A new grant will help young adults pursue a career in ministry at Fresno Pacific University.

The Kern Family Foundation has awarded FPU a four-year grant valued at $ 551,000 to create Bridge to Ministry, an accelerated pastoral degree program for students aged 18 to 22. Participants will earn a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership through college and a two-year Master of Arts in Christian Ministry through Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, saving one year over normal progression.

“Ministers can come from anywhere, so it is important to meet students where they are in their personal lives and educational journeys to prepare them for their calling. Bridge to Ministry will be a crucial outreach, ”said Valerie Rempel, Ph.D., vice president and dean of the seminar.

The grant will provide students with scholarships, mentorship by professors and pastoral leaders, and internship experience. It will also cover a significant portion of the program director’s salary for the first four years, as well as the hiring of a part-time recruiter and part-time administrative assistant to help manage the details of the program. The FPU was informed that its proposal was accepted on May 12, and the first distribution of funds will take place on July 1.

Registration for the first course is scheduled for fall 2022.

“While a ministry degree can open doors to many careers, the Bridge to Ministry program is specially designed for those who wish to serve the church as a pastor with an emphasis on leadership, preaching, l teaching and missionary commitment. It will also integrate faith, work and economics into the curriculum, ”said Quentin P. Kinnison, Ph.D., associate professor and program director in Christian Ministry and Leadership and chair of the Division of Bible and Religious Studies. .

In the meantime, work has already started to adopt the program and coordinate the areas concerned.

“This is a prime example of the kind of cooperation between academic fields that makes it easier for students to achieve their career goals and aspirations,” said Ron Herms, Ph.D., dean of the School of Humanities, Religion and social sciences.

Bridge to Ministry will disseminate the work of the FPU and the seminar. “We appreciate this chance to partner with the Kern Family Foundation to expand educational opportunities here in the Central Valley and beyond. Working with respected community development organizations like this promotes the goals shared by our two organizations, ”said Joseph Jones, Ph.D., President of the FPU. “This awareness will strengthen the university’s vision to empower churches in their efforts to support their work for the future.”

Founded in 1998 by Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern, founders of Generac Power Systems and based in Waukesha County, WI, the foundation focuses on initiatives that have long-term systemic impact.

“The mission of the Kern Family Foundation is to enable the rising generation of Americans to build flourishing lives rooted in strong character, inspired by quality education, driven by entrepreneurial spirit and guided by the desire to create. of value to others, ”according to its website.