WHAT IS THE LYDIA FUND?

The Lydia Fund is a scholarship program for women who have experienced God's call to become ordained pastors in the PC(USA) and who have a vision of spiritual renewal within the denomination.

Administered by the Network of Presbyterian Women in Leadership (NPWL), under the umbrella of Presbyterians For Renewal, the Lydia Fund seeks to equip evangelical women for leadership in the PC(USA).

Scholarship recipients are selected nationally each year and may be given the opportunity to attend a General Assembly as part of the Presbyterians For Renewal (PRF) Team.  To see a list of past Lydia Scholarship recipients, click here.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP?

Female college graduates with:

• a calling to serve in the PC(USA) ordained pastoral ministry.
• a commitment to complete a Master of Divinity degree at an accredited seminary.
• a personal, vibrant commitment to Jesus Christ.
• a desire to work for renewal in the PC(USA), including co-operation with NPWL  and PFR.
• be involved in the Candidate Process of the PC(USA) - or have specific plans to be so enrolled shortly.

(Women already attending seminary are eligible to apply and anyone is eligible to reapply if they are not selected with their first application.)


WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE?

• Prospective applicants may contact the Lydia Fund Office after November 1st to receive an official application or download a copy of the application from The Network Of Presbyterian Women In Leadership web-site at www.npwl.org and complete the form, returning it by mail to the Lydia Fund Office.  Click here to download the application.
• Completed applications must be returned with a postmark date of March 1st each year to the Scholarship Coordinator.
• The Scholarship Board will review the applications and select the recipient.
• All applicants will be notified of the final results by June 1st.
• The Lydia Scholarship is intended to provide financial support for evangelical women intending to enter the pastoral ministry of the PC(USA). As part of the application process, you will be asked to affirm the Network Of Presbyterian Women In Leadership’s Statement Of Faith.

HOW MANY SCHOLARSHIPS WILL THE LYDIA FUND AWARD EACH YEAR?
The Lydia Fund currently chooses one new recipient each year, who receives up to $2,500/year for two years, with a strong option for receiving the same amount (if needed) for a third year - if the recipient is still completing the Master of Divinity Degree.  The recipient is expected to remain in contact with the scholarship coordinator of significant changes/events in the recipient's life.  At times, the Board may choose to award scholarships to women having one or two years of seminary remaining, thus all women are encouraged to apply.