Our History

In 1971, two members of the Gardner-Webb family, Dr. J. Thurman Lewis and the Reverend Charles W. “Buddy” Freeman, had a vision to provide financial assistance for students preparing for ministry. That dream gave birth to an organization of individuals, businesses and churches who has shared their passion for assisting students in preparing for ministry.

Whom we Assist

Our recipients exhibit excellent moral character and are answering God’s call to prepare for full-time Christian service. Scholarships are provided for both undergraduate students and students in the GWU School of Divinity.

Every year, there are new applications for CSO scholarships from Gardner-Webb students answering God’s call to go where He is leading next. Your financial support helps students answer the call.

Gifts to CSO are placed in our endowment, part of the larger Gardner-Webb endowment. From the investment earnings, we provide scholarships to students. Estate gifts and gifts of trusts provide opportunities for individuals to be stewards of their resources beyond their lifetimes for the training of ministers for the future.

It is impossible to fully gauge the effect that CSO has on these ministers—no device can measure the eternal implications of their work to share the Gospel of Jesus.

Donate to support CSO Scholarships