The Tom Elliff Center for Missions advances the vision of Carson-Newman University to develop world-wide servant leaders who are equipped to impact the world for Christ. The Center serves the University and the Church by preparing students to live “on mission” at the intersection of faith, vocation, and global engagement. Through a guided process of "Discovery, Discernment, Development and Deployment", it provides a pathway “from the church, through the school, to the nations.”
Whether internationally or within the United States, the Tom Elliff Center for Missions equips students who are discerning a calling to missions, by walking alongside them in missional education, spiritual formation, experiential learning, and global partnerships. Students who have clearly sensed God’s call and have affirmed that calling within the context of their local church are invited to apply for scholarship support. We know that God calls people from a wide range of academic disciplines and vocations, so students in any major preparing for missionary service are encouraged to apply!
Participation in the Center provides a unique environment of mentoring, community, and focused equipping for missionary service. Students engage in weekly Missions Fellowships, where they cultivate the spiritual disciplines essential for a lifetime of gospel faithfulness, gain exposure to the practical realities of missionary life and service, and experience the encouragement of walking closely with others who share a similar calling. These gatherings foster both personal spiritual growth and a deep sense of missional community. Preparation for Missions Fellowships typically requires approximately one hour per week, allowing students to integrate their missions training alongside their academic responsibilities. In addition, students will participate in Missions Forums, which connect them with experienced mission leaders, provide insight into applied missiology, and engage current global mission challenges and opportunities.
A defining distinctive of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions is its commitment to the partnership between the university, the local church, and the mission field. The Center intentionally strengthens the connection between students and their sending churches, recognizing the local church as central to God’s mission. Partner churches are invited to invest in their students as they are being equipped at Carson-Newman and to actively participate in sending them to the nations through prayer, encouragement, and support, including opportunities for mission experiences during their college years.
Because of this vital relationship, applicants are asked to provide recommendations from their local church, including their pastor and another individual who has closely walked with them through their call to missions (mentor). This ensures that each student’s calling is affirmed within the context of biblical community and aligns with the Center’s commitment to sending missionaries from the church, through the school, to the nations. Applications will be presented for review once all affirmations have been received. Please note that pastor and mentor affirmations do not guarantee a scholarship offer.
Students considering application for the Tom Elliff Center for Missions Scholarship should:- Be current students
- Have a personal relationship with Christ
- Clearly articulate a call or commitment to missions
- Be active members of a church
- Be willing to participate fully in the Tom Elliff Center programs at Carson-Newman University
- Be preparing for career missionary service, regardless of major
