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

2026-27 CBF Leadership Scholarship

Overview and Instructions
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will award scholarships to Baptist students currently enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education and pursing a master's degree in seminary or a school of theology, preferably a Master of Divinity degree. The Ministries Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will recommend the At-Large recipients based on their application and the belief that the students represent the best possible potential local ministry leaders for the mission and the ministry of CBF. This is an annual award which must be applied for each year. Previous recipients of this scholarship must apply annually and will be considered with all other applications.

Students selected for the CBF At-Large Leadership Scholarship should meet the following qualifications:
- Demonstrate a deep commitment and ongoing relationship with Christ,
- Clearly identify with CBF or espouse core values of CBF,
- Demonstrate actions and activities that complement the mission and purpose of CBF,
- Demonstrate a desire to pursue high quality scholarship,
- Show leadership potential within CBF missions and ministry, and
- Be actively pursuing training for ministry that complements the mission and purpose of CBF.
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 receive the CBF Leadership Scholarship are expected to:
- Maintain full-time academic status (funds provided at the beginning of fall and spring semesters at $2,000/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; and
- Advocate for CBF, participating in CBF Day on campus and helping promote CBF events.
By signing this form, you acknowledge an understanding of and accept the requirements for the scholarship, if chosen.
Signature of Applicant*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Instructions for Student:
Complete and return the following application and all supporting materials by 11:59 p.m. April 14, 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
- Resume
- Photograph (JPEG format preferred)
- Official copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended. Please request transcripts be sent to scholarships@cbf.net.
- One letter of recommendation from a CBF-connected professor or pastor. The recommendation form can be found at this link.
Instructions for Student-submitted items:
1. Complete the following electronic application to include responses to the short essay questions,
2. Upload your resume, and
3. 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. April 14, 2026.
Instructions for Recommender-submitted items:
Please send this link to your 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 an official electronic transcript be sent to scholarships@cbf.net.
CBF LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Last*
First*
Middle
Preferred First Name*
YesNo
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
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
Hometown and State:*
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*

MonthDayYear
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:*
YesNo
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?*

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*

Cancelof
Should be Empty:

2026-27 CBF Leadership Scholarship

CBF LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION