarship program, these funds support Disciples students with a hand up as they continue to pursue their dreams of a college degree and a successful life afterward. These scholarships also remind students that the Church walks alongside them on the journey.

If you or your congregation is interested in starting an endowed scholarship fund to benefit Disciples students, let’s talk. We’d like to hear about the impact you would like to make, and can structure the scholarship to benefit a student from a specific congregation, city, region, or even a specific path of study. I can be reached at jcullumber@helmdisciples.org or 317-695-8267.

Additionally, there are many tax-savvy ways for individuals to fund the scholarships, including a direct gift of appreciated stock, that bypasses capital gains and Qualified Charitable Distributions from traditional retirement accounts. Together we can find a way that makes the most sense for your situation.

You can make a difference, not just in students’ lives, but in the lives of those who that student will positively impact throughout their own lifetimes. This truly becomes a gift with no end.

Youth Leadership Symposium’s 2024 cohort gathered for their second session on April 6, starting with a keynote on leadership in the midst of change from Rev. Terri Hord Owens. She lifted up the importance of imagination and spiritual grounding in any change process and drew on examples from her time as General Minister and President while also looking at the present and future in the context of the “Implementation Team” for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that is working on the changes to the Church’s structure requested by the last General Assembly.

Rev. Owens was joined by Dr. Mica Stewart of Mt. San Antonio Community College who laid out a history of change, looking at how rapid and slow change have been advocated for throughout history, what experts we associate with those movements, and what problems are inherent to each. Rev. Eli Rolon Jeong of the Illinois / Wisconsin Region and Krista Johnson Weicksel of Global Ministry shared their own personal stories of working for change in the world, providing some contextual examples to illustrate Dr. Stewart’s presentation.

Between presentations, our YLS youth spent time in small groups, sharing their own stories, frustrations, and experiences with navigating change. Examples ranged from issues in Israel and Palestine to the current Financial Aid (FAFSA) chaos that seniors are facing, to local community politics over tourism and fears of crime. The wisdom of these young leaders was on full display as they bounced off each other, celebrated each other’s resolve, and offered hopes and ideas for the future.

The later sessions included presentations on faith formation and the importance of mentors, the difference in Gen-Z’s priorities and focus, and a conversation on how this new generation of leaders might approach Church in new ways. More guest voices deepened the conversation as Rev. Jose Martinez from Disciples’ New Church Ministry, Rev. Debbie Kline Allen of the Southern New England Conference, and Rev. Bruce Fowlkes from Eureka College shared personal stories of intergenerational faith shaping. More small group time gave the youth a chance to really dig into these presentations and imagine how this information might impact the projects they are designing in their own congregations.

Youth Leadership Symposium will close out its 2024 gatherings with a “Show and Tell” day on June 1 as each youth shares their project plan with the cohort for feedback, problem solving, and celebration of their efforts so far. Once youth complete their projects, they submit a report, evaluations, and a self-reflection to help them see what all they have accomplished. These projects, and the stories that inevitably come with them, will be shared as they are collected over the Summer and through the Fall.

What role does change play in your leadership? It seems like a simple question, but the more you think about it, the more complex it becomes. Are you leading to create change? Are you leading because something changed? Does changing the leader fundamentally change a process? What if change is not the reason, or the outcome? What if change is simply the context – the reality in which all leadership happens? Change is not something we have to be fearful of, but instead, it is part of leadership’s environment, and we plan for it right along with timelines, budgets, and what to put in the volunteer’s gift bags.

On April 6, the Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS) will welcome Rev. Terri Hord Owens as the featured speaker for the second session of our 2025 Cohort gathering. The session will focus on Adaptive Leadership, exploring how the constant reality of change impacts the way we lead. It will attend to the fact that every individual is constantly in a state of change as we grow and acknowledge that our leadership style and gifts evolve along with us. Guest speakers from across the life of the Church will give voice to the importance and the challenges of leading amid change, and the powerful ways God is at work during these times of transformation.

Participants will engage with speakers on the topics of Leading in Chaos; Generational Faith and Healing; Gifts of a New Generation; and Historical Language Around Fast and Slow Change Movements. Each of these topics will include powerful guest speakers, follow-up discussion, and small group reflection time. Hopefully it will all prepare students to face change that will inevitably take place as they serve in their local churches.

Jori Gibbens-Egolf, a 2023 YLS Participant, shared about facing unexpected struggles in her plans to help clear the overgrown grounds of her local church saying, “We rented goats, and once we got the goats on site, I thought the hard work was done. But overnight, someone cut the wire and let them out. I had to collect them and apologize to our neighbors for the things they had eaten. None of that was in my plan!”

As with everything we do in YLS the final question is, “How does this impact your local church and the project you are planning?” We want everything to have a personal expression, and a practical application. YLS hopes to prepare a new generation of leaders that are ready for anything, and who can lead the church in ways we have yet to imagine.

Embracing New Beginnings: Arise!


Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

Easter is a time of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings. It is a celebration that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and signifies hope, redemption, and transformation. In her writings, Diana Butler Bass beautifully captures the essence of Easter as a time to embrace change, reflect on spiritual growth, and embark on a journey toward a brighter future. She emphasizes the importance of embracing new beginnings, both individually and collectively, and views Easter as a powerful symbol of renewal and hope. According to Bass, Easter invites us to look beyond our past mistakes and failures and to envision a future filled with grace, love, and possibility.

In her book Grounded: Finding God in the World-A Spiritual Revolution, Bass delves into the idea of resurrection not just as an historical event but as a metaphor for personal and societal transformation. She challenges readers to reflect on the ways in which they can experience their own “resurrections” – moments of awakening, growth, and renewal that propel them toward a more authentic and purposeful life.

As we journey through the season of Easter, it is a time to embrace change, seek renewal, and cultivate a spirit of hope and resilience. Just as the earth awakens from its winter slumber and bursts forth with new life during springtime, so too can we experience a spiritual awakening and a fresh start in our own lives.

Many students are just about to enter a challenging time of papers and final exams even while they witness nature arising out of winter toward the hopeful, bright colors of spring. At HELM, we especially think of our seniors at this time of year. The doorway to their future and the celebration of their accomplishments is near; yet, like the Season of Lent, there is still a path to journey before graduation arrives. We will share the stories of some of our seniors in our May Digest. For now, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare to take the next step as educated leaders!

Lastly, in this issue, you will encounter a beautiful story of a congregation whose legacy will forever empower the lives of students. We remain deeply grateful to all of our current congregational partners. Today, we want to lift the legacy gift from Northside Christian Church, St. Louis, MO. Gifts like this “dawn new wings” and bring the resurrection story to life, especially for students who will benefit from this scholarship for generations to come. Please accept our deepest and profound thanks to the members who made this difficult but life-giving decision.  Let me dedicate this short but meaningful poem to Northside Christian Church:

Arising
Winter’s cold introspective place
Born anew creation’s grace
Life unfolds from seed’s long pain
Warm sun’s gentle springs refrain

A song of life with faithful healing
Promise of freedom now revealing
A song of hope in nature’s chorus
Rises up in joy before us
(Author Unknown)

As we celebrate Easter and the promise of new beginnings, may we draw inspiration from one another and resurrection life from new visions as we work together to change lives, one student at a time, in the life of our beloved Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

It’s both difficult and sad when a congregation closes its doors, but churches such as Northside Christian Church in northern St. Louis have discovered a resurrection by paving the way for future church leaders.

Congregation leaders took the proceeds from the sale of the church property in 2014 and turned it into a legacy fund at the Christian Church Foundation. Half of the annual income from the fund goes to Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) to support the Leadership Fellows Program. The other half supports other general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

“Northside had supported those in higher education in the past,” says Melissa Feldhaus, church treasurer tasked with implementing the fund. “While closing a church is painful, knowing that our resources allow the spirit of the congregation to live into the future is a gift to us.”

The HELM Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) prioritizes undergraduate leadership formation and also provides scholarship support to its students during their four years of collegiate study. The program hosts around forty fellows, all belonging to Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations. Alongside their cohort and adult mentor, participants engage in book studies, an annual growth & learning retreat, and intentionally delve into the themes of  Christian community, societal transformation, global awareness, and leadership engagement to strengthen their overall value as leaders. 

One LFP alum is Krista Johnson Weicksel. In 2022, she was named vice president of administration and programs at the Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries. 

“I think what I gained most was confidence,” Krista says. “I don’t remember all the topics we covered in the workshops, but I do remember feeling challenged. I don’t remember all the church leaders we met, but I do remember feeling heard and respected as a young person in the life of the church.”

“Being a part of the Leadership Fellows Program helped me to articulate a call to lay ministry through peacebuilding.”

It was the program’s purpose that helped inspire Northside leaders as they contemplated how they could impact the denomination after closing. Dennis Landon, former HELM president, met with the congregation to share a vision for how the Leadership Fellows Program helps nurture transformative leaders for church, society, and the world, said the Rev. Dr. Judy Ridlen, NCC pastor from 1993 until it closed in 2014.

Northside had a long history of supporting seminary students through scholarships and internships. Dr. Ridlen added that the desire to support students was fueled by a series of “Heritage Trips” in which members visited Disciples seminaries and colleges, and a number of Disciples historical sites.

HELM President, Rev. Dr. Tamara Rodenberg, while saddened that Northside’s on-site ministry has ended, said the congregation’s witness extends forever in the future church and community leaders who will participate in the HELM Leadership Fellows Program. “Graduates of this program have gone on to become tremendous ministers and outstanding lay leaders, working in their congregations and beyond,” she said.  “We are grateful for Northside, and encourage other individuals and congregations to invest in future generations of Disciples students as well.”

The fellowship of Northside members continues today as several gather monthly for a meal and a chance to re-connect and remember. They also celebrate in the knowledge that the ministry of Northside Christian Church is living on in the lives of young people being nurtured into leaders of today and tomorrow.

If you or your congregation would like to support the Leadership Fellows Program, or start contributing to a scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students from Disciples congregations, please contact Jim Cullumber at jcullumber@helmdisciples.org or call (317) 713-2660.

Application form deadline: March 15
Reference and transcript deadline: April 15
No exceptions to deadlines.

Information

Scholarships are made possible by gifts from individuals, families, congregations, and other expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Scholarship funds are generated from interest earned on permanent funds and cash gifts, and are used as investments in persons preparing for ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

By completing an application, you will be considered for each scholarship for which you qualify. Please submit only ONE application. The scholarship committee determines for which scholarship each applicant qualifies. The maximum award for any recipient is only one scholarship award per academic year.

It is each applicant’s responsibility to make sure all required documentation is received in DHM’s scholarship office before the deadline, including application, references, transcripts, and under care confirmation.

Financial Support Brochure – Click here to download a PDF copy of the Brochure.

Scholarship Application – Click here to access the online application form.

Reference Form – Click here to access the online reference form.

Eligibility

To be eligible for any of the scholarships listed below the applicant must:

• be a member of a congregation in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada;
• be preparing for ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada;
• know that GPA may be a determining factor in consideration of scholarships awarded;
• provide evidence of financial need;
• be enrolled as a student in an ATS accredited graduate seminary or theological school, (9+ hours for full disbursement, 6-8 hours for 2/3rd disbursement, 3-5 hours for 1/3rd disbursement, below 3 hours ineligible) audited classes for no credit do not apply toward required hours;
• be enrolled in an M.Div., or equivalent degree program that meets educational requirements for Ordination;
• provide official, sealed transcript(s) of academic work to be received by our office directly from the registrar’s office. If you have completed less than one year of graduate seminary, please submit transcripts for all under-graduate attendance and degree fulfillment. If you have completed at least one year of graduate seminary, you only need to submit the transcripts for your cumulative seminary experience. Second career seminary students should consult with DHM scholarship office regarding how to proceed;
• provide three references; one from each of the following persons: a regional minister from one of the 33 regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada from the region with which you are under care, the pastor of your home CC (DOC) congregation or from the CC (DOC) congregation wherein you are a member, and a professor (seminary or undergraduate). First year students entering may substitute the regional minister with a reference from a recognized executive minister of racial ethnic ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. No referent can be a relative. Call if you have questions;
• be under care of a regional Commission on the Ministry, or in the process of coming under care (if regional reference is coming from ethnic constituency executive, you will be required to contact your regional minister and request that they verify your under care status. It will be your responsibility to ensure a regional minister fulfills this request.);

(Exceptions to some of the above qualifications may be made within the Michael Scholarship, Star-Supporter and African American Scholarship fund programs. Contact our office for details.)

For your information: Applicants must apply or reapply each year to receive scholarships. There are no automatic renewals.

Available scholarships

• African American Scholarship Fund;
• David Tamotsu Kagiwada Memorial Scholarship
  (for Pacific/Asian-American ministerial students);
• Disciple Chaplains’ Scholarship
  (for first-year seminarians);
• Edwin G. & Lauretta M. Michael Scholarship
  (for wives of Disciples clergy with Standing);
• James M. Philputt Memorial Scholarship/Loan
  (for seminary/graduate ministerial students enrolled in either: (University of Chicago Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt Divinity School or Yale Divinity School);
• Katherine J. Schutze Memorial Scholarship
  (for women seminary students);
• Lloyd and Iva Mattison Youth Ministry Scholarship
  (for seminary students focusing on Youth Ministry);
• Nebraska Legacy Fund
  (first consideration to Nebraska-connected students);
• Rowley/Wolfe Ministerial Education Scholarship
  (for seminary students);
• Soongook Choi Memorial Scholarship
  (for Pacific/Asian-American ministerial students);
• Star Supporter Scholarship/Loan
  (for African-American ministerial students);
• Winterhaven Scholarship Fund
  (for seminary students).

Applications received after the March 15 deadline will be declared ineligible.

Again, it is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure ALL required materials are received by Disciples Home Missions, Office of Scholarships, Attention Kelly Harris, by the stated deadlines. Thus, applicants may want to check with Kelly Harris with sufficient time before the deadline to make sure their materials have been received, if they have any questions. It is not the responsibility of the Office of Scholarships to notify applicants regarding any required outstanding/missing application materials.

Contact Information

Original post found here.

The American Academy of Religion has awarded Dr. Santiago Piñón, of Texas Christian University, and current chair of the board of directors for Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, with a Regional Development Grant. Regional Development Grants provide funds for special projects within the regions that promise the benefit the scholarly and professional life of AAR members and do the work of the AAR regions. We congratulate Dr. Piñón for his work on Acknowledging the Trauma of Gun Violence: A Cooperative Approach and for his ongoing work in the Southwest Region and beyond.

Please click here for the original press release and see below the complete list of winners of the AAR Regional Development Grants:

Mid-Atlantic Region

Sarah Bixler, Eastern Mennonite University
Stacy Williams-Duncan, Learning Forte

Pedagogy Workshop for Hybrid Classrooms

Rocky Mountains-Great Plains Region

Dheepa Sundaram, University of Denver
Amy Balogh, Regis University

Addressing Professional Precarity: Sustainable Professional Development and Pedagogical Resources for the AAR Rocky Mountain-Great Plains Region

Southwest Region

Santiago Piñón, Texas Christian University

Acknowledging the Trauma of Gun Violence: A Cooperative Approach

Western Region

Anna Hennessey, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley

Rebirth and Regeneration Immersive Art Experience at the 2024 Annual Conference of the American Academy of Religion, Western Region