Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 2026-27 CBF Vestal Scholarship Overview and Instructions

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will award up to two Vestal Scholarships to Baptist students annually. Scholars will be chosen by the scholarship committee of the CBF Ministries Council. Selections will be made based on the quality of application and the belief that the students selected represent the best possible potential local ministry leaders for the mission and the ministry of CBF.

Students selected as a Vestal Scholar must meet the following qualifications:

Demonstrate a deep commitment and ongoing relationship with Christ;
Clearly identify with CBF or espouse core values of CBF, showing leadership potential within the Fellowship;
Be a rising 2nd or 3rd year student pursuing a master’s degree (preferably M.Div.).

Preference is given to students who meet the following qualifications:

Maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average;
Demonstrate a commitment to congregational ministries;
Participate in a CBF church and campus leadership.

Other requirements:

Participate in an interview with CBF representatives; and
Must not be a CBF employee or close relative (parent, spouse, child)

Students who are Vestal Scholars are expected to:

Maintain full-time academic status (funds provided at the beginning of fall and spring semesters at $5,500/semester);
Attend CBF’s annual General Assembly where scholars will be announced and presented to the Assembly gathered, on June 17-19, 2026 in Jacksonville, FL;
Represent CBF on campus and in local churches;
Submit one blog per semester highlighting your experiences in seminary or within the context of your ministry;
Become involved in state and regional CBF organizations as appropriate;
Advocate for CBF, participating in CBF Day on campus and helping promote CBF events; and

Students not selected as Vestal Scholars will be automatically considered for CBF Leadership Scholar awards (up to $4,000).

By signing this form, you acknowledge an understanding of and accept the requirements for the scholarship, if chosen.

Signature of Applicant*

Date*

Date

Instructions for Student:
Complete and return the following application and all supporting materials by 11:59 p.m. January 9, 2026.

Please Note: Recommendations must be submitted by the recommender at this link.

The following materials are needed to consider your application complete.

Signed and completed application including all requested attachments
A letter of recommendation from your seminary’s dean or president on school letterhead
Three completed reference forms with letters of recommendation: one reference from a professor, one reference from your local church, and one personal reference. Recommendation forms can be found at this link.
Official copy of current seminary transcript (to verify GPA qualification). Please request transcripts be sent to scholarships@cbf.net.
High-quality photograph for media purposes (upload to this application electronically as a .jpg or .png file)

Instructions for Student-submitted items:

Complete the following electronic application to include responses to the short essay questions,
Upload your resume, and
Upload a clear photo (jpg) of yourself. Upload your resume and photo to the upload link at the end of this application. All materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. January 9, 2026.

Instructions for Recommender-submitted items:
Please send this link to each recommender. Ask them to complete both the electronic form and the recommendation letter (on letterhead). The recommendation letter should be uploaded to the electronic form in the upload area.

Instructions for School-submitted items:
Please request a letter of recommendation from your seminary’s dean or president to be uploaded to this link. Please request an official electronic transcript be sent to scholarships@cbf.net.

Last*

First*

Middle

Preferred First Name*

Date of Birth*

Date

Cell Phone*

Format: (000) 000-0000.

HomeAlternate Phone*

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Personal (Permanent) Email*

example@example.com

Alternate Email

example@example.com

Current Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Permanent Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Name and address of current church participation/membership*

Describe the relationship of the church to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship*

Seminary or Divinity School in which enrolled*

Degree Program*

2nd yr3rd yr4th yr

Anticipated Graduation Date*

Date

Expected total amount of scholarships (school and outside scholarships):*

Annual cost of tuition*

Annual cost of books, housing, other educational expenses (combined)*

Areas of Ministry Interest:*

Please attach an updated resume outlining the following involvement:

Education
Employment history
Church ministry involvement
Extracurricular activities, including leadership positions
Community service
Honors/achievements

Please answer the following essay questions:

1. Describe your personal sense of calling. *

0/500

2. What is your personal relationship to CBF and how have you meaningfully engaged CBF through your local church, CBF state/region, campus experiences or partners? *

0/250

3. Describe how you envision investing as a future/current leader within the context of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.*

0/250

4. What leadership qualities are important to you as you have seen demonstrated in other ministers/mentors? *

0/250

5. How are you growing in your capacity to lead? How have you exercised your leadership gifts to develop something new, improve upon something already in existence, or to positively impact your campus or ministry setting?a question*

0/250

6. Choose one of CBF's theological principles, core values, or attributes and describe why that one is particularly important to you. You can find these on our website: www.cbf.net.*

0/500

Upload resume and photo*

2026-27 CBF Vestal Scholarship

CBF VESTAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION