The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) is a leading ecumenical advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. It supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, providing fellowships and a network of support for gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds.

The Fund is also a resource for educational and faith communities, offering programs that encourage highly capable candidates to explore vocations in ministry and teaching. Since 1954, FTE has awarded nearly 6,000 fellowships in partnership with others committed to the future of quality leadership for the church.

In addition to fellowships for students in seminary, FTE offers fellowships for undergraduates exploring ministry and for doctoral and dissertation students from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds. We also support congregations in their role of identifying and encouraging young people to consider ministry as a vocation.

Fellowships forStudents Entering Seminary

Help for the Journey:

Information about FTE fellowships is available on the Web at www.thefund.org.

Supporting the next generation of leaders for the church.

Using your passion, commitment and talents to serve and heal God’s world

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answering

To be considered for this fellowship, candidates must:

v Be preparing to enter the first year of a full-time Master of Divinity program in the fall at a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (Students currently enrolled in an M.Div., M.T.S., Th.M. or M.A. degree program are not eligible.)

v Be preparing for congregational or parish ministry

v Be a U.S. or Canadian citizen 35 years of age or younger

v Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

v Be nominated by a congregation. The congregation that will provide the matching funds required for the fellowship ($2,000 to $5,000) should submit the candidate’s nomination as part of the application process. FTE staff members are available to assist students with approaching their congregations for support.

For more information about the nomination process and to download an application, visit our Web site at www.thefund.org or contact us at the address below. As many as 40 fellowships will be awarded through a competitive selection process.

The application deadline for the FTE Congregational Fellowship is April 1.

FTE strongly recommends that candidates also submit complete applications, including financial aid forms, to their school or schools of choice before the April 1 deadline.

The Fund for Theological Education825 Houston Mill Road, Suite 250Atlanta, GA 30329

Phone: 404-727-1450 Fax: 404-727-1490

Email: fellowships@thefund.org

“God is calling me into ministry as a vocation. I have a passion for ministering to God’s people, and God has given me specific gifts and talents to carry out that calling.” Emily Dueitt Duke Divinity School Student FTE Congregational Fellow

Eligibility

how to apply:

Our world needs gifted leaders with bright minds, compassionate hearts and exceptional character. The church needs bright, compassionate and outstanding young leaders who hear a calling to serve God’s world as pastors.

That is why we offer fellowships and a network of support to gifted young people who are responding to God’s calling in their lives.

Financial award: Congregational Fellows receive a $2,000 to $5,000 award from FTE to match, dollar for dollar, support provided by their nominating congregation. This award is for tuition and living expenses during the Fellow’s first year of seminary.

Conference: Congregational Fellows attend a four-day conference prior to the fellowship year, where they and other FTE Fellows engage with theologians, pastors, church leaders and FTE staff for worship, reflection, conversation and encouragement in their call to ministry.

Network of support: Congregational Fellows are part of a network of support that helps guide and advise them during the first year of seminary. They have the opportunity to consult with FTE staff, church leaders and other FTE Fellows.Cone

Congregational Fellowships include:

FOR YOUNG LEaDERS CaLLED TO

PaSTORaL MINISTRY

Congregations play a vital role in identifying and encouraging young people to consider ministry as a vocation. If you know a young person entering a Master of Divinity program who would benefit from a Congregational Fellowship, or a congregation that would like to support students during their first year in seminary, please tell them about this program.

“Our congregation is invested in helping young people discern what God is telling them to do.” The Revs. Kathleen and Peter Braafladt FTE Congregational Partners Messiah Lutheran Church, Vancouver, WA