Scholarships

NPEA is committed to equipping students preparing for ministry. We currently offer two scholarship opportunities: the NPEA Ministry Scholarship and the NOCC Ministry Scholarship. These scholarships are designed for students pursuing ministry-related degrees at Christian colleges—whether you’re called to preach, plant churches, serve in missions, or lead within a local congregation.

Donors, sponsors, and charitable giving fuel training, ministry, and the opportunity for scholarship recipients to pursue their calling. Special thank you to those who support this incredible mission. Below you’ll meet some of the students and ministry leaders whose lives and work have been shaped through NPEA scholarships.

You’ll find more details below, including what each scholarship entails, who can apply, and how to submit your application. Whenever possible, we encourage students to use the online form, but alternate submission options are also available.

Scholarship Recipients

We’re honored to introduce students who have received NPEA scholarships and are actively preparing for ministry. These individuals exemplify the calling and dedication our scholarships aim to support. Featured below are recipients who were selected for their impact, calling, and commitment to ministry work.

Featured Recipient

Bailey Gwynn Scholarship Recipient Northern Plains Evangelistic Association
Bailey Gwynn

Casper, WY – Paradise Valley Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship

Receiving the NPEA Scholarship has been such a huge blessing in my life! Because of the selfless generosity of others, I have been able to receive a phenomenal education based off of Biblical teaching. The mentors and friends that I have met here at Ozark Christian College have been Christlike examples to me that will be such a help during my future ministry! I am thankful for the way that our God provides!

Featured Recipient

Bailey Gwynn Scholarship Recipient Northern Plains Evangelistic Association
Bailey Gwynn

Casper, WY – Paradise Valley Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship

Receiving the NPEA Scholarship has been such a huge blessing in my life! Because of the selfless generosity of others, I have been able to receive a phenomenal education based off of Biblical teaching. The mentors and friends that I have met here at Ozark Christian College have been Christlike examples to me that will be such a help during my future ministry! I am thankful for the way that our God provides!

Featured Recipient

Bailey Gwynn Scholarship Recipient Northern Plains Evangelistic Association
Bailey Gwynn

Casper, WY – Paradise Valley Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship

Receiving the NPEA Scholarship has been such a huge blessing in my life! Because of the selfless generosity of others, I have been able to receive a phenomenal education based off of Biblical teaching. The mentors and friends that I have met here at Ozark Christian College have been Christlike examples to me that will be such a help during my future ministry! I am thankful for the way that our God provides!

All Recipients

Jason Bowman

Casper, WY – Westway Christian Church

College:

Summit Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
Brynlee Gwynn

Casper, WY – Paradise Valley Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
Hannah Moser

Columbus, NE – Connection Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Libby Lightfoot

Windsor, CO – Traverse Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Lennon Kimball

York, NE – LifeWalk Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Reagan Branum

Spearfish, SD – North Point Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Jack Branum

Spearfish, SD – North Point Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Elizabeth Andrews

Sutherlin, OR – Oakland Church of Christ

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Jason Bowman

Casper, WY – Westway Christian Church

College:

Summit Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
Brynlee Gwynn

Casper, WY – Paradise Valley Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
Hannah Moser

Columbus, NE – Connection Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Libby Lightfoot

Windsor, CO – Traverse Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Lennon Kimball

York, NE – LifeWalk Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Reagan Branum

Spearfish, SD – North Point Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Jack Branum

Spearfish, SD – North Point Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Elizabeth Andrews

Sutherlin, OR – Oakland Church of Christ

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Jason Bowman

Casper, WY – Westway Christian Church

College:

Summit Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
Brynlee Gwynn

Casper, WY – Paradise Valley Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
Hannah Moser

Columbus, NE – Connection Christian Church

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Libby Lightfoot

Windsor, CO – Traverse Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Lennon Kimball

York, NE – LifeWalk Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Reagan Branum

Spearfish, SD – North Point Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2024 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NOCC Ministry Scholarship
  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Jack Branum

Spearfish, SD – North Point Christian Church

College:

York University

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship
Elizabeth Andrews

Sutherlin, OR – Oakland Church of Christ

College:

Ozark Christian College

Scholarships Rewarded:

  • 2025 NPEA Ministry Scholarship

Apply for the NPEA Ministry Scholarship

The NPEA Ministry Scholarship is available to students enrolled in a Bible college and actively pursuing a ministry field. Whether you’re called to preach, plant, serve, or support, we want to invest in your preparation and future.

Eligibility:

Enrolled in a Bible college with a declared ministry-related field of study.

Completed NPEA Scholarship Application.

Optional supporting documentation (letter of recommendation, transcript, etc. encouraged but not required).

Deadline: 01/05/2025

Award Notification: 01/06/2025

Scholarship awards vary and are distributed directly to the college.

Apply Online

If you prefer to apply by mail or email, download and complete the application form, then submit to:

NPEA Scholarship Committee
PO Box 647
Spearfish, SD 57783

Email Committee Download Application

Apply for the NOCC Ministry Scholarship

This annual scholarship was established by New Oak Christian Church to provide ongoing support for future ministry leaders. It is administered by NPEA.

Eligibility:

Pursuing a degree in a ministry-related field.

Attending a Restoration Movement college/university.

Member of a Christian Church in the Dakotas or Wyoming.

Requirements:

Submit a 500-word essay on the theme: “Why I am pursuing a ministry degree.”

Complete the NOCC Scholarship Application.

Provide a letter verifying enrollment and declared major from your college.

Include a letter of recommendation from pastoral staff at your home church.

GPA will be considered.

Deadline: 01/05/2025

Award Notification: 01/06/2025

Renewable annually with a new application (no new essay required).

Apply Online

If needed, you may also download and submit the application by email or mail:

NPEA Scholarship Committee
PO Box 647
Spearfish, SD 57783

Email Committee Download Application

Questions?

If you have any questions about eligibility or the application process, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Know a student pursuing ministry?

Feel free to share this page or encourage them to apply:

Our Commitment to Future Leaders

Raising up the next generation of ministry leaders takes intentional support—both spiritual and practical. These scholarships help ease the financial burden for students answering God’s call to serve, whether through preaching, church planting, missions, or local leadership.

Get Involved in NPEA’s Equipping Mission

Your partnership makes this possible. Donations toward NPEA scholarships directly support ministry students from the Dakotas, Wyoming, and surrounding regions. NPEA (Northern Plains Evangelical Association) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Want to know more about NPEA?

NPEA was originally established as Dakota Christian Ministries in 1986. Today, we continue that legacy by planting churches, supporting ministry leaders, and investing in the next generation across the Northern Plains and beyond. Head over to our About page to learn more, or check out the Annual Conference for upcoming opportunities to connect in person.

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