Called to Lead: The Church Worker Guarantee Program at Concordia Texas

At Concordia University Texas, we are dedicated to preparing and equipping students through Christ-centered education to make a meaningful impact in growing God’s Kingdom. We develop servant leaders who will step boldly into ministry, guiding and nurturing faith communities with wisdom, compassion, and a Christ-centered approach. Today, I am thrilled to introduce Called to Lead: The Church Worker Guarantee Program, a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to supporting the Christian community in Austin and beyond.

A Commitment to Christian Leadership

The Called to Lead program is more than just a scholarship—it is a mission-driven investment in the future of church leadership. We recognize that financial concerns can be a significant barrier for those called to ministry. With this program, we are removing those obstacles by offering a guarantee that students will pay no more than $12,500 per year for four years—half of our current standard tuition—so students can focus on their faith journey and ministerial training without financial burden. In addition, students living on campus will receive a 25% discount on housing costs for up to four years.

As a Christian institution, we believe in the transformative power of faith-filled leadership. Whether a student feels called to pastoral ministry, youth ministry, Christian education, music/tech ministry or another church-related vocation, our goal is to provide them with a high-quality, affordable, Christ-centered education rooted in biblical truth and hands-on ministry experience.

Who is Eligible for the Called to Lead Program?

The Called to Lead program is designed for students preparing for full-time or part-time church work, including:

• Students pursuing a BA in Ministry or related programs such as Theology, Religious Education, or Biblical Languages.
• Students engaged in ministry-focused programs like the Christian Teacher Diploma, Music Ministry, or Director of Parish Music concentration.
• Students preparing for careers in youth-focused ministry organizations—ministries like Young Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Youth for Christ (YFC) that foster faith development beyond traditional church settings.

By welcoming students from various Christian denominations and ministry partners, we are broadening access to theological education and nurturing the next generation of faith-driven leaders.

More Than a Degree: A Calling to Serve

At Concordia Texas, we don’t just prepare students for careers—we equip them for callings. Through the Called to Lead program, students will gain:

• Spiritual mentorship and leadership development to strengthen their faith and ministry skills.
• Internship and ministry opportunities with churches and Christian organizations, as well as opportunities to lead on campus through Campus Ministry, ensuring hands-on faith development and a deeper relationship with Christ before graduation.
• A Christ-centered education that integrates theology, service, and academic excellence.

One of my greatest passions as President of Concordia Texas is ensuring that our University is committed to affordable and accessible Christian education that equips the next generation for faith, learning, and leadership. We are not only educating students—we are walking alongside them in faith as they discern their calling and boldly step into God’s purpose for their lives. This program is an extension of that commitment, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support future church leaders through this initiative and look forward to the lasting impact it will have.

Answering the Call

For students who feel called to serve in ministry, Concordia Texas is ready to walk with you. The Called to Lead program offers the resources, guidance, and financial support to make your journey into full-time church work possible.

Next Steps:

• Apply to Concordia Texas and complete the Called to Lead program application.
• Submit a personal statement about your calling to ministry.
• Secure an endorsement from a church or ministry organization.
• Schedule a visit to experience the faith-filled community at Concordia Texas.

Our goal is clear: We are Called to Lead. If you feel God’s call to ministry, we invite you to take this next step in faith and join a University committed to preparing you for a life of service.

For more information, talk to an admissions counselor today.

 

Dr. Kristi Kirk
President & CEO
Concordia University Texas