Seminary Debt Assistance is a program designed to assist newly ordained ministers who are serving small congregations. The funds for the program are available through the generosity of church member gifts, bequests, as well as investment earnings. The program is coordinated with other entities of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Guidelines

• The grants will be made to Ministers of the Word and Sacrament who are serving churches with fewer than 150 members and a budget of less than $250,000 to assist them in repaying educational debt incurred while they were seeking a Master of Divinity degree. The minister should be in his or her first seven years of ministry and serving a full-time called position.
• A limited number of grants will be awarded each year. Grants will be in the sole discretion of the Board of Pensions. The Board will consider the means available to the applicant, the nature and amount of debt, and any other factors the Board deems appropriate.
• Effective June 1, 2009, applicants may apply for up to $1,500 each year for a total of four years. Thus, the maximum amount given to one individual over four years is not to exceed $6,000.
• Before applying for a Seminary Debt Assistance grant, all applicants must attend a financial planning seminar, "Getting in Shape Fiscally," offered by the Board of Pensions.
• All presbyteries that participate in the program are encouraged to have a policy regarding student/clergy indebtedness and to develop a plan for continued support and guidance of the pastor and the congregation participating in the Seminary Debt Assistance Program.