Celtic Cross

Celtic Cross provides PC(USA) students with a supportive community where they explore the meaning of vocation and call, and engage in leadership opportunities both on campus and in the National Church. This program was created at Presbyterian College in 1995 and has been solely supported through the gracious gifts of First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, S.C. The grant program offers students the opportunity to think outside the box and choose leadership development programs and resources to fit their personal ministry. More than 95 percent of Celtic Cross Alumni are actively engaged in a local church as lay leaders, ministers, Christian educators and youth ministers, or are enrolled in a PCUSA seminary.

“And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Participants in Celtic Cross are also are encouraged to participate in summer work, conferences, academic courses suggested for non-Christian Education/Religion majors, spring break/May trips, as well as on-campus activities and international study. Additional opportunities are available to those who volunteer to be part of special teams, which provide leadership for presbytery and congregational events/retreats.

Celtic Cross retreats allow participants to spend time with outstanding leaders of the PC(USA), and build a strong sense of community and fellowship within the group. Keynote speakers are selected to bring new and innovative leadership skills and talk about issues facing our denomination. Topics have included talks on humble servant hood, spirituality for church leaders, perspectives on evangelism, ministering to youth, diversity, and church history from outstanding church leaders from all over the country.

All participants receive a Celtic Cross grant of up to $250 per semester. Team leaders receive $100 per semester upon receipt of a leadership team report of activities for the semester.

Summer work supplements are available on an as-needed basis for those earning less than $2,000 for summer work in approved PCUSA program settings (i.e., camps, conference centers, mission volunteers). The maximum award is $500 each summer. Eligibility for the maximum award requires a minimum of eight weeks of work in the student’s chosen program area.

Scholarship assistance is available for designated resource and skill events related to the PCUSA that augment the program experience such as ARW, SARW, etc. Students are expected to apply for any scholarships offered by the specific program in order to qualify for this assistance. Prior approval of program director is required, and only one scholarship per event per participant is allowed.

For more information, please contact Jill Mechling, jmechling@presby.edu.