Who We Are
Our Mission:
Strengthen Christian ministry in the world by strengthening the quality of its leadership.
At FTE, our mission is to call and cultivate a new generation of leaders to serve the church and world.
Quality leadership in ministry makes a difference in people's lives every day. Every community needs capable, compassionate Christian leaders who serve the common good, strive for justice, build up the community and share the Gospel. We invite you to join this growing, ecumenical movement to support future pastors, those who teach them and the communities that call them.
In 1954, leading educators, clergy and philanthropists joined together to form The Fund for Theological Education out of common concern that the quality of those entering the ministry had declined and that highly talented students were too often choosing other careers.
They believed—as we do today—that this trend could leave congregations across North America without the strong leaders they need, now and in the decades to come. They believed that our shared faith deserves the best possible leadership that the Christian church can put forward.
Supported by the vision of donors and partners, FTE resolved to do something about it.
Why FTE?
FTE is the only national, ecumenical nonprofit organization dedicated to finding and supporting tomorrow's Christian leaders--pastors and theological educators who serve the common good. We help identify gifted young people from all denominations and backgrounds who are interested in entering vocations in ministry and teaching, and provide them with fellowships and a network of support on their path to leadership.
Every year, FTE awards about 150 new fellowships to students to fund their exploration or preparation for pastoral ministry and for teaching in the theological academy. Over the past 50 years, FTE has awarded more than 6,000 fellowships; recipients include some of today's leading pastors, scholars and teachers, serving churches, theological schools and communities nationwide. More than ever, the world needs their leadership and service.
Strengthening Leadership, Strengthening the Christian Church
We help congregations and denominations find ways to support young men and women with leadership gifts for ministry and teaching. We also seek partners who share a commitment to excellence and diversity in the next generation of pastors and scholars. FTE aims to awaken the larger community to the invaluable contributions of today's pastoral leaders and educators and the good they do every day.
The goal: To strengthen Christian ministry by strengthening the quality of its leadership.
