Ministerial Education Fund
Application
What is the Ministerial Education Fund?: MEF is a service loan offered to candidates for ordination who are pursuing a Masters level theological degree. MEF is funded through the generosity of United Methodist people across Mississippi and around the world through apportionments and special offerings.
Who is eligible for Ministerial Education Fund?:
· certified candidate for ordained ministry in the Mississippi Conference; AND
· enrolled in a University Senate approved seminary; AND
· full-time student (as defined by seminary – minimum of 9 semester hours, may be more for some seminaries).
How much does Ministerial Education Fund cover?: MEF allocations are 50% of tuition each semester.* (* Tuition costs are based on tuition at Candler School of Theology – Emory University. MEF is awarded up to 50% of Candler tuition. At institutions where tuition is less than Candler, MEF is awarded for 50% of tuition costs at that institution.)
What is “the catch”?: MEF is a “service loan”. The loan is repaid with service to the Annual Conference. In receiving the service loan, you agree to serve under appointment in the Mississippi Conference for four years following the completion of your theological education. Each semester you will sign a service loan agreement when you receive your allocation.
When and how do I apply for Ministerial Education Fund allocations?
MEF application is accessible on the Conference website, in the Financial Aid office at your school, or by emailing
Susan Weill . An application must be submitted EACH semester that you desire to receive an allocation.
Applications should be received in the Office of Ministerial Services no later than September 15 for Summer and Fall allocation and February 15 for J-Term and Spring allocation.
When can I expect to receive my Ministerial Education Fund allocation? MEF checks are mailed directly to the seminary each semester. Summer and Fall semester allocations are mailed between October 1 and 15. J-Term and Spring semester allocations are mailed between March 1 and 15.
What if I receive Ministerial Education Fund allocations but decide not to be appointed in Mississippi? MEF is a service loan. If you choose not to serve under appointment in the Mississippi Conference, it becomes a low-interest (4%) loan repayable at date of severance of Conference membership.
We thank local churches across Mississippi who pay their MEF apportionments in full! This is a direct link for local churches to impact the leadership of the church in the future. Funding quality education in our seminaries is an important investment in the future.
If you have questions about the Ministerial Education Fund, please contact the Office of Ministerial Services of the Mississippi Annual Conference at 601.354.0515, ext. 19.
