Application window open for LCEF sabbatical scholarships

(LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is now accepting applications for the Grace Place Wellness Sabbatical Scholarship Program, with an application deadline of Oct. 31. This is the third year during which ordained and commissioned church workers in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) may apply for a sabbatical scholarship to step away from their day-to-day routines for a period of rest and renewal. This scholarship is an intentional effort to support LCMS church workers as they grow their ministries, revitalizing their commitment to serve.

This year, six scholarships of $7,500 each will be awarded. Each one will be granted to a qualified church worker for a first-time sabbatical, creating the opportunity to focus on physical, emotional and spiritual wellness.

In 2025, six LCMS church workers received Grace Place Wellness Sabbatical Scholarships, including pastors as well as a director of Christian education and an assistant principal/teacher. After earning scholarships valued at $7,500 each, recipients embarked on restorative sabbaticals.

Key facts about the Grace Place Wellness Sabbatical Scholarship:

A sabbatical typically lasts approximately three months; during this time, recipients of the scholarship are released from the routine of their call to focus on personal rejuvenation.

Scholarships are available to any ordained and commissioned LCMS church worker at a church, school or organization.

A sabbatical blesses both the church worker and the ministry: The church worker receives much needed space for renewal, and the ministry benefits from a leader who returns with even more energy to serve than before.

“When church workers aren’t well, more than the ministry suffers,” said the Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO of LCEF. “As the church has poured into these workers to prepare them for ministry, so, too, should the church operate alongside them to ensure they are healthy and serving well for decades to come. That takes intentional effort, and LCEF is happy to play a small part in providing that help and support to our workers.”

“Applications for the sabbatical scholarship have more than doubled from the first year we made it available,” said the Rev. Dr. Greg Walton, vice-president of Ministry Solutions at LCEF as well as leader of Grace Place Wellness. “We are seeing more interest from both church workers and lay leaders who are interested in learning more about a ministry sabbatical opportunity and how it can benefit both church worker and church.”

To learn more about the Grace Place Wellness Sabbatical Scholarship and how LCEF supports ministry leaders, visit lcef.org/graceplace.

To learn more about Lutheran Church Extension Fund, visit lcef.org.

Posted May 21, 2026/Updated Aug. 6, 2026