Why is going to Israel important for Christian Pastors?

We at Ruth Israel Initiative wish that every Christian pastor could go to Israel at least once in his or her lifetime. In fact, we believe so strongly that the insights a pastor can gain by experiencing the Land of the Bible first hand are so full of life and so integral to the way that he or she reads the scripture, we strive to connect people who want to give with pastors of smaller congregations who otherwise would not be able to afford to go to Israel.  We also understand that everybody would apply for a "free vacation." So know ahead, this is not that! We humans invest in things we value, and we value the things we invest in. So RI2 pastor scholarships are partial scholarships, offered in $500 increments, as funding is available from crowd sourcing. It is our desire to help those who truly can't afford to go, and we hope that through the application process you might be inspired in fundraising and end up not needing the scholarship after all.

How to apply for A pastor scholarship

Eligibility- senior or associate pastors of U.S.-located congregations with an average weekly attendance of 150 people or less. The scholarship is awarded at the time of the final payment* for the educational journey that best fits your needs.

Application process- 1. Apply for the trip you want to join.
2. Personally fill in the request form below, and an application will be emailed to you. (Congregation members cannot apply for their pastors) 
3. Submit the completed application by December 31 in the year prior to the year in which you plan to travel.  (i.e. if you want to go in summer of 2019, you need to have your application in by Dec 31, 2018.)
4. Scholarship recipient(s) will be notified by January 31 each year.

Preference will be weighted by several items:

• priority given to Association of Vineyard Churches pastors
  
• the paragraph explaining why you want to go
• need
• who you are bringing with you
• plans to raise the additional funds needed
• timely payments at deadlines
• How much funding is available to award

How to give toward scholarships**

Send your best gift via check to Ruth Israel Initiative and write "pastor scholarship" in the memo. Mail to

Ruth Israel Initiative
9 B Chatham Court
Pelham, Al 35124

We are currently shopping for the best price on accepting debit and credit cards so more of your donation can go toward getting pastors to Israel.

**Note: If you desire to support a specific pastor's trip, that should be done through designated giving in your home congregation's offering.

*Scholarships may be withdrawn and awarded to another if timely payments are not completed at or before scheduled deadlines