Pastors of smaller membership churches are eligible for help with expenses for attending the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting by applying through the Caskey Center for Church Excellence at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Surplus funds from last year's Pastors' Conference costs were placed in reserve by the conference's officers and designated for convention travel scholarships for smaller membership pastors, with NOBTS' Caskey Center designated to distribute the funds. Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each will be awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds must be used for flight, hotel, mileage, rental car, meals, books and resources or other convention-related expenses. If awarded, the $1,000 check will be mailed directly to the church with a letter designating the funds for the pastor's convention expenses. Pastors of congregations with less than 150 in average attendance and whose churches are unable or unwilling to fund convention expenses may apply. Applicants will be asked a series of questions to determine eligibility. Personal contact information as well as church contact information will be required. By applying, applicants agree to use the funds to … [Read more...]