Ministry must never be a solo endeavor. Even while at seminary, students who flourish do so because of a network of partners who encourage, support, and pray for their fruitfulness. Therefore, Westminster has some resources to help you build a network of partners committed to investing in your training. Building your network during seminary can provide crucial prayer and financial support and help you transition more easily into ministry roles after graduation—many of which rely on support raising and all of which depend on God’s people prayerfully supporting one another.
A support network equips you with:
Relational care and accountability within the body of Christ
Spiritual support through prayer and encouragement
Financial investment in your training and future ministry
How do you raise this prayer and financial support? How do you charge those who can give “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:18)?
Beginning with a Biblical imperative to seek out investors into your ministry and call as
seminarian, future pastor, teacher, or counselor, you will understand this investment is
truly into the Kingdom of Christ. This should motivate the saints toward support and
motivate you to take their investments seriously for the cause of Christ.
Our stewardship best-practices, messaging, and financial planning scenarios will get you started. And we’re convinced if we help you spread this message, you will receive the support you need to be successful at Westminster – financially and spiritually.
We recognize that raising financial support may be more difficult for some students than others due to context or connections. We're committed to working with you along the way.
FAQs
Q: Will I be required to fundraise?
A: No, but you are responsible for tuition, due by the first day of the term. Fundraising – properly understood as a stewardship imperative – can help offset the cost significantly.
Q: Will I be required to cold call?
A: No. While cold calling is certainly one way to raise money, it is not very effective. The Stewardship Department encourages cultivating and growing existing “warm” relationships to help support this endeavor.
Q: Are Westminster faculty, staff, and board members invested in this opportunity?
A: Yes, many members of the board, faculty, and staff are committed to supporting students by giving toward their tuition. Your stewardship coordinator may be able to help you identify support from among them after exhausting your network.
Q: Are donations made to me or on my behalf tax deductible?
A: No. Donations made directly to you or on your behalf of your tuition are not tax deductible. If your support desires to contribute to your tuition and receive a tax deduction, please connect with a stewardship coach to discuss options.
Q: I work for my church (part time, full time, or on an occasional basis). Can my church pay Westminster directly, instead of me?
A: Support given in exchange for services rendered cannot legally be matched. Any work that you complete for anyone giving toward your tuition (including your church) must be on a volunteer basis, or donations must be in addition to your regular payroll. You are not permitted to receive payment in the form of tuition support.
Q: When are the donations due for the semester?
Donations are due by the first day of class for an eligible semester. Any donations received after the first day of class will be applied to the next eligible semester. Any outside funds will be applied to outstanding balances, and if the tuition for the semester is already paid, it will be applied to the next term.
Additional Resources: