THE REV. DAVID G. ATKINSON

SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP

ESTABLISHED 2021

Rev. David G. Atkinson served as an Elder in the legacy Memphis Conference of The United Methodist Church and then the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference until his untimely death due to Covid in April 2021. Faithful Collierville United Methodist Church member, William D. McKinney, desired to honor Rev. Atkinson’s ministry, legacy, and great gift of preaching by establishing a seminary scholarship for those entering ministry in The United Methodist Church. The intent is for those entering ordained ministry and/or full-time local pastorate programs, to obtain necessary educational funding in order to serve in those ministries.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • United Methodist students within the geographical boundaries of the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference
  • Scholarship Preference is for incoming or first year Master of Divinity Students
  • Must be a Certified Candidate for United Methodist Ordination or Licensing

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: APRIL 1, 2026 | RECIPIENT(S) TO BE NOTIFIED BY MID-JUNE

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT VIA EMAIL TO SCHOLARSHIP@COLLIERVILLEUMC.ORG. 

    Contact Information

    CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

    Member of Collierville UMC?

    If “NO”, name of United Methodist Church where you are a member:

    Indicate the date you became involved in the life of said church (month and year):

    Date you became a member of above church, CUMC or other (month and year):

    FAMILY UNIT

    Marital Status:

    Number of Dependents:

    EDUCATION

    Undergraduate Degree(s)

    School:

    Dates Attended:

    Degree:

    School:

    Dates Attended:

    Degree:

    Completion Date:

    Master’s Program For Which You Are Applying

    Seminary (Do Not Abbreviate):

    Major/Course of Study:

    What degree is being sought?

    Registration dates: Fall Term:

    Spring Term:

    Expected graduation date:

    FINANCES - CURRENT

    Assets/Income (Monthly)

    Salary (self):

    Other Income:

    Salary (spouse):

    Other Income:

    School Loans:

    Other Income:

    Scholarships:

    Total Income:

    Liabilities/Expenses (Monthly)

    Rent/Mortgage:

    Loans:

    Utilities:

    Phones:

    Transportation:

    Food/Groceries:

    Loans:

    Other Expenses:

    Other Expenses:

    Other Expenses:

    FINANCES - FUTURE

    What is the tuition cost per semester?

    Fall:

    Spring:

    Anticipated Scholarship Funding

    Seminary:

    Per Semester:

    Per Year:

    TWKUMC MEF*:

    *Ministerial Education Fund

    Other Grants:

    >

    Loans:

    Other Funding:

    Other Funding:

    Other Funding:

    TOTAL EXPENSES:

    Requested Financial Aid (Year)

    Tuition:

    Books:

    Other Fees:

    Other Expenses:

    Other Expenses:

    Other Expenses:

    TOTAL EXPENSES:

    Document Uploads

    Resume:

    Include all service-related activities, volunteer opportunities, and work experience you have had over the past 5 years.

    Reference form from District Superintendent of the TWKUMC:

    Confirming that you are a Certified Candidate for Ministry & the date you were Certified

    Three (3) letters of recommendation:

    These recommendations will include the following:

    • The length of time each has known you and in what capacity
    • How he/she perceives your work and relationships within the church
    • How he/she perceives your promise for ministry
    • Your Pastor
    • Your Church Lay Leader
    • One other lay person from your church who is not related to you

    College Transcript:

    Letter of acceptance for master’s program:

    Personal faith story and call to ministry:

    (300-500 words in length suggested)

    Future plans in The United Methodist Church:

    (300-500 words in length suggested)

    ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:

    Please use this field to attach any additional information you believe is pertinent to this application.

    Certification

    I certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the information on this application is complete and accurate. Falsification of any information will cause my disqualification from the scholarship competition.

    I understand it is my responsibility to make sure this application is completed by the deadline listed on the application. Furthermore, I understand that if my application is not complete, I may be disqualified from the scholarship competition and may not be considered for a scholarship.

    I fully understand the conditions of this scholarship.

    Signature:

    Date:

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