ABHMS announces recipients of prestigious Daniel E. Weiss Scholarships
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 8/17/20)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is pleased to announce that Cerise Barton of Federal Way, Wash., and Kurt Kaufman of Denver have been named recipients of the prestigious Daniel E. Weiss Scholarships. This fall, Barton will attend Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, while Kaufman will attend Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Shawnee, Kan.
“Looking back over the years, some events have specifically been the catalyst to my commitment to church leadership and ministry,” says Barton. “My desire to enter seminary in the fall is to gain the tools necessary for the Kingdom assignments ahead and so that I can impact the growth and sustainability of American Baptist churches locally and at large.”
Says Kaufman: “My decision to attend Central stems from the deep appreciation I have gained for the community in Christ that is the American Baptist churches. In no other community have I experienced the depth of love, compassion and affirmation that I have in this community that amazingly spans across generations, cultures and ideologies. I now firmly believe that the next step for my life is pursuing a call to ministry.”
A three-year renewable award for up to $8,000 per academic year, the Weiss scholarship seeks to relieve a portion of the educational loan debt that a student may accrue. It is awarded every two-to-three years to an exemplary American Baptist who is entering seminary and shows previous academic achievement, emerging leadership in the life of the American Baptist denomination, and strong potential for future ministry.
To be eligible, a student must possess a 3.0 undergraduate grade-point average, be entering an American Baptist-affiliated or other accredited seminary, be a member in good standing at an American Baptist church, and remain committed to the growth and sustainability of the denomination.
The scholarships are provided through the Weiss Fund for Excellence, established by the Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Weiss, who served as general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, 1988-2000. The scholarship is administered by ABHMS’ Office of the Executive Director in collaboration with ABHMS’ Leadership Empowerment team.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
