Grace Place Wellness Sabbatical header SABBATICAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GRACE PLACE MINISTRY

A ministry sabbatical can bless both the ministry leader and congregation. The program is designed to be, in as many ways as possible, a shared experience. The membership expects that they, both as a congregation and as individual members, will receive specific, tangible benefits from a ministry leader’s sabbatical.

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is excited to launch the first cycle of our Sabbatical Scholarship Program. This promotes a sabbatical leave for rest and renewal to support the long-term wellness of the ministry leader and the congregation.

Four scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded to selected Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod church workers and ministries who are planning a sabbatical experience. Funds may be used to cover salary and benefits for additional staff, expenses related to the work of an interim staff member and travel or education expenses for the sabbatical experience.

The deadline for applications is October 31, 2024.

How to Apply

To apply, download our application packet and submit it with the following documents:

  • The application cover sheet (included in the packet).
  • A budget form (included in the packet).
  • IRS 501(c)(3) confirmation letter (if you do not have an electronic version of this document, you will need to scan and attach it upon submitting the packet).
  • Letters of support from the presiding district president and a congregation leader.
  • A copy of the congregation sabbatical policy or, in absence of a written policy, a plan towards securing a written policy.
  • A written proposal not to exceed 5 pages in 12-point font.

Still not sure where to start?

For more information, please contact Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Walton, VP Ministry Solutions, Grace Place Wellness, at greg.walton@lcef.org