Did you know that 39% of RCA congregations that have been started in the last three years are racial ethnic in composition, and 47% of those planned for the future are as well?  Western has developed an intentional 3-part strategy to help prepare some of the leadership for these and other racial ethnic congregations.

• Fund scholarships for the Certificate in Urban Pastoral Ministry (CUPM) program.  This eight course program provides theological education for people who are called to serve the church in urban ministry settings.  Many of the participants are people already serving in an urban context and the cost of theological education is difficult.  The establishment of ten $1,000 scholarships will make this education affordable. These scholarships are funded annually.
• Establish two full-tuition scholarships for Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree candidates.  These $10,000 scholarships will cover the cost of tuition at Western annually.  An endowment of $400,000 has been raised to fund these scholarships.
• Hire two “Scholars in Residence” for 2 years.  Western plans to hire two racial ethnic scholars who are in the process of completing Ph.D. work in a seminary related field.  These scholars will teach part-time at Western while completing their Ph.D. studies in hopes that one or both will be viable faculty hires at the completion of their degree program.  Each scholar will cost $40,000 per year for the two years at a total cost of $160,000.

If you would like to contribute to one of these exciting projects or would simply like additional information, please contact the Advancement Office (800) 392-8554 or advancement@westernsem.edu.