Azusa, Calif. — Ministry is one of the foundational aspects of Azusa Pacific University. To support students pursuing ministry as a career, APU’s Kern Center for Vocational Ministry (KCVM) awards scholarships to students interested in serving in full-time pastoral ministry who are studying Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Theology, or Youth Ministry.
This year, the eight-individual scholarship review board had the difficult task of choosing from 38 highly qualified applicants. Out of those, the following recipients were selected to receive scholarships for the 2011–12 school year:
- Jordin Biggs – Sophomore, Moreno Valley, Calif. resident, Youth Ministry major
- Josh Grimes – Sophomore, Kentwood, Mich. resident, Theology major
- Donald Kirschner – Sophomore, Waxahachie, Texas resident, Christian Ministries and Psychology major
- Carly Lynch – Freshman, Phoenix, Ariz. resident, Biblical Studies major
- Jeffrey Martell– Junior, Glendora, Calif. resident, Biblical Studies major
- Monica Papke – Senior, Gig Harbor, Wash. resident, Youth Ministry major
- Tyler Swaney – Senior, Fullerton, Calif. resident, Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries major
- Allison Tinajero – Freshman, Yuba City, Calif. resident, Christian Ministries major
In addition, the following individuals were chosen to have their scholarship renewed:
- Linda Balmaceda – Senior, La Puente, Calif. resident, Biblical Studies and Psychology major
- Ryan Forsell – Junior, Cave Creek, Ariz. resident, Youth Ministry major
- James Hansen – Sophomore, Fontana, Calif. resident, Youth Ministry major
- Josh Lopez – Senior, Upland, Calif. resident, Theology major
- Calvin Rich – Senior, Wailuku, Maui resident, Biblical Studies major
- Zach Robson – Junior, Highland, Calif. resident, Youth Ministries major
- Mackenzie Smith – Junior, Phoenix, Ariz. resident, Youth Ministries amjor
- Karissa Soeter – Senior, Norco, Calif. resident, Christian Ministries major
- Spencer Trefzger – Senior, Lake Oswego, Ore. resident, Biblical Studies major
- Andrew Wall – Senior, Newbury Park, Calif. resident, Biblical Studies and History amjor
- Andrew Zimmerman – Junior, Newbury Park, Calif. resident, Biblical Studies
The KCVM assists students who are preparing to be pastors in local churches across the United States. In addition to financial scholarships, the Kern Center staff connects students with Pastor-Mentors to guide them in their journey to becoming a pastor. Other KCVM services provided to APU students include seminary advising, small-group question-and-answer sessions with current pastors, church-site internships, ministry readiness assessment, prayer support, and peer community development.
