FTE calls young Christian leaders to renew the church and change the world. We support future pastors, those who teach them and the communities that call them. We are a nonprofit, ecumenical organization that provides fellowships to gifted young people who are exploring or preparing for vocations as pastoral ministers or theological educators. We also help congregations and other groups launch vocation care practices that notice, name and nurture young leaders who have gifts for ministry -- practices that enrich vocational discernment and build community. We invite Christians of all backgrounds to join us in this work.

Why is it important to find new leaders for the church?

Quality leadership in ministry makes a difference in people's lives every day. Every generation of Christians shares a responsibility to renew the church by ensuring quality leadership for the future. This challenge begins anew in every generation, and it is particularly pressing in our contemporary culture. Congregations and communities need a steady inflow of gifted and well-educated young leaders who know how to preach, teach, serve and transform lives. The whole church has a stake in this work and we all have a role to play. Other sectors of society, including education and business, invest in leadership succession planning. It is our responsibility to do the same for the Christian church and faith.

How is FTE different than other organizations?

FTE is the only national, ecumenical nonprofit organization devoted to noticing, naming and nurturing the next generation of talented leaders for the church. It is also the only national organization that convenes people across denominations to create "cultures of call" at a grassroots level, sharing vocation care practices that help congregations and others awaken young lives to God’s call.

What impact is FTE having on the church and world?

The more than 6,000 talented and compassionate young leaders FTE has supported since 1954 have used their gifts and theological education to serve humanity as ministers, educators, nonprofit leaders and professionals in other sectors. More than 90 percent of FTE Ministry Program Fellows since 1998 now serve congregations or church-related organizations; 79 percent of FTE Doctoral Program Fellows now teach in the theological academy.

Why is enhancing diversity part of FTE's mission?

The Christian church is increasingly diverse and so is the world the church serves. Pastoral leaders and theological educators must be fluent in that diversity, understanding and representing communities of every kind. Inclusive excellence enlivens, enriches and expands Christianity and congregational life by inviting the leadership gifts of all Christians. That's why FTE leads initiatives to increase the number of outstanding students from all backgrounds who are preparing to be the pastors and scholars the church needs. African American, Asian American, American Indian and Hispanic scholars are significantly underrepresented on the faculties of theological schools. About one-third of accredited theological schools in North America do not have a person of color on their faculties. FTE is committed to changing that.

What are the different fellowships that FTE offers?

Click the following links to see information about the various fellowships offered by and through FTE:

Undergraduate Fellowships: For current undergraduate sophomores and juniors
Seminary Fellowships: There are two types of fellowships available for entering and second-year seminary students
FTE Doctoral and Dissertation Fellowships: For African-American doctoral students
FTE North American Doctoral Fellowships: For doctoral students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups

How do you decide who receives a fellowship?

Each fellowship has specific requirements for eligibility (see our Explore Fellowships section for more information). The selection process is competitive; recipients are chosen from a pool of outstanding applicants from across the U.S. and Canada. National Selection Committees of ministers, educators and congregational leaders make final determinations and selections. The number of applications we receive from talented students far exceeds the number of fellowship awards we can grant with current funding. FTE seeks additional financial support for fellowships from congregations, foundations and individuals. Please contact us if you have interest in supporting a fellowship or would like to share a possible source of support.

Why does FTE only provide fellowship awards for students under the age of 35?

In every generation, there is a particular need to call and develop excellent young leaders with gifts for ministry to lead the Christian church into its future. Other professions, including education and business, pay special attention to identifying talented young people with leadership potential. From FTE's beginning, our mission has been specifically focused on developing young leaders in all denominations. Our fellowships are focused on helping leaders under age 35 because there is a particular need to do so. Fewer than seven percent of clergy in most denominations are under age 35 and fewer students in seminary today express interest in leading a local congregation. FTE's work helps to ensure a steady stream of capable young leaders that every community needs.

My case for receiving a fellowship is special and defined by extenuating circumstances. Can you make exceptions for extraordinary circumstances?

We wish we could offer financial support to everyone who is exploring or preparing to be a pastor or theological educator. Like most education-related nonprofit organizations, the need for support far outpaces the financial resources we have to fund fellowships. FTE has developed its criteria for fellowship qualifications over an extended period of program evaluation. These criteria guide the selection process. While we wish we could make exceptions to extend support to everyone, we must limit fellowship awards to candidates who meet the established qualifications and are chosen by our National Selection Committees. This is necessary to be good stewards of limited funding and to preserve the integrity of standards developed over time.

Does FTE only work with students?

No. FTE offers many ways for individual adults and groups to get involved in calling young leaders and renewing the church—through vocation care practices that include nominating a student for a fellowship, funding a fellowship award, or starting programs in congregations that engage everyone in vocational discernment and developing “cultures of call.” We invite all Christians to join our Calling Congregations network.

I think I might want to be a pastor or a professor who teaches religion, theology or biblical studies. How do I start and where can I go for help?

FTE is here to help you find the people, programs and information to help you on your journey. Our staff is happy to talk to you directly about the opportunities that await you. If you are a high school, undergraduate, prospective, or second-year seminary student, or if you are a person of color considering doctoral studies in religion, bible, or theology, contact our Director of Fellowships, Matthew Williams.

I need help choosing a seminary. Where can I find resources for that?

We offer an online FTE Guide to Theological Education that can help you ask the right questions and find answers. The Guide provides a comprehensive look at factors to consider as you think about going to seminary, and also links to a current list of accredited theological schools.

I received a fellowship from FTE several years ago. How might I be involved with FTE now?

FTE Alumni are valued and vitally important partners in calling young leaders and sustaining this mission across generations. Join us as a mentor, nominator, Calling Congregations partner, local event host and advocate. There are many ways to get involved. We'd love to hear from you! Please contact Laura Cheiftez, Director of our Leading Generations initiative.

Could someone from FTE come speak to my church or civic group?

Yes. Our Calling Congregations initiative invites the whole church to be part of a movement to support future pastors, those who teach them and the communities that call them. We offer vocation care practices and other resources to get involved. To find resources for your church, including a potential speaker or program, read about our staff and contact us!

My congregation would like to be more active in encouraging young people to consider ministry. How can you help us?

Join our Calling Congregations network. We offer a range of vocation care practices for congregations, including grants for local programs, consultations, workshops, conferences and even matching funds to help send a young church member to a first year of seminary. For details, read about Calling Congregations or contact our staff.

How can I help FTE cultivate more young leaders for the church?

FTE needs strong voices and financial support to advocate at many levels for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and teaching. There are many ways to get involved: through participation in national and grassroots programs, networking, hosting an event or making a donation -- all designed to call young leaders, renew the church and change the world. You can sign up, tell your friends, donate, or contact our staff for other ways to get involved. We especially invite and welcome FTE Alumni to connect with us and do their part to find the next generation of FTE Fellows. If you are one of our FTE Alumni, please contact Laura Cheifetz about our Alumni Development nitiative.

How is FTE funded?

The work of calling young leaders to renew the church and change the world depends on financial support from foundations, organizations, congregations and individuals. Our current donors include Lilly Endowment Inc., , The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, The Henry Luce Foundation, The Ellis Foundation and the Otto Bremer Foundation. Help us support the next generation of Christian leaders, make a donation now.

The Fund for Theological Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FTE do?