THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND Scholarship Program Proposal Presented for Review and Consideration Purpose To establish a scholarship fund honoring the legacy of Suffrage Bishop Ernest Clowers by providing financial assistance to deserving students pursuing seminary and theological education and preparing for Christian ministry and service. Presented By: Scholarship Committee Presiding Elder Raphael Bowdry Bishop Frank Sutherland Pastor Martha Miller Deaconess Daren Sutherland Presented To: Dr. LaRonce Hendricks August 2026 Investing in Education • Equipping for Ministry • Preparing for Service
Honoring a Legacy Preparing those who are called to serve The Ernest Clowers Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Suffrage Bishop Ernest Clowers by investing in individuals who are preparing for Christian ministry and service. The Fund provides financial assistance to qualified individuals pursuing seminary, theological, and ministry-related education. Its purpose is not only to help meet educational costs, but also to strengthen the preparation of future Christian leaders. “We honor a legacy by investing in the preparation of those who have answered the call to serve.” THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 2
Purpose & Mission Education • Growth • Ministry • Service Purpose To provide financial assistance to eligible individuals pursuing theological education and preparing for Christian ministry, leadership, teaching, missions, or other areas of service within the Church and the Kingdom of God. Mission To support and encourage individuals pursuing theological education by providing scholarship assistance that promotes academic development, spiritual growth, ministry preparation, and faithful Christian service. THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 3
Who We Seek to Support Scholarship priorities The Ernest Clowers Scholarship Fund seeks applicants who demonstrate: • A commitment to Christian ministry and service • Enrollment or acceptance into an approved seminary or theological program • A desire for continued spiritual and educational development • Active participation and service within the Church • Satisfactory academic progress • Financial need • Strong Christian character and leadership potential THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 4
Eligibility Requirements Who may apply • Active membership in a church within the organization for at least one year • Acceptance or current enrollment in an approved seminary, Bible college, theological school, or other qualifying educational institution • Pursuit of a degree or certificate in theology, ministry, Christian education, pastoral ministry, missions, leadership, or another ministry-related field • Commitment to Christian ministry and service and good standing with the local church and organization • Verification of enrollment or an official acceptance letter • Recommendation from a pastor, district/diocese leader, or other approved church leader • A brief personal statement describing the call to ministry, educational goals, and benefit to the Church • Satisfactory academic progress while receiving scholarship assistance THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 5
Application Process A complete application supports fair review Each applicant shall submit: • Completed Scholarship Application • Proof of acceptance or current enrollment • Current tuition statement or documentation of educational expenses • Pastoral or church leadership recommendation • Personal Ministry Statement • Most recent transcript, if currently enrolled • Any additional information requested by the Scholarship Committee Incomplete applications may not be considered. THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 6
Selection & Award Fairness, consistency, and stewardship A Scholarship Committee of at least four members shall review applications and make recommendations for awards. The Committee should consider: • Commitment to ministry • Financial need • Academic standing • Church participation and service • Pastoral recommendation • Educational and ministry goals • Availability of scholarship funds The amount of each scholarship may vary based on available funds, the number of qualified applicants, demonstrated need, tuition and eligible educational expenses, and the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee. THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 7
Responsible Stewardship How scholarship funds are distributed Whenever practical, scholarship funds shall be paid directly to the educational institution rather than directly to the recipient. • Recipient receives written notification of the scholarship award • Recipient provides current enrollment verification and a tuition statement • Scholarship Committee authorizes payment • Treasurer issues payment directly to the school • Institution applies the scholarship to the recipient’s student account • Payment and supporting documentation are retained in scholarship records Annual awards may be divided between academic terms. Before a later payment is released, continued enrollment and satisfactory academic standing must be verified. THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 8
The Scholarship Recipient Award, responsibility, and continued progress Recipients receive a written Scholarship Award Letter identifying the academic year, award amount, educational institution, and method of distribution. As a condition of the award, recipients agree to: • Remain enrolled in First Born Seminary and Training International Bible Institution • Maintain satisfactory academic progress • Remain in good standing with their church and/or sponsoring organization • Use scholarship funds for approved educational expenses • Provide verification of enrollment and other requested documentation • Promptly report withdrawal, leave of absence, transfer, or significant changes in enrollment status The recipient signs an acceptance acknowledging the scholarship and agreement to its requirements and conditions. THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 9
Continuing the Legacy Investing today. Preparing servants for tomorrow. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) The Ernest Clowers Scholarship Fund shall be administered with integrity, fairness, accountability, and Christian stewardship, investing in individuals who are preparing to serve God, the Church, and their communities through ministry. Investing in Education. Equipping for Ministry. Preparing for Service. THE ERNEST CLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND • 10