Ministry Fellowships

For the outstanding seminary student in the second year of a Master of Divinity program, FTE's Ministry Fellowship provides financial and mentoring support to enhance the student's preparation for ministerial leadership. The program encourages initiative, creativity and independent learning opportunities not routinely included in the seminary curriculum. It provides a network of mentors and guides to help recipients use the award in ways that will contribute significantly to the vitality and longevity of their service to the larger church, including the reduction of the financial burden of a seminary education and the implementation of a self-designed ministry project.

What does it take to become a Ministry Fellow?

To apply for the Ministry Fellowship program, you must be nominated by the dean or president of your seminary. Each seminary may nominate up to five students. If you are a first-year FTE Congregational or Volunteers Exploring Vocation Fellow, and you meet the eligibility requirements below, you are eligible for this fellowship.

Eligible candidates must:

• be first-year, full-time Master of Divinity students who have completed one semester at a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. (You are not eligible if you are already in the second or third year of a M.Div. program, or enrolled in an M.T.S., Th.M., or M.A. degree program).
• have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• have a seminary GPA of 3.3 or higher
• be a U.S. or Canadian citizen
• be 35 years of age or younger
• be able to participate in all fellowship activities

You must demonstrate excellent leadership abilities for ministry and a deep commitment to the life of the spirit and ministry as a vocation, as well as a record of high academic achievement. You must have a relationship with and dedication to a particular denomination of the Christian church. You must have a drive to understand and act on behalf of others' needs, as well as the potential for empowering others to pursue lives of faithfulness. Finally, you must bring imagination, creativity, compassion, vision, capacity for critical thinking, leadership, personal integrity and good communication skills to your work.

What does a Fellowship Include?

Ministry Fellows are awarded a $10,000 stipend for educational and living expenses and for a self-designed ministry project. As part of the mentoring support provided by the fellowship, each Fellow has the opportunity to meet with FTE staff and other advisors to discern how best to allocate the stipend funds.

Each Fellow also participates in the Congregational Leadership Intensive and a follow-up retreat upon completion of the ministry project. A stipend is provided for travel and expenses related to these two gatherings.

Students unable to attend the Congregational Leadership Intensive or follow-up retreat should not apply for the fellowship. Please see dates below.

How and when to Apply

Up to 20 FTE Ministry Fellows will be named for the upcoming year. Limit of 5 nominations per seminary.

Application forms for the 2011-2012 year will be available in October 2010. 

The application deadline is March 1, 2011.

Related:

• Ministry Fellows Nomination Criteria
• Helpful Tips for Letters of Reference

Download Ministry Fellowship Application

 

Applications for the 2011 - 2012 year will be available October 1, 2010 Click below to download the 2010 application for reference.

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