APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN AND DUE OCTOBER 20
Young adults need active communal support as they discern meaning, purpose, and God's call in their lives. FTE provides cohort-based Discernment Labs for leaders who accompany young adults in their vocational exploration of Christian ministry. This opportunity is centered on faith leaders who are interested in learning, experimenting, and innovating together in a peer learning experience to strengthen how they journey with and support young adults in discernment.
For 18 months, participants will be introduced to FTE’s DISCERN Together Framework, which introduces FTE’s proven six disciplines of discernment and the science behind their efficacy. Participants will have a chance to reflect on the practices they already utilize within the disciplines, where they are strongest and where they need more support.
Using a grant of up to $15,000, participants will develop a project to experiment with the disciplines in their unique contexts. In the closing retreat, participants will share back what they have learned and how the disciplines have impacted the vocational discernment of the young adults they accompany. Between retreats, FTE will build and weave together an online community.
Applications are now open for collegiate and congregational cohorts. If you know someone who might be a good fit for one of these cohorts, help us spread the word and nominate them.
Applications for both 2025 cohorts are due October 20, 2025.
The 2025 Collegiate and Congregational Cohort Applications Open August 15, 2025.
Applications for both 2025 cohorts are due October 20, 2025
Interested in learning more? Join us for one of our virtual information sessions.
See FAQ below for a list of more important dates for the specific cohorts.
A community of peers to explore questions about accompanying discerning young adults
All participation expenses paid (excluding travel)
Access to exclusive grants (up to $15,000)
Coaching from facilitators with 25 years of combined experience
The Collegiate Cohort is designed for leaders who work on college campuses in chaplaincy or campus ministry programs directly with young adults.
The Congregational Cohort is designed for leaders who work with already established young adult ministries. These leaders primarily include professional and lay ministers in traditional and non-traditional worshiping communities.
Please note: Applications will open for additional cohorts on February 1.
During the opening retreat and over the course of the 18 months together, Discernment Lab leaders will dive into FTE’s DISCERN Together Framework, which explores six disciplines of discernment, the science behind their efficacy, and a step-by-step process for implementing discernment practices in a variety of contexts.
2025 Discernment Lab Applications are due October 20, 2025.
FTE will cover all expenses (excluding travel) for both retreats.
Congregational Cohort
All retreats will be held at The Inn at Serenbe, just outside of Atlanta, GA. Accommodations in private rooms and all meals will be provided. Participants are responsible for their transportation.
Please contact Marissa Akery, or message us on our contact page.