Seminarian Partnership
Seminarian Partnership is a program of relationships. When your congregation joins the program, it is paired with a current seminary student to gain a perspective on what it means and what it is like to attend seminary. Through this relationship, your congregation can also appreciate more fully the role the seminary plays in the larger church.
The seminarian also benefits through gifts of encouragement and financial support. In addition, the seminarian partner is granted yet another view of ministry in action through corresponding with your congregation, and visiting, if possible.
To participate in Seminarian Partnership, the congregation pledges $500. This contribution is added to the grant monies allocated for student gifts. Suggestions for developing the relationship are listed below.
The program is open to all seminarians and they participate voluntarily with no connection to academic work. They do not, however, participate during their year of internship study when they are focused on the ministry of their assigned congregations.
Seminarian Partnership will provide your congregation with a unique and affordable opportunity for friendship and support with a Southern seminarian.
To enroll or for more information about how your congregation can be a part of the program, contact the program coordinator, Sandra Cline, at (803)461-3252 or scline@ltss.edu.
Suggested Ideas for Involvement:
For the Congregation
• Support through prayer
• Include on mailing list
• Invite student (and family) for an all-expenses-paid visit to the congregation
• If partner visits, invite him/her to speak with persons considering public ministry, present a program about the seminary, preach, or teach a class
• Include news from partner in newsletters, bulletin boards, etc.
• Send care packages
• Remember birthdays and holidays
• Make a prayer shawl, quilt, or throw if congregation has a sewing circle
For the Seminarian/Seminary
• Support through prayer
• Thank congregation promptly and continually for support of any kind, including prayers
• Invite congregation to campus and help host their visit
• If you visit the congregation, offer to speak with persons considering public ministry, present a program about the seminary, preach, or teach a class
• Send updates or personal newsletter, along with photos
• Provide congregation with display poster picture of seminarian
Contact Development
Ron Walrath
Vice President for Development
rwalrath@ltss.edu
803-461-3237
4201 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203