KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Midwestern Seminary has announced the renewal of its For the Church Cohorts program for the 2027–28 academic year, offering 88 incoming residential master’s students a full-tuition scholarship for their first year of study.
Through seven discipline-specific cohorts, participating students receive focused training, intentional community, and regular mentorship from Midwestern Seminary faculty. Each participant receives a 100% tuition discount for up to 18 residential credit hours at the Southern Baptist Convention tuition rate.
“Five years ago, at Midwestern Seminary, we launched our For the Church Cohorts,” said President Jason Allen. “And by God’s grace and through generous donors, we are able to present it again for the upcoming 2027–28 academic year. I know of no other program that’s similar or comparable to this in the broader world of theological education. What God is doing through the For the Church Cohorts is transformative in the lives of these students, and we have seen its impact in churches around the country.”
For the Church Cohorts is a one-year residential program designed to help students begin seminary within a community of peers who share similar academic and ministry interests. Cohort members gather weekly for focused study, fellowship, and conversations with faculty members and other experienced ministry leaders.
Alongside their coursework, students consider how their theological education applies to the responsibilities and challenges of Christian ministry. The combination of classroom instruction, faculty investment, practical preparation, and peer relationships allows participants to establish strong patterns for their remaining years of study and future service to the church.
It began in fall 2022 with five areas of focus and a 50% tuition scholarship for participants. The program later expanded to seven cohorts, and donor support allowed Midwestern Seminary to begin offering full-tuition scholarships for participants’ first year of residential study.
The program developed from Timothy Track, Midwestern Seminary’s original residential cohort program, which paired Master of Divinity students with local churches for a year of hands-on ministry training. That program has since become Shepherds Fellowship, while its emphasis on mentorship, ministry experience, and life together continues across the broader cohort program.
Beyond the financial benefit, For the Church Cohorts are intended to give students an intentional beginning to their seminary education. Weekly gatherings create opportunities for students to ask questions, build lasting friendships, and learn from faculty members beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Applicants must be first-year residential master’s students with an incoming GPA of at least 3.0. Participants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, enroll full-time in at least nine residential credit hours on Midwestern Seminary’s Kansas City campus, and attend weekly chapel services.
Students may apply to one of seven cohorts according to their degree program, vocational goals, and primary area of interest: Shepherds Fellowship, Biblical Counseling, Biblical Studies, Women in Ministry and Scholarship, Fusion Masters, Spurgeon Fellows, and Theological Studies.
While each cohort offers training suited to a particular discipline, all seven share a common purpose: preparing students for faithful ministry through theological education strengthened by discipleship and community.
Shepherds Fellowship provides select Master of Divinity students with ministry training and mentorship in the context of a local church. During their first year, participants serve as interns in Kansas City-area partner churches while gathering regularly for additional instruction and discussion.
The Biblical Counseling cohort allows students to learn from experienced counselors while beginning their study of biblical soul care. Through faculty mentorship, guest lectures, and additional training opportunities, participants consider how Scripture equips believers to care wisely and faithfully for others.
The Biblical Studies cohort focuses on Old and New Testament theology, hermeneutics, biblical languages, and other subjects essential for the faithful interpretation and teaching of Scripture.
Women in Ministry and Scholarship offers female master’s students a context for deeper conversation, Christian fellowship, discipleship, and vocational preparation. The cohort is designed to help women connect their theological studies with their service in the church, academy, and other areas of ministry.
Fusion Masters prepares students for long-term cross-cultural ministry by combining theological study, discipleship, missions training, and close community. The cohort addresses both the theological foundations and practical challenges of missionary service.
Spurgeon Fellows equips students interested in Church history and historical theology to draw upon the riches of the Christian past for the good of the church today. Participants receive focused guidance from Midwestern Seminary scholars and engage resources connected to the Spurgeon Library.
The Theological Studies cohort provides further study in systematic, historical, and applied theology, helping students examine Christian doctrine and its implications for the Church and the world.
With the program’s renewal, another class of students will have the opportunity to begin their seminary education through focused study, faculty mentorship, and meaningful community. The 88 full-tuition scholarships will allow participants to invest deeply in their preparation for ministry from their first semester on campus while alleviating financial burden.
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To learn more about For the Church Cohorts, visit mbts.edu/cohorts.
To apply for admission to Midwestern Seminary, visit mbts.edu/apply.
