Why We Give Scholarships to Citation Achievers

We know that approximately 40 colleges and universities offer scholarships to Citation achievers. We’ve heard from the Citation earners themselves and what it means to them. But what does the leadership from those college/universities think about Citation recipients? Why are they willing to offer scholarships?

Emily Gehman (who earned her Citation and made use of the Citation scholarship offer)found out exactly that as she interviews Vice President and Provost Dr. Jim Lytle of Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. Baptist Bible College is one of the schools who honors Awana Citation recipients.

Normally Anomalies –

You heard it here first: Baptist Bible College produces anomalies. But only good ones! Like me—I’m a twenty-something Millennial who is still going to church. I’m a church kid to the core: if my Sunday doesn’t include church, I’m either deathly ill or my car is in a snowy ditch (yes, that happened, but only once)…and then I spend the next six days asking what day it is. I sing in the choir and worship team, and I teach a Bible study. I’m not bragging, but I am an anomaly.

According to the trends, statistics, and youth ministry conferences everywhere, I should be running as far away from a church as Jonah did from Nineveh (extra points for Bible story reference). But I’m not. Why?

Well, God’s grace and my parents have a lot to do with it, but Baptist Bible College was crucial in my stats-defying life.

Here’s How

Baptist Bible College loves Citation Award recipients! They grant up to $6,000  for Citation achievers to continue training for ministry…and stay in the church.

The faculty and staff at BBC understand what it takes to cultivate God-loving, God-serving students. Vice President and Provost Dr. Jim Lytle embody this student-development essence at BBC. I asked him about how this whole Citation Award business work and here’s what he had to say…

Why does Baptist Bible College offer the Awana Citation Award Scholarship?                                               

Because if someone is interested in knowing the Word of God well — which Citation folks are —  then they’re going to be exactly the kind of student that God can use in a whole variety of ways.  They are prime students for a college like BBC!

What’s the biggest factor in students getting off track?                                                                                                 

The way you get off track is by not putting the Bible you know into action. It’s not enough to memorize it — you’ve got to do something with it. You do that by helping somebody else to grow with the Bible that you know. If all you’ve got is some knowledge, well, even the demons know there’s one God! (James 2:19-20)

How can churches better prepare kids for life after high school?
Well, one of the things churches can do is take students that know the Word of God well and get them involved in some kind of ministry in the church. The downside of that is it may take them out of the youth group, or Sunday school, or morning service. But the church needs to find some really positive experiences where kids can help people come to the knowledge of Christ and grow in Christ. If they can supply those, students find out that God can use them, and that it’s satisfying.

While Baptist Bible College is not a church, the leaders there see and meet this need for its students. Ministry Development is an integral part of the BBC experience. Students are paired with ministry coaches while involved with on- and off-campus ministries throughout their college career.

 How do you connect that to BBC’s Ministry Development?
The idea behind ministry development is this: you figure out based on the advice of a friend and through the Word of God where you really need to grow. In the process of making a contribution to ministry, you also put yourself in situations where you get stretched, where you have to learn to rely on God and apply God’s Word. It’s not just so you can go in and put your penny in the Christian service slot but instead, you can grow in your skills, find out how God works, and that  He’s really there for you when you’re not quite sure what to do.

What advice would you give to students who want to serve God with their lives?                                     

 I would probably tell them to think about Proverbs 3:5-6. They’re already learning the Word of  God, tanking up on that, so start applying the Word of God in the church, take a few steps and see what God has in mind … it really is a journey. You do what you can do right now, today, for the place you’re at in the journey. Keep walking and God will get you in the right place.

So, I might be an anomaly. But I’m okay with that. I’m thankful for how God has used Awana and Baptist Bible College to keep my heart and life tuned in to God’s Word throughout the journey. Let them do the same for you!

Check out Baptist Bible College and all the grants and scholarships they offer at www.bbc.edu or call 585.570.2400.

Emily Gehman is a Citation achiever and BBC grad (’12) from Metamora, Michigan. She’s a freelance writer by day, a graduate student by night, and a follower of Jesus at all hours. Follow her at emilygehman.com and tweet @emilygehman