Over the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring how a broad kingdom perspective influences how we approach admissions, advising, and teaching. This week we are exploring how we can reimagine our practices related to finances at Winebrenner, specifically in the area of student scholarships.
The formal decision to change tuition to $300/month occurred in early 2021. Since that time our working assumption has been that providing a student with an accredited graduate-level education for $300/month is the equivalent to its own scholarship. But, we recognize that a significant financial investment remains and continue to raise our level of discernment in order to assist those students who have true financial need as opposed to simply offering scholarships for the sake of offering scholarships.
The American educational system has been persistent in training students to assume that the first place to seek financial assistance is the school in which they are enrolling. However, when viewing our educational expenses in the context of God’s kingdom work, we can begin to see more opportunities for funding including local churches, families, those who affirm the call of the student, etc. There are likely many within a student’s relational circle who would accept and invitation to share the burden. We continually seek to align our practices with biblical guidance and not the prevailing culture in which we exist.
Another way to think about this is that it represents a shift from scholarships to stewardship of all of our resources. I would love the opportunity to talk with a local church or family members to share how they can join God’s work in the life of the student.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your spiritual journey! Whether a student, collaborative partner, or giver, we are privileged to walk along side of you. At Winebrenner Seminary, we exist to equip leaders for service in God’s kingdom. We believe it is a a wise “kingdom investment” to advance God’s Kingdom priorities through support to a current or future student.
- Brent C. Sleasman, President.