A primary purpose of the Poiema Project is to encourage more students to consider traditional ministry vocations, both within the Church of God and other Christian denominations. We’re particularly concerned with reaching out to women (who are under-represented in the clergy of the Church of God), and to ministerial candidates who have a strong calling, but considerable financial need
The following programs focus on a call to ministry:
Poiema Ministry Scholarship
Ten, $5,000 scholarships per year will be given to prospective first-year students who indicate a desire to prepare for full-time, traditional ministry. Preference will be given to women and to students currently involved in non-university ministerial training offered by the Church of God Denomination. These scholarships will be renewable for one year and can be combined with other scholarships. Each scholarship will require ten (10) hours per week of work in the School of Religion, Campus Pastor’s Office, or Leonard Center for Christian Service.
Students who declare a major in the School of Religion and plan to pursue full-time ministry after graduation are eligible to apply. All scholarship applications should be submitted by March 15 to the Lee University Office of Admissions and should be addressed to Phil Cook, Director of Admissions.
Residence Hall Chaplains
To provide additional guidance to students considering ministry, as well as to emphasize spiritual life on campus, this program selects junior and senior religion majors to serve as chaplains. These students help implement the campus discipleship program, and are available to residents for pastoral counseling and prayer. They receive a partial room scholarship for their service.
"Exploring the Call" Reflective Retreat
The School of Religion sponsors these annual retreats, which are geared toward students considering traditional, church ministry roles. Each fall students may be invited by the School of Religion faculty to attend this weekend retreat.
Missions Trips
Funded in the original grant, these short-term faculty-sponsored trips allowed participants to reflect on calling as it related to hands-on service. Missions Trips are no longer funded as part of the Poiema Project
Christian Ministries Internships
These paid internships are offered with the goal of giving practical experience to students in Christian Ministries majors.
Seminary and Graduate School Visits
Ten $250 awards are available each year through an application process for currently enrolled junior or senior students who plan to attend seminary or theological graduate school as part of their ministry preparation. The award must be used for expenses related to campus visits. Application available.