The Committee on Distributions understands the primary mission of the Bowen Charitable Trust is to help American Baptists, who are called to dedicate their lives to Christian service in vocational ministry, to be better prepared for their ministries. When the term Vocational Minister is used, it shall be defined to include the following: Pastors, Associate/Assistant Pastors, Ministers of CE, Music, Worship, Youth, Pastoral Care, Family Life, as well as Christian counselors, Chaplains and others as determined by the Committee on Distributions. Persons in bi-vocational ministry also qualify.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a scholarship or grant from Bowen Charitable Trust, the applicant must meet
the following eligibility criteria:
- Be able to articulate a clear and compelling call to vocational ministry.
- Be an active member of an American Baptist Church with priority given to those who are members of American Baptist Churches in West Virginia. Applicants who are members of West Virginia Baptist Churches not affiliated with American Baptist Churches may apply if they can articulate a clear and compelling call to serve the ABC churches of the West Virginia Baptist Convention, or in ABC mission supported endeavors following the completion of their education.
- Have references verifying their Christian character and gifts consistent with vocational ministry from their home church (pastor or church official) and at least one other person, preferably someone associated with American Baptist Churches.
Process for Submitting Applications
The Bowen Trust Distribution Committee normally meets six times each year. The upcoming meeting dates are posted on the sidebar of our website. Completed Applications (including all supporting documents, i.e. references, school financial aid forms, and transcripts) must be postmarked or date-stamped {if sent electronically} at least 14 calendar days prior to the meeting date at which the application is to be considered. Interviews for new applicants must be completed before applications may be considered.
Applications are to be submitted to Bowen Charitable Trust, P. O. Box 346, Parkersburg, WV 26102-0346.
In addition to the general application deadline stated above, the following deadlines apply to
these specific applications:
- Initial Scholarship Applications – 60 days prior to the beginning of the term or semester.
- Scholarship Re-Applications – 30 days prior to the beginning of the term or semester.
- Individual Continuing Education Grant Applications – 60 days in advance of the date of the event.
- Institutional Grant Applications – 60 days in advance of the beginning of the event or program.
Guidelines for Awarding Scholarships and Grants
Based on the understanding of the Committee on Distributions of the wishes of the late Frank and Helen Bowen, the Committee adopts the following guidelines for distribution of Trust Funds.
Grants may be awarded in the following general categories and are open to men and women, and persons of all races:
I. Individual Scholarships for Students Pursuing Vocational Ministry Careers
• Scholarships will be granted in following order of priority:
- Candidates from Calvary Baptist Church, Charleston, WV and/or First
Baptist Church of Clendenin, Clendenin, WV - Candidates from churches in the Kanawha Valley Association of the
West Virginia Baptist Convention - Candidates from American Baptist Churches in West Virginia
- Candidates from the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, Mount Lebanon,
Pennsylvania - Candidates from West Virginia Baptist Convention Churches not
affiliated with the American Baptist Churches who can articulate a clear
and compelling call to serve the churches of the West Virginia Baptist
Convention following the completion of their education. - Candidates from ABC/USA churches who will be attending American
Baptist Colleges or Seminaries.
- Preference in granting scholarships shall go to those attending one of the following schools: Alderson Broaddus University, Philippi, WV, Eastern University, Palmer Seminary (formerly Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary), Philadelphia, PA, including the WV Extension at Parchment Valley, and undergraduate colleges in West Virginia.
- Scholarships grants may not exceed the total cost (tuition, housing, meals, books, and fees for a student living on campus in campus housing) of attending the institution in question less other grants and scholarships provided to the student (Pell grants, Promise scholarships, institutional grants, etc.) Students must certify they have made a good faith effort to secure assistance from all possible sources.
- Scholarships are granted for each semester, term or course of study as may be appropriate for the student’s individual situation. Recipients may reapply each semester, term or course of study up to the maximum number of semesters, terms or courses typical for their program.
- Scholarships may be granted for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
II. Professional Development for West Virginia Baptist Convention (WVBC) and
American Baptist Churches, USA (ABC) Vocational Ministers
- Vocational Ministers may apply for grants for continuing education or ministry skill development. Grant applications must be received by the Committee on Distributions at least 60 days in advance of the event.
- Grants may not exceed the cost of the event (registration fee, lodging and meals, and travel) less any other grants available to the individual making the grant application.
- Priority will be given for events sponsored by the WVBC or ABC.
- Grants beyond the scholarships listed in #I above are not available for degree programs.
III. WVBC and ABC Programs for Professional Development of Vocational Ministers
IV. Baptist Home Society of Western Pennsylvania
V. Other
- At the discretion of the Committee on Distributions, grants may be made to institutions fulfilling the general purpose of training and enhancing the work of Vocational Ministry.
- At the discretion of the Committee on Distributions, scholarships may be granted to non ABC related applicants who are attending an ABC related institution, provided that funds are available and that they meet the other criteria for scholarship aid.
For more questions or concerns, please contact us at bowentrust@gmail.com.