Rev. Roger A. Hopson Seminary Scholarship

GBHEM’s mission is to award scholarships to support the higher education goals of emerging Christian leaders. To further this mission, we created the Rev. Roger A. Hopson Seminary Scholarship, in memoriam of Rev. Roger A. Hopson, devoted husband, father, and minister.

Rev. Hopson was an individual of extraordinary talent, leadership skills and a passion for ministry. He was an extremely bright, hardworking, accomplished minister. His effusive personality combined with a genuine interest in the well-being of others yielded him a successful career in teaching and ministry.

Hopson is a 1968 graduate of Central High School in Savannah, Tenn. and earned a B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin, and a Master of Divinity degree, with honors, from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He served as a former social studies teacher in Dyer County, Tenn., then as United Methodist pastor, district superintendent, bishop’s assistant, and Council on Ministries director during his 42-year ministry.

Scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a Master of Divinity at one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries and schools of theology in the United States. With this scholarship GBHEM is opening pathways for students of all backgrounds to earn their degrees and serve as the next generation of leaders for the church and the world.

GUIDELINES

Eligibility may include but is not limited to the following criteria:

  • Applicants must identify as a person of color and/or belong to racial or ethnic group.
  • Must be enrolled full time in an accredited United Methodist seminary, pursuing a Master of Divinity degree.
  • Applicants must be enrolled as pursuing certified candidacy or certified candidate for ministry (elder or deacon).
  • Applicants must be an active, full-time member of a United Methodist Church for at least one year.
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need and leadership experience within the United Methodist Church.
  • Applicants must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5.

Awards are based on the applicants academic standing, faithful membership with the United Methodist Church and vocational goals in Christian ministry. Doctor of Ministry students who have previously received funding and continue to meet eligibility expectations, will be eligible for a renewal if funds are available.

Awards are provided for one full academic year. Applicants must reapply each year to be considered for funding. Funding amounts are based on student’s financial need, as determined by the student’s institution of higher learning.

Complete applications must be submitted online and include the following:

  • Most recent copy of transcript
  • United Methodist Church leadership references
  • Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Completed applications will be reviewed by a committee who will evaluate applications and award recipients by demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and availability of funds. Funds will disburse upon receipt of verification of enrollment for the fall term. All funds will be made payable to the college and/or university.

Now Accepting Applications

The deadline for applications is Feb. 14 – March 30.