Church Leadership Scholarship Application

Church Leadership Scholarships assist incoming first year students in their faith and learning by supporting students who have demonstrated leadership within their own congregations and church organizations.

The Roger W. and Colleen F. Peterson Church Relations Scholarship was established to help sustain strong relationships between congregations and Luther College as well as in recognition of the value of educational opportunities in a Christian environment. Roger Peterson served as Director of Church Relations for 17 years at Luther College. This scholarship is one way his legacy continues to encourage others to participate in the rich mission of Luther College as a community of faith and learning. Up to two scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded.

The Kristi Lee Hermeier Scholarship is given in memory of Kristi Lee Hermeier to award students for their exceptional involvement and leadership in ministry and service opportunities, and to support their continued partnership in ministry at Luther College, in their home congregation, and in other ministries. Up to three scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded.

The Genevieve E. Stelberg Award is awarded based on personal motivation as evidenced by active participation and success in co-curricular activities in their home congregations and community. Up to two scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded.

Instructions to apply:

Complete the form below
Following submission, check your confirmation email for a link to upload your 600-word essay on the following topic:

Choose one of the activities or experiences listed on your application and reflect on your experience. What did you learn about yourself? About your faith? About the church? About the world?

Please note that your application is not complete until your resume and essay have been received.

Deadline for submission is March 15.

* = Required field

Student information

Student first/given name*

Student preferred first name

Student last/family name*

Student email address*

Birthdate*

Have you submitted an application to Luther College?*

Yes

Please note that you must submit an application for admission to Luther College before being considered for this scholarship. Your results will not be released until you we have received your application for admission to Luther. Please contact the Admissions office (admissions@luther.edu) with any questions.

Student contact information

Student mailing address*

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Student mobile phone*

Would you like to receive admissions updates via text message?*

Yes

Academic information

Year you plan to enter college*

This scholarship is only available to current high school seniors who will enter Luther College in Fall 2025.

You plan to enter college as a*

What college/university are you transferring from?

Current school*
(Please start typing the name of the school you currently attend, then select it from the list that appears. Please allow a few seconds for the list to populate once you start typing. If you can't find your school, type 'I did not find my school code'. If you are home schooled, start typing home school, then select 'Home School (Luther)' from the list.)

Congregation information

Name of home congregation*

Home congregation city*

Home congregation state*

Home congregation denomination*

Scholarship application questions

Reference information

Please request a letter of reference from a pastor, youth director, or other leader from your congregation. They should send their recommendation by email (ministry@luther.edu) or mail (Office for College Ministries, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101).

Reference name*

Reference email address*

Reference mobile phone*

Reference's role or relationship to you*

Leadership activites

What church-related activities, ministries, or groups have you regularly participated in? (Youth group, praise band, etc.)

What church-related service activities, projects, or trips have you regularly participated in?

What church-related leadership roles have you held? (Youth representative to church council, assisting minister in worship, etc.)

What other church activities, leadership roles, or learning experiences do you want us to know about that didn’t fit into the categories listed above?

Reflection essay

You will need to submit a 600-word (maximum) essay addressing the following topic:

Choose one of the activities or experiences listed on your application and write a brief essay reflecting on your experience. What did you learn about yourself? About your faith? About the church? About the world?

You will receive instructions on how to submit your essay in your confirmation email. Please note that your application is not complete until your essay has been received.