Called to LEAD Scholarship Application C2

Called to LEAD Scholarship Application C2

Called to LEAD - Faith-Filled Leadership is an immersive program designed to equip emerging church leaders with the essential skills necessary for transformational ministry. This comprehensive program spans one year, offering a blend of foundational leadership courses, expert speakers, and hands-on project development. Participants will be guided through a journey, from vision setting to practical implementation of a faith-based leadership project, supported by ongoing mentorship from their designated Cultivator. At the end of this program, participants will present their Leading and Growing project and, if chosen, will have six additional months to work with their Cultivator. Seed money will be provided with the goal of executing their plan for leading and growing their communities with purpose and passion.

L-Lift Others Up
E-Empower with Faith
A-Act with Integrity
D-Demonstrate Compassion

For this cohort, there will be a limit of 15 seats available. The program will be delivered online via virtual meeting times. The program includes two required face to face meetings, one at the beginning and one at the end of the program. The kickoff of this cohort will be May 5, 2026, and will be held on the Concordia University Wisconsin campus. Program details and schedule can be found here: Called to LEAD C2 Overview and Schedule

Preference will be given to rostered church workers but others who are employed by an LCMS church, school or organization may also apply.

Scholarship requirements:


One Sponsor Letter

As part of the scholarship application process, we require a Sponsor Letter (this is not a letter of recommendation) from an individual who can attest to your character, work ethic, and commitment to achieving your goals. This sponsor will also serve as an accountability partner throughout your educational journey.

  • Requirements for the Sponsor Letter:


    1. Relationship: The sponsor should have a meaningful connection to you, such as a mentor, teacher, supervisor, pastor, or community leader, and be able to provide insight into your character and drive.

    2. Content: The letter should include:

    • A brief introduction of the sponsor and their relationship to you.
    • Specific examples or stories that illustrate your qualities such as integrity, determination, and reliability.
    • A statement of their willingness to act as your accountability partner, encouraging you to stay on track with your goals.

    3. Length: The letter should be no more than one page, written in a professional tone.


    Resume

    Please provide a current resume.

    Essay Questions 800 words or less:

    Questions:

    1. Why do you feel you are an ideal candidate for this program? Why should we invest in you?
    2. How will you apply this knowledge as it relates to your service in the church?
    3. Briefly describe one to three Leading and Growing Project ideas and how it will extend the work of the church.

    The program will offer a certain number of grants to seed and launch Leading and Growing projects. The goal is to launch entrepreneurial opportunities that impact individuals and communities with the gospel through various programs and services.

    All projects should connect the proclamation of gospel to support emotional, physical, vocational, financial, intellectual, or relational needs of church and world. Projects should be bold and creative. Projects should be scalable and replicable. Projects should allow the individual to make the effort to grow through hands-on opportunities to put into practice the learnings of the program.

    Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
    You will be notified of acceptance, by email, no later than March 15, 2026.