Investing in Future Ministry Leaders
Theological Educational Scholarships
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship values theological education as an important component of vocational ministry preparation. We consider it a joy to walk alongside individuals already in the process of pursuing a degree as well as those still in the process of discernment.
Leadership Scholarships
CBF is dedicated to investing in students interested in becoming current and future ministry leaders. We award scholarships annually to Baptist students enrolled in a Master of Divinity degree program at an accredited institution of higher education, and other at-large leadership and regional scholarships.
Scholarship recipients receive $4,000 in tuition assistance and a travel stipend of up to $1,000 to attend General Assembly. In addition, students are given opportunities to build community, network and further develop leadership skills for service with CBF partner congregations, missions, and ministries. There are two ways a student may apply for a CBF Leadership Scholarship
CBF At-large Leadership Scholarships
Baptist students enrolled in a Master of Divinity degree program or master’s level theology degree at an accredited institution of higher education may apply for the CBF At-large Leadership Scholarship. CBF’s Ministries Council will recommend scholars based on the student’s application and belief that the student selected represents the highest potential for the mission and ministry of CBF.
Important Dates for At-large Leadership Scholarships
CBF invests in students who are current and future ministry leaders in Cooperative Baptist Fellowship life. We award scholarships annually to Baptist students enrolled in a masters degree program related to ministry at an accredited institution of higher education.
Recipients of the scholarship receive $4,000 in tuition assistance and a travel stipend of up to $1,000 to attend General Assembly. In addition, they are given opportunities to build community, network and further develop leadership skills for service within Cooperative Baptist Fellowship partner congregations, missions and ministries.
Baptist students enrolled in a masters degree program related to ministry at an accredited institution of higher education may apply for the CBF At-Large Leadership Scholarship. The Ministries Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will recommend these scholars based on the application of the students and the belief that the students selected represent the best possible potential local ministry leaders for the mission and the ministry of CBF.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR AT-LARGE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS:
- January 9, 2027– At-Large Leadership Scholarship application window opens
Regional Scholarship Opportunities
Additional scholarship opportunities are available at the regional level for you to explore.
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Alabama
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Arkansas
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Tennessee
Vestal Scholarships
In 2011, the Daniel and Earlene Vestal Scholarship, named after CBF’s second executive coordinator and his wife, was established to support the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s continued emphasis on theological education and the local congregation. The Vestal Scholarship is the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s highest award valued at $11,000 with an additional $1500 travel stipend for attending CBF events throughout the academic year.
This scholarship’s purpose is to
• Award academic success and scholarship
• Identify individuals with a commitment to congregational leadership/ministry in the Cooperative Baptist context
• Give recipients a platform for connecting with the Fellowship, generously defined
For the 2025-26 academic year, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will award two Vestal Scholarships.
Eligible applicants are students who:
• Are enrolled in an ATS accredited divinity/theology school or seminary pursuing a Master of Divinity degree
• Have at least one more year of full-time academic work left in their degree program
• Have at least a 3.5 grade point average
• Demonstrate a deep commitment and ongoing relationship with Christ
• Clearly identify with CBF and espouse core values of CBF, participating in a CBF church, offering campus leadership and showing leadership potential within the Fellowship
• Are pursing a call to congregational ministry
• NOTE: Applicants do not have to be a current or former CBF Leadership Scholar to qualify.
Important Dates for Vestal Scholarship:
- November 15, 2026 – Vestal Scholarship application process opens