About Us
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Our Mission
Helping Future Christian Ministry Leaders Stay In Ministry And Flourish.
The Problem
- The pipeline of Christian Ministry Leaders is at its weakest point in generations. Seminary enrollment has been fairly steady for decades, suggesting that future Christian Ministry leaders aren’t “sticking” in the ministry.
Current age demographic of pastors:
Under 45 years old 22%
Over 45 years old 78%
The Solution
- 222 Foundation bridges the gap between seminary education and successful long-term ministry to help leaders, who will make more leaders, thrive.
Scholarships
222 Foundation provides substantial scholarships to alleviate the financial burden of seminary education and the resulting debt.
Mentorship
222 Foundation provides one-on-one, personalized mentorship by an experienced leader. Our approach is based upon a few core principles that have translated into highly impactful relationships.
• Authenticity
• Confidentiality
• Guidance Not Teaching
• Guidance Without Judgement
• Board of Advisors
Without a mentor
82% of ministry leaders do not have a mentor.
Feel isolated
62% of pastors feel isolated.
Partnerships
The depleting roster of ministry leaders is a significant problem that can only be fully addressed by a broad coalition of people and organizations. 222 partners with churches, ministries, seminaries, denominations, church planters, leadership experts and many others to deliver the best possible solutions.
Meet the next generation of Christian Ministry leaders and their mentors
Current Students

Andrew Aramouni
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: Master of Arts, Clinical and Mental Health Counseling
Andrew’s father left Lebanon during the civil war and settled in San Antonio, TX. As a child, Andrew joined his father in ministry, started a homeless ministry at seventeen and participated in overseas missions. These life experiences inspired Andrew to want to one day help alleviate the effects of trauma on refugees, especially in the Middle East. Andrew spends his free time with his wife, Emma, and exploring Chicago with friends.
“222 Foundation offers so much more than a scholarship. The burnout rate is so high among seminarians, and they really help keep me and others on the path.”

Eric Bratke
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv
As a high school student, Eric felt called to ministry after a mission trip distributing wheelchairs in Mexico. Since then, he has had ministry experiences that confirmed his calling in Peru, at summer camps, and within his local church. Eric hopes to serve children and their families through camp ministry with Agapé Ministries Global after seminary. In his spare time, Eric enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, travel and hiking.
"It’s vitally important for upcoming ministry leaders to be supported by those with experience and application of advanced theology. I am blessed to be part of a foundation with both!”

Feyissa Muleta
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: PhD, Educational Studies
Originally from Ethiopia, Feyissa served with Campus Crusade for Christ for ten years as part of the national leadership and regional leadership teams in Africa. He hopes to use his doctoral training to build a mobile theological training center for rural, African pastors who cannot leave their communities. Feyissa enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his wife and two boys.
“I couldn’t have come this far without the multidimensional support of 222 Foundation. They fill in the spiritual, financial, and relational gaps.”

Chrystal Tang
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: Master of Arts, Teaching English as Second Language
Originally from China, Chrystal came to the U.S to complete her Masters of Divinity degree. God then called her to earn an additional Teaching English as a Second Language certification. She hopes to use all her training to plant churches overseas. Chrystal currently lives in a highly Muslim-populated area of Chicago and actively hosts and ministers to her unbelieving neighbors.
“My mentor embraces me sharing both my ‘wonderful things’ and deep struggles; she gives me encouragement and affirms me for who I am.”

Gabe Puopolo
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: PhD Theological Studies
Originally from Italy, Gabe came to the U.S. to pursue a masters and later a doctorate degree in theological studies. He hopes to use his training to teach others as a faculty member and/or pastor one day. Gabe’s mentor describes him as focused, goal-oriented and wise beyond his age. Gabe enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his wife and two young children.
“My mentor keeps me accountable and helps me realize I have to start thinking and preparing now about who I want to be in the future.”

Brooklyn Parker

David Ko

Minamond Kanokporn

Stefan Zander

Eli Brayley
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
After Eli spoke at a college campus in Utah, hundreds of Mormon students expressed interest in the Gospel. Eli felt called to the Mormon community and became a pastor of two small churches over nine years. Becoming a pastor at only 23 years of age, Eli felt he was in over his head under the many responsibilities of being a pastor and knew he needed more training and support. Eli hopes to return to Utah seeking opportunities to spread the gospel. Eli loves to play chess and spend time with his wife and three young children.
“Pastoring is one of the most difficult jobs on earth. There should be wisdom and experience that gets passed down from one generation to the next so that old mistakes aren't repeated, and new pastors can build upon the labors and successes of older pastors.”

JP Tegart
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv
While serving as a Sunday School teacher to college students, JP felt called to full-time ministry. He served as a pastoral intern at his own church, and at the same time, as a church planting intern in partnership with other congregations. He is currently pursuing deeper theological training and plans to pastor, and train lay leaders who cannot attend seminary themselves. JP and his wife, Ashley, both enjoy reading and hiking.
“I share 222 Foundation’s vision of supporting those who want to enter the ministry. I'm humbled by the gracious financial support and mentorship that 222 offers, it truly is an answer to prayer.”

Abigail Wright

Caleb Nakina

Jonathon Page

Kun Ma

Paxton Bauer

Kun Ma

Michael McCarthy IV

Emily Bodjanac
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
Emily started undergraduate studies in counseling, yet later felt called to family ministry. Along with pursuing her degree, Emily has worked at Wheaton Bible Church for six years and currently serves as the full-time elementary and preteen director. She uses both her counseling and family ministry training to serve and develop additional leaders in the congregation. In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking with her husband and gardening.
“My mentor has given me the space to talk and explore my giftedness and consider how God might use that in my current and future ministry.”

Hannah Bridge
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv
Hannah felt called to missions as a teenager. Her calling was further shaped during a semester abroad and working in the international student ministry in college. After the Covid-19 pandemic waylaid her plans to study overseas and minister there, God led her to pursue theological training in the U.S. before heading to the overseas mission field. For fun, Hannah enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with friends.
“I am very excited to learn from my mentor’s wisdom, asking and being asked tough questions, and learning what it looks like to be a woman faithful to God’s mission in the world.”

Peter Harris
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv
Peter grew up in Africa and felt called to full-time ministry after God delivered him from drug addiction and saved him. In seminary, he met his wife and they both felt called to full-time ministry in South Africa. He is active in his church and hopes to return to Africa to pastor, plant churches, and train pastors. Peter enjoys spending time with his wife, Jana, cook and spend time with friends.
“222 bridges a necessary gap between the local church and the academy which is very much needed today. I trust the Lord will use 222 in order to launch myself and all those involved as those who are better equipped to go into full time ministry.”

Kyle Luck
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
Kyle felt called to ministry in high school. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute, he served as a youth pastor for seven years. Kyle is currently pursuing additional education to “dig the well a little deeper,” as he says, and prepare for further and longer-term service in the Church. Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, hiking and cycling.
“I'm excited for mentorships that catalyze depth in ministry. Faithful shepherding requires more than head knowledge or a degree.”

Andrew Lu

Carlo Cicero

Jordan Davis

Lal Thang

Roberto Martinez

Jonathan Boynton
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv
While working in roofing, Jonathan, alongside other lay leaders in his congregation, was given additional theological and shepherding training from church leaders. Though his ministry was a construction site, Jonathan felt equipped and inspired by the experience. After much prayer and counsel, he pursued formal theological studies and hopes to grow spiritual formation in others. Jonathan enjoys golfing, biking, and visiting national parks in his spare time.
“I’m excited to jump into my experience with 222 Foundation, to be shaped by it and further formed toward long-term faithfulness and fortitude in local church ministry.”

Matt Henning
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: Ph.D.
Matt served with Campus Crusade in college and spent over five years ministering to Muslims in Bosnia after graduation. Knowing he needed more education to build deeper relationships with Muslim clerics, Matt is pursuing seminary education in hopes to deepen his impact in the missions field. When he’s not studying, Matt enjoys gardening, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and three children.
“I know the challenges of the mission field first hand. 222 Foundation is helping prepare me in the areas I need to excel.”

Prasanna Monditoka
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv, Biblical and Theological Studies
Originally from India, Prasanna served as a Field Development Department Coordinator and Prayer Coordinator in Union of Evangelical Students of India (UESI) and youth leader at his local church. He saw the need for better equipped leaders and pastors in India and plans to return to India to work with and train local pastors to strengthen the worldwide Church. When he is not studying, Prasanna is serving at his local Louisville church. He also enjoys watching football and playing cricket.

Danielle Thevenaz
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv

Brett Reichwein

Caroline Rook

Joshua Grunden

Marcus Rothell

Walter Castro
Mentors

Asa App

Tony Ciro

Julie Fischer

Thay Guirguis

John Maassen

Ken Schuette

Ben Bartlett

Dr. Dean Clark

Adam Gascho

Jim Jodrey

Josh Mangioni

Anthony Tako

Dr. Steve Bryan

Dave Corning

Mari Gates

Karl Kunstman

Dr. Jonathan Pennington

Bill Van Tuinen

Audrianna Cageao

David Dykes

Sean Glore

Peter LeBlanc

Joshua Sherif
Subject Matter Experts Team

Tim Brubacher

David Jones

Anthony Tako

Dave Corning

Peter LeBlanc

Adam Gascho

Jim Mukoyama

Shawn Jacques

Matt Sees
222 Alumni

Zachary Adams
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
Originally from California, Zachary felt called to ministry as a volunteer worship leader at his home church. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute with a B.A. in Biblical Languages he currently serves as a youth minister. He is responsible for recruiting and training leaders, mentoring students, and leading the ministry. He hopes to continue serving the church and helping people of all ages love God and their neighbors. Zachary enjoys spending time with his wife, making music, and birding.

Luke Young
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
Luke felt called to be a pastor in high school and served his hometown church in southern Illinois as an intern, mission trip leader, and bible study teacher. Now in seminary, he is completing an internship at The Orchard Evangelical Free church. Luke enjoys spending time with his wife, running, playing chess, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.
“Because of 222 Foundation, I have a realistic view of the difficulties that will come my way in ministry and have the confidence, network, and tools to persevere.”

Tobi Adwodu
School: Moody Bible Institute
Degree: MDiv

Jonathan Gallardo
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Richard Trca
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: Ph.D.
Richard has 33 years of church multiplication and leadership development experience in the U.S. and Europe with the Evangelical Free Church. With his return to the U.S. he desired to focus on research of flourishing organizational cultures within new church communities and missional organizations. Richard hopes to return to Europe to continue multiplication ministry within global contexts.
“The financial help of 222 is very important. However, what the Foundation provides with ongoing practical mentorship is something that we ministers often don’t realize we need.”

Ajit Christopher
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: PhD, Intercultural Studies
Originally from India, Ajit was diagnosed with a terminal kidney illness as a child. After God miraculously healed him, Ajit felt called to spend his life in vocational ministry. Ajit is pursuing his PhD while also serving as the executive pastor for 180 Chicago Church, a church plant in Chicago’s South Loop. Ajit's passion in ministry is to help people dive deeper into the word of God and to wholeheartedly pursue Jesus alongside the community of believers.
“222 Foundation is such a blessing. It allows me to graduate without debt, hone my pastoral skills through one-on-one mentorship, and learn to apply my academic knowledge to real-life situations.”

John Oliveras
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
John became a Christian as an undergraduate student studying teaching. After conversion, John says he has an almost immediate desire to share the Bible with others. He quickly enrolled in seminary. He hopes to one day become a pastor-teacher and continue sharing the gospel. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and playing basketball.
“So many young leaders have gifts and callings on their lives but do not have someone to help guide them. 222 is faithfully working to solve this problem in the Church. Glory to God!”

Tyler Carrera
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
A Chicago native, Tyler felt called to ministry as a teenager. He hopes to become a seminary professor while also serving the local church one day. As a third-year seminary student he’s already teaching Greek. When Tyler is not reading, he enjoys playing board games, watching the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with his wife.
“222's financial support is a huge blessing, but even more valuable than that is the personalized mentorship for seminarians.”

George Aidoo
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
Originally from Ghana, George came to the U.S. to pursue theological training and bring it back to rural pastors serving near the country’s gold mining fields. George is currently serving in a pastoral residency program and will soon partner with the congregation to both plant a church in Ghana and provide basic needs and medical care in the area. George enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their young son.
"Thank God for 222 Foundation. I would have been a lone ranger going through these challenges all by myself. Because of my experience with my mentor, I now desire to pour into more leaders."

Kendra Macris
School: Moody Bible Institute
Degree: MDiv

Micah Howard
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Micah hopes to serve as a youth minister, which he views as an overlooked area of ministry. Micah has spent four years as a student life staff member at Shepherds College teaching the bible and working in the resident life program for students with intellectual disabilities. Micah enjoys spending time with his wife and playing video games.
“My mentor picks up on things I would never have thought to dig into and I know this experience will help me in future ministry.”

Kyle DiGiacomo
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: Master of Arts, Biblical Studies
After a friend asked Kyle to serve at a local church plant, Kyle went on to serve at two different churches and felt called to full-time ministry. Though he had over nine years of experience as a worship pastor, Kyle wanted deeper training and mentorship to better serve the church long-term. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree and hopes to follow God’s leading for next steps. Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children, and mountain biking.

Stephen Drew
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Manikanta Sai
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: Ph.D.

Jonathan Elliott
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Jeewan Rai
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv
Originally from Nepal, Jeewan came to the U.S. to complete seminary training. He hopes to strengthen Nepalese believers through pastoral ministry. When he’s not studying, Jeewan enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
“My mentor understands what I’ve been through and helps me cast vision for where I’m going. He helps me consider how what I am learning will work in real life.”

Liz Woody
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: Ph.D., Theological Studies
Liz longs to invest in future leaders of the Church. She hopes to equip others to understand Scripture and encourage them to apply it to all aspects of their lives. Liz has experience teaching in church, camp, and academic settings. Liz loves spending time with her husband, outdoor activities, and traveling.
“My mentor tunes into the real needs of the moment—she knows how to dive into the details and challenge me when needed. I'm thrilled we have more time ahead of us.”

Lauren Jackson
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv
Kyle felt called to ministry in high school. After earning a bachelor’s Lauren’s interest in ministry came from serving in her home church in Texas. Since moving to Chicago to pursue her degree, Lauren has led women’s ministry and found that she is passionate about serving women. Lauren hopes to continue this work after she graduates. When she is not studying or working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, Zack, or cooking a new recipe.
“I can fully focus on my seminary training and serving where God calls me now because of 222 Foundation.”
Board

Anthony Tako
Chairman

Anthony Tako
Chairman
Anthony is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Illinois and was a financial executive at three international corporations. He has served on his church board for over 10 years, the majority of those years as an elder, and was a small group leader for over 10 years as well. Because of his desire to see people grow in their walk with Jesus Christ, he makes discipling other men a priority. Anthony also has a passion for business and financial stewardship and has taught several seminars in the US, Europe, and Africa on biblical leadership and stewardship.
Anthony holds an accounting degree from DePaul University, an MBA from Northern Illinois University, and completed seminary at Liberty University with an emphasis on Discipleship.
Since becoming a Christian over 20 years ago, Anthony has seen the struggle of pastors and those in vocational Christian ministry trying to complete seminary and theological training. He has walked alongside individuals completing MA, MDiv, DMin, and Ph.D. degrees who are called to serving Christ in ministry.
Anthony believes the opportunities for the 222 Foundation are boundless. Seminary is a rewarding, but often difficult, season of life for those pursuing vocational ministry. Some are trying to balance:
1. Personal growth in their walk with Jesus Christ,
2. Serving their family,
3. Vocational ministry responsibilities (Pastors, missionaries, etc.), and
4. Seminary studies
Anthony is excited that the 222 Foundation enables students to come out of their theological training with the following advantages:
1. Increased knowledge and wisdom, as a result of mentoring/discipleship relationships. The 222 Foundation mentoring program encourages student partners in key areas that aren’t often covered during theological/seminary studies. Some example topics covered with student partners are “What are the keys to discipling my family while still serving effectively in Ministry?” or “How do I effectively serve with a Church Board?” or “How do I effectively work and serve within a ministry team?”
2. Decreased financial burden, post-seminary, allowing them to focus on the ministry to which God has called them to serve Him!

Marleen Barrett
She has been a faithful member of the Village Church of Barrington for 20 years. Her leadership roles during the years have included Director of Women’s Ministries and Children’s Ministry Leadership Team. Currently, she is a member of the choir and a Kids Hope USA mentor. Outside of church, she serves as a group leader with Bible Study Fellowship. Marleen holds a B.S. from the Ohio State University and a Masters degree from Loyola University.
Marleen has a heart for missionaries and pastors and is looking forward to encouraging and supporting the 222 Student Partners and their desire to serve the Lord, both now and in the future.

Karl Kunstman

Gregory Kist
Vice Chairman

Gregory Kist
Vice Chairman
Greg is an owner and the Vice President of Sales & Engineering for Combined Fluid Products Company, a leading manufacturing & distribution company that specializes in products used to harness the power of air and vacuum in commercial and industrial applications.
Greg served as a missionary for one year, leading the horsemanship program at a Christian camp in northern Wisconsin. Greg also served in several leadership roles, including the Deacon Board at the Village Church of Barrington. Greg’s focus in that role was on assimilation, Men’s ministry, and Local Impact. Greg currently serves as an Elder at the Bridge Church.
The thing that excites Greg about the 222 Foundation is the long-term impact the 222 Foundation can have for God’s Kingdom through partnerships with the next generation of Christian leaders. Not only can 222 ease the financial burdens of theological education, but through mentoring, 222 can help prepare leaders for real-life ministry challenges and situations that aren’t normally addressed in seminary. As Greg thinks about the possibilities of the 222 Foundation, through generations of students and continued partnerships, 222 has the opportunity to help impact people for Christ around the world!

Adam Gascho
The Gaschos were missionaries in Germany with Greater Europe Mission for 16 years, where they engaged in church planting, evangelism, discipleship, leader development and training, refugee work, youth ministry and mission leadership.
Adam is passionate about spreading the name and renown of Jesus and multiplying disciples, leaders and churches around the globe. He believes strongly that 222 Foundation will be instrumental in equipping and multiplying Kingdom leaders, which led him to join as a mentor and board member.

Jim Jodrey
Treasurer

Jim Jodrey
Treasurer
They are blessed to have their sons and daughters-in-law living for Jesus Christ.
Before becoming a vocational minister, Jim worked for 28 years in various managerial and executive roles in the travel industry. Jim has served for the past two decades as a pastor in the following roles: Business Pastor, Stewardship Pastor, Family Pastor, Campus Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Executive Pastor. Jim and Brenda have volunteered as small group leaders, coaches of small group leaders and in leadership roles on usher, greeter and hospitality teams. Jim has also served as an elder, deacon, and treasurer.
Because of Jim’s passion for mentoring, he has led couples and men’s small groups with the purpose of multiplying leadership and mutual care and accountability of members. He also has over two decades of experience counseling people in the area of financial stewardship and building teams of biblical and financial counselors.
Jim loves how the 222 Foundation is a unique ministry to financially and spiritually help prepare future pastors and seminary graduates to succeed in their calling of serving Jesus Christ.

Dana Leahy
Dana currently serves as the Office Manager at her church. Prior to this role, she served in various positions including middle and high school English teacher and Women’s Ministry Director. Dana has also had the privilege of serving on a couple of mission boards. Over the years, the Lord has blessed Dana to mentor various women through Bible study groups and spiritual friendships.
Dana is excited to be a part of the 222 Foundation because of its vision to address two prevailing needs of many graduating seminarians who are starting out in ministry: financial health/stability and spiritual mentors. By financially investing in the lives of seminary students, their burden of debt is lightened, enabling them to devote a greater degree of their time and focus to ministry. By spiritually investing in them through mentorship, their personal devotion to the Lord will flourish, equipping them to minister to others out of, not only their seminary training but also their spiritual abundance.

Tony Ciro
Secretary

Tony Ciro
Secretary
In addition to serving at Samaritan’s Purse, Tony has also served in the past as an elder and church council member. Tony has a passion for discipling new believers and for mentoring. For 6 years, Tony served and led a team of volunteers who mentored young men in youth detention centers. He has also led small groups at his church.
Tony sees the need to raise up strong Christian leaders and the critical role that the 222 Foundation plays in making this happen. Tony feels serving with the 222 Foundation will give him the ability to play a role in helping to build the Kingdom of God.

Lance Rodgers
He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard.
Having mentored rising attorneys at his law firm and helping them with work/family balance, he is excited about the 222 Foundation and is looking forward to imparting to young people who are launching their career what has been taking him a lifetime to learn: that the focus on career, family, advancement as an end in themselves is a ticket to nowhere. Only a Jesus-centered life can bring fulfillment. Seminary students need to be reminded of this as much as everyone else.
Staff

Sean Glore
Executive Director

Sean Glore
Executive Director
"I love to help leaders flourish spiritually, emotionally, and organizationally. I am especially passionate about being part of the 222 Foundation which walks alongside Christian ministry leaders to equip them to best leverage their God given talents and flourish in ministry. I believe the Kingdom impact of this mission is immeasurable!"

Frank Valentini

Ben Kamary
Program Director

Ben Kamary
Program Director
“I love supporting mentors to invest in student partners. Through 222 Foundation, I see students grow in skill and confidence to ultimately become a leader of leaders.”

Kara Tipton

Michael Manning
Operations Director

Michael Manning
Operations Director
“I am excited to invest in future Christian ministry leaders through my role at the 222 Foundation. I am humbled that God would use me to play a part in building strong leadership for His Church.”
What you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
The 222 Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity that exists to help future Christian ministry leaders:
1. Stay in the Ministry
2. Flourish in the Ministry
3. Ultimately, become leaders of leaders by instilling a culture of mentorship throughout the Ministry.
No. 222Foundationis anon-denominational,Christ-centerednonprofitorganizationthatworksincollaborationwith many different denominations.
222 Foundation does subscribe to the National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith and expect our student partners and seminaries to be in alignment with that Statement.
As a newer organization, we initially identified prospective mentors based upon the people that our staff and board knew directly.
Our second stage was to partner with churches to develop an ‘ecosystem’. In this case, the church provided an opportunity for the student to serve while one of the pastors or elders played the role of mentor; and 222 provided guidance and coaching to the mentor.
In our third stage we have discovered that our current mentors have such a passion for the role that they proactively ‘nominate’ others they believe would be qualified and passionate. In our fourth stage, we’ve found that many of our loyal investors apply to be mentors.
As we grow larger, we welcome you to consider becoming a mentor. If you’re interested in learning more or applying, please send us your contact information.
222 Foundation partners with students who are:
1. Followers of Jesus Christ
2. Accepted into a graduate- or doctoral-level program at one of 222 Foundation’s partner seminaries
3. Called to long-term vocational ministry
4. In need of financial assistance
The minimum criteria for acceptance and continued participation in the 222 program are:
• At least 6 credit hours per semester
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
Scholarships are in the range of $3,000 – $10,000 per year. Scholarships will typically begin at the lower end of that range and escalate each year as the student demonstrates personal investment and progress in the mentorship program.
The 222 Foundation currently partners with students enrolled at:
1. Moody Theological Seminary
2. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
3. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
222 Foundation plans to expand its program beyond Chicago and Louisville. We are prayerfully considering opportunities to partner with churches, mentors and seminaries in several metropolitan areas in the United States.
If you have questions or would like to submit a school for consideration, please email us at info@222foundation.org.
The role of a mentor is both biblical and foundational to the raising up of leaders within the church and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. 222 Foundation’s Mentorship Program is aimed at coming alongside those pursuing theological studies and building a relationship with them that will be focused on helping the student apply the truth of Scripture to all of life and ministry.
Mentorship is not only about intentionally investing in the spiritual growth of the student, but also an effective means for imparting essential skills for ministry. In these ways, 222 Foundation mentors provide the practical guidelines and training through a highly personalized relationship with each student. As the President of Wheaton College, Dr. Phil Ryken observed, “Seminary can teach you about half the things you need to learn for ministry and the other has to be learned through experience and the church.” Mentors will provide biblical resources and guidance to better equip each student for fruitful vocational ministry.
The mentorship will typically include:
• Twice a month meetings between the mentor and mentee.
• Prayer time and encouragement between each mentor and mentee.
The 222 Foundation is accepting applications for volunteer mentors! Upon submission of your application, the application will be reviewed by our Board and you’ll be contacted for a face-to-face interview, if appropriate.
222 Mentors are experienced leaders – business, professions, academia, ministry, nonprofit – with a deep love for Kingdom work.
• Have led people, teams, organizations
• Faithful follower of Christ
• Personal characteristics that align with 222’s “listen and nudge” mentoring approach. These typically include humility, active listening and high emotional intelligence.
Mentor is an inherently “fuzzy” word; it means different things to different people. A man with teenage sons will talk about mentoring them into adulthood. A mature believer discipling a new believer will talk about mentoring them spiritually. A business professional working with a more junior staff member will talk about mentoring their career advancement. A football coach mentors his staff in his philosophy.
222 Mentorship is at once all of those things and none of them. Here’s 222’s definition of mentorship:
• We work with future Christian ministry leaders so that they can:Avoid the predictable pitfalls of ministry life
• Sustain a healthy and successful ministry for the long term, and
• Become leaders of leaders as they mentor other future leaders over time
222 Mentorship is a gift to our student partners.
However, the value of 222 mentorship can be measured by comparable programs, which typically charge over $100/hour. We estimate that our mentors will volunteer over $70,000 of their own time over the coming academic year. Thanks to our mentors and generous donors, we are able to offer this personalized mentorship to our student partners at no charge.
Many of our student partners report that this mentorship was the gift they didn’t know they needed.