FTE Leaders 2021 Annual Report

Design Our Way Forward

FTE 2021 Impact Report

How did you design a new way forward in 2021?

Met the needs of your community in a time of crisis?

Developed more effective ways of leading?

Empowered your faith community to think differently?

Engaged in intergenerational conversations for wisdom and healing?

Adjusted to a new reality through innovation and curiosity?

Provided hope and inspiration to your community?

FTE’s 2021 Impact

Every so often, there are years, moments in history that catapult us all into a new and different world.

An event occurs—the LA Riots, 9/11, the Me Too Movement, COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, the attack on the Capitol—and the world changes on a dime. Our challenge in these moments is to match the pace of our changing world, energized by the opportunity to reimagine the way we work, the way we interact, and the role of the church. As we navigate this pivotal moment in history, we must turn to each other with both wisdom and curiosity. We must work together and co-create with God as we usher in a new way of life with intentionality.

Together we...

Designed Inspiring Virtual Experiences for…

49

Young Adults

attending our inaugural two-week DISCERN journey with thought-provoking conversations and an online course to help them discover their purpose and explore ministry.

49

Young Adults

attending our inaugural two-week DISCERN journey with thought-provoking conversations and an online course to help them discover their purpose and explore ministry.

64

Young Adults and 45 Church Leaders

at FTE’s virtual Christian Leadership Forum to imagine solutions to the many problems impacting our communities.

64

Young Adults and 45 Church Leaders

at FTE’s virtual Christian Leadership Forum to imagine solutions to the many problems impacting our communities.

42

Doctoral Students

gathering to network, explore their scholarship, and to connect with mentors and a community of support.

42

Doctoral Students

gathering to network, explore their scholarship, and to connect with mentors and a community of support.

218

Leaders

from Christian universities who gathered to strengthen programs for high school youth and respond to racial injustice and mental distress during the pandemic.

218

Leaders

from Christian universities who gathered to strengthen programs for high school youth and respond to racial injustice and mental distress during the pandemic.

72

Leaders

from 58 campus ministries exploring mental health, consumerism, identity, and strategies to help young leaders realize their calling.

72

Leaders

from 58 campus ministries exploring mental health, consumerism, identity, and strategies to help young leaders realize their calling.

10

Christian Social Entrepreneurs

over 10 weeks with the DO GOOD X Startup Accelerator to develop and launch businesses for good.

10

Christian Social Entrepreneurs

over 10 weeks with the DO GOOD X Startup Accelerator to develop and launch businesses for good.

Hosted Supportive Learning Communities for…

10 Organizations

who connected to share, learn, and experience best practices for vocational discernment with young adults.

25 Doctoral Students & FTE Alumni

with a 14-day writing challenge to check-in and assess their own well-being.

9 Institutions

with doctoral programs to explore together how they are responding to the shifting landscape during the pandemic.

Provided

$

in Grants and Fellowships for...

2

organizations to recruit and support future scholars of color.

7

faith leaders to identify young adults with gifts for ministry, accompany them in exploring their purpose, and prepare them for Christian leadership.

21

congregations and church-related organizations to provide vocational resources, mentoring, and pastoral internships for young adults exploring ministry.

3

institutions to build the capacity of youth theology programs.

16

doctoral students of color to provide coaching, mentoring, and access to writing and research resources.

15

young adults to explore ministry and develop a mentoring relationship.

10

organizations to implement FTE’s CARE framework in shepherding young adults into lives of meaning and purpose through discernment.

Resources

Innovative Resources Designed to Ignite Hope & Inspiration

These resources were created to accompany leaders in the church and academy as we all work to define our new normal and design a way forward. Below you will find wisdom and experiences gathered with intentionality and packaged in a wide range of mediums to best fit your interest, time, and budget.

read...

A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation

A six-step approach to Christian innovation grounded in the life and ministry of Jesus as well as African diasporic people’s ingenious experiences. A Way Out of No Way was released by FTE for purchase in January 2022.

Guide to Gathering Virtually

A free guide to help faith and community leaders create meaningful virtual experiences to aid in discerning purpose, catalyzing leadership, and community transformation.

Voices for Vocational Accompaniment: Leading, Mentoring, and Learning from the Next Generation

A published compilation of curated essays, interviews, letters, poems, and reflections from young adults, faith leaders, and FTE staff. Voices for Vocational Accompaniment was released by FTE for purchase in September 2021.

The Purpose Gap

A book offering practical advice on how to create conditions for young people of color to thrive and professional guidance for how to implement these strategies in one's congregation, school, or community organization. The Purpose Gap was released by WJK Press in March 2021.

listen...

Sound of the Genuine

FTE’s new podcast with 21 episodes exploring purpose and the vocational journey of religious and academic leaders.

watch...
Connecting Community in a Digital World

Learn how Metropolitan AME Church, the longest continuously Black-owned property in the District of Columbia, created a deep and meaningful online community to connect their widespread families across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Designing a New Teaching Model

Learn how Claremont School of Theology (CST) designed their way forward through the pandemic with a new teaching model that would benefit students and position them as a critical player in theological education.

Living Out a Prophetic Call

The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago has seen many challenges since their origin in1833. Learn how these challenges have shaped its rich heritage and made it the beloved community it is.

Mentoring in a Digital World

Learn how The Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States reimagined meaningful virtual mentoring during the pandemic.

Christian Leadership Forum

Experience FTE’s Forum for young adults and faith leaders to explore creative and hopeful possibilities emerging from crisis. Through a series of three videos, you have the opportunity to drop in on the opening plenary with Bayo Akomolafe, a community conversation with a panel of leaders, and the closing sermon with Rev. Gail Song Bantum.

tune in...
STAYING AWAKE
WITH REV. TYLER SIT

FTE Senior Fellow Dori Baker speaks with Rev. Sit about how the practices in his new book, Staying Awake: The Gospel for Changemakers, help Christian leaders reimagine and create faith communities rooted in justice, equality, and inclusivity.

FAITH, RACE, LOSS, AND RADICAL HOPE WITH REV. JENNIFER BAILEY

FTE Online Communications Manager Diva Hicks speaks with Rev. Bailey about her new book, To My Beloveds: Letters on Faith, Race, Loss, and Radical Hope, and how grief can be composted into a new life filled with courage, hope, and purpose for our shared future.

FTE Voices: A Conversation
with the Writers

FTE Learning Design Manager Heather B.P. Wallace hosts a conversation with Josh and Grecia Lopez-Reyes about FTE’s new book, Voices for Vocational Accompaniment, on the topics of mentoring and vocation.

Financial Highlights

2021 Statement of Financial Activities (Unaudited)

Revenue

FTE is primarily funded through foundational grants, investment income from those grants, and contributions from the FTE community.

Expenses

23.9%

Program Personnel $1,069,293

18.6%

Administrative Personnel $831,906

0.1%

Travel $2,489

6.2%

Consultants $277,305

10.7%

Conferences $479,372

23.5%

Fellowships/Awards $1,053,844

16%

Other Program Costs $717,787

1%

Operations $47,823

Donors

The donations and commitment from the FTE community have supported us in impacting faith communities, theological institutions, and the next generation of diverse leaders in powerful ways. If you are enlivened by our work, join us.

Presidential Partners $10,000+
  • Lilly Endowment, Inc.,
  • Indianapolis, IN
Leadership Partners $1,000 - $4,999
  • Mr. Matthew Bloom
  • Ms. Aisha Brooks-Johnson
  •   In honor of Rev. Dr. Alonzo T. Johnson
  • Ms. Florida Ellis
  •   In honor of Rev. Stephen Lewis
  • Rev. Stephen Lewis
  • Rev. Dr. Kimberly D. Russaw
  • Rev. Dr. Shively T.J. Smith
  • Rev. Dr. Frank M. Yamada
  • Drs. LaToya and Starsky D. Wilson
Sustainers $500 - $999
  • Mr. Paul Bois
  • Dr. Kathleen Cahalan and Mr. Donald Ottenhoff
  • Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier
  • Ms. Antoinette and Rev. Dr. Gregory Ellison II
  •   In memory of Gregory C. Ellison Sr.
  • Rev. Darlene M. Hutto
  • Ms. Andrea Parrett
  • Ms. Jodi L. Porter
  • Dr. Patrick Reyes
  • Dr. James D. Weimer
  •   In honor of Prof. Emerita Jean E. Weimer, RN
  • Dr. Marvin E. Wickware, Jr.
Sponsors $100 - $499
  • Iskandia Energy Operating, Monahans, TX
  • Ms. Patricia and Mr. Richard Angel
  • Ms. Allison Arsenault
  • Rev. Dr. Dori and Lincoln Baker
  • Ms. Elsie Barnhart
  • Revs. Jon and Amanda Bergstrom
  • Rev. Adam Bond
  •   In honor of Dr. Sharon Watson Fluker
  • Mr. Edward Boone
  •   In honor of Rev. Dr. Julie Boone
  • Dr. Lisa Bowens
  • Mr. Wes Browning
  • Dr. Caroline Charles-May, MD
  • Rev. Dr. Monica A. Coleman
  • Ms. Kimberly R. Daniel
  • Rev. Joe Ella Darby
  • Ms. Diva Hicks
  • Rev. Dr. John Hoffmeyer and Rev. Dr. Janet M. Corpus
  • Rev. Jennifer Ikoma-Motzko
  • Mr. Ryan Ingersoll
  • Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Y. Lartey
  •   In memory of Katie G. Cannon
  • Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath
  • Rev. Dr. Ross Lockhart
  • Rev. Dr. Carol E. Lytch
  • Mr. Calvin M. Mew, Trial Year 1969
  • Mr. Stephen R. and Ms. Juanita E. Moore
  • Ms. Renee J. Monkman
  •   In honor of Renée Kwan Monkman
  • Dr. Debra J. Mumford
  • Rev. Dr. Randy Nelson
  • Rev. Brent Newberry
  •   In honor of Rev. Dr. George A. Mason
  • Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr.
  • Ms. Christina Repoley
  • Rev. Dr. Marcia Y. Riggs
  • Ms. Melissa Scott
  • Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes
  • Ms. Marlene Underwood
  • Ms. Heather Hartung Vacek
  • Dr. John W. Waters
  • Drs. Sharon and Walter Fluker
  •   In honor of The Sharon Watson Fluker Fellowship
  • Ms. Lynne Westfield
  • Ms. Traci Wright
Sponsors <$100
  • Dr. Charles W. and Mary Ann Brockwell
  • Rev. Kamilah Hall Sharp
  •   In honor of Loretta Hal
  • Rev. Dr. John K. Hershberger
  • Ms. Nikki Hoskins
  • Rev. Leslie Houseworth-Fields
  • Ms. Linda Kay Klein
  • Rev. Megan Alyse LeCluyse
  • Rev. C. Wallace Marsh IV
  • Rev. Dr. Wallace E. March
  • Rev. Colin James Mathewson
  • Ms.Tiffany U. Trent
  •   In memory of Henry Lee Ivory
  • Ms. Jenny Vondrashek, BSN, RN
  • Ms. Heather Wallace

Board of Directors

Dr. Matt Bloom, Trustee

Associate Professor
University of Notre Dame
South Bend, IN

Rev. Ernest A. Brooks III, Trustee

Managing Associate
Isaacson, Miller
Washington, DC

Rev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Trustee

Executive Presbyter
Greater Atlanta Presbytery
Atlanta, GA

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Chair

Coordinator of Relations with Theological Entities
Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH)
Rockford, MI

Rev. John Helmiere, Trustee

Convener
Valley & Mountain
Hillman City, WA

Ms. Soon Mee Kim, Trustee

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Omnicom Public Relations Group
Atlanta, GA

Ms. Andrea Perrett, Trustee

Church Planter & Centre for Missional Leadership Associate
St. Andrew’s Hall
Vancouver, BC

Rev. Dr. Shively T.J. Smith, Secretary/Treasurer

Assistant Professor of New Testament
Boston University School of Theology
Boston, MA

Mr. J. Larry Stine, Trustee

Attorney/Partner
Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, Schneider, & Stine, P.C.
Atlanta, GA

Rev. Aracelis Vázquez Haye, Trustee

Senior Project Manager
Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH)
Orlando, FL

Rev. Dr. Starsky D. Wilson, Vice Chair

President & CEO
Children’s Defense Fund
Washington, DC

Dr. Frank Yamada, Trustee

Executive Director
The Association of Theological Schools
Pittsburgh, PA

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