As the economic and social impact of the global pandemic persists, FTE is envisioning the future with a renewed sense of wonder and opportunity. We have witnessed families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues leaning on one another, reaching into the deepest reservoirs of their faith, and responding to many new challenges at hand with all the resiliency they can muster.
A brighter tomorrow is within reach, but it's our collective responsibility, as architects for a better future, to shape and co-create the future we desire. To do so, we must first acknowledge that our way of life, communities, and structures won't remain as they are.
Over the last year, FTE has taken stock of the ways in which it meets the current and future needs of its constituents. We have shifted our focus, resources, and strategies accordingly. Whether it's by reimagining our processes, right sizing our staff, or reinforcing our online presence, we have broken old structures down to the building blocks and examined them in order to determine how and where they fit into the better future we are building.
While we remain firm in our commitment to inspire a new generation of diverse, Christian leaders, pastors, and theological educators who will boldly lead our institutions and communities, FTE is adapting and evolving to respond to the current moment, maintain fiscal responsibility, and align its work with present and future realities.
We know that nothing embodies the power of the human spirit like our ability to hold a sense of wonder and possibility. By staying agile and dreaming what may seem impossible, we all can become architects who build a better future in imaginable new ways.
I am excited about the church, academy, and faith communities' potential future, even as we navigate challenging transitions in an ever-evolving world. I welcome your partnership in our enduring commitment to cultivating a new generation of diverse ministers, theological educators, and young innovators who will shape and build a better future.
FTE President
As any architect or designer knows, there are complex steps to take between vision and reality. In 2023, FTE asked the question: what will it take to move from imagining a better future to building it for ourselves, our families, and our communities? We found the answers to that question to be creativity, adaptability, and courage. And so, we allowed ourselves the freedom to discuss creative solutions to new challenges and to adapt to an ever-changing reality. We courageously took steps we could have never imagined before and began building a better future for FTE, our faith communities, and the young leaders we serve.
joined peers to explore their purpose during discernment retreats.
engaged in deep reflection during online courses, brainstorming ways to make a positive impact through campus ministry, innovative leadership, social entrepreneurship and service.
enrolled in an online course full of resources to jumpstart their doctoral journey.
joined a community of advanced scholars of color for support and mentorship in the completion of their programs.
participated in a retreat focused on scholarly writing and publishing.
faith-based entrepreneurs took part in the DO GOOD X Startup Accelerator by designing and pitching a business idea focused on making a positive impact on their community.
learned about FTE practices and their efficacy in helping diverse young people explore their purpose and to Co-CREATE a better future.
collaborated with peers in congregational and college settings to learn how to support young adults in their discernment journeys.
gathered to discuss ideas for better engagement with high school youth and students at Christian universities.
academic leaders came together to brainstorm ways to support scholars of color as a network.
faculty of color explored executive leadership in the academic world through an online course.
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young adults received grants to explore faith communities and establish mentor relationships with ministry leaders.
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doctoral students of color were granted fellowships and received mentoring to help them succeed in graduate school and in teaching.
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Christian entrepreneurs received awards to launch projects designed to have a positive impact on their communities.
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congregational and college leaders received financial support to develop programs that encourage young adults to explore their callings.
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institutions were awarded grants to enhance their ability to guide youth in their search for purpose and calling.
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Christian leaders received grants to identify gifted young adults for ministry roles.
Since 1954, nearly 5,500 FTE Fellows have received financial support and joined a community to explore a calling to ministry and teaching.
Since 2014, FTE has inspired and ushered 1,412 young adults and 406 doctoral students through forums, mentorship, online courses, fellowships, and grants.
Over seven years, 47 Christian entrepreneurs and innovators gained resources and connected with peers to jumpstart businesses that create positive change.
In 2023, FTE’s podcast published 12 episodes, earning nearly 11,000 all-time downloads. These episodes delve into topics like purpose, meaning, and the journey of church and academy leaders. Our most popular episodes include:
In 2023, FTE launched a new online network uniting 560 young adults and faith leaders in all stages of discernment. Mighty Networks is a carefully crafted space for like-minded individuals to collaborate, connect, and grow. By joining FTE Leaders on Mighty Networks you can build meaningful connections and broaden your ideas about ministry.
Exclusive workshops in Mighty Networks featured:
Meet Rev. Dr. Neichelle Guidry who serves as the dean Sisters Chapel and the director of the WISDOM Center at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. After the chapel experienced an extended period of growth, Neichelle recognized the pace of the work was quickly leading her to a burn out. In this video, she shares what changes were implemented and how bringing along like-minded people to aid in the work can lead to building a better future.
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Pastors Chad Hyatt, Tracey Lynn, and Brittney Fiscus-Van Rossum all serve Mercy Community Church. In order to design a better future, they believe service, loving one another, and creating communities where everyone is valued and can contribute is necessary. In this video, the three pastors discuss the importance of building safe spaces for the community and serving one another. You will also hear from Ivan and Herman about how Mercy Community Church provides a place of belonging and has impacted their lives.
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Listen to Shawn Duncan, director of training and consulting for Focused Community Strategies (FCS). This faith-informed organization partners with specific neighborhoods in the urban core of Atlanta to develop more effective ways to address chronic material poverty. In this video, he talks about their cohort program, City Shapers, which translates over 40 years of expertise of FCS into practices and principles useful to other areas outside of Atlanta. Hear from Shawn and consultant David Park discuss authentic community engagement and long term development that prioritizes longtime residents.
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Meet Anthony Ramos who serves as an Adjunct Professor at Esperanza College in Philadelphia, PA. In this video he shares his story and discusses the various ways the college supports youth workers and pastors serving at the most at risk locations. Specifically, he details three major programs facilitated by the college, which ultimately equip pastors, youth workers, and individuals who have a passion for service, with the resources and support they need to do their work. He believes to build a better future it’s necessary to look at the systems that leave people on the margins and design resources that support all people thriving.
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FTE is primarily funded through foundational grants, investment income from those grants, and contributions from the FTE community.
Program Personnel
Administrative Personnel
Travel
Consultants
Conferences
Fellowships/Awards
Other Program Costs
Operations
FTE's ability to build a better future is only achievable thanks to the support of our generous donors and our extraordinary community. Through the ongoing generosity of those who share our mission and vision, we can channel resources into faith communities, theological institutions, and the emerging architects for a better future. If you've found inspiration in our dedication to and investment in future faith leaders, we humbly ask that you consider contributing to FTE. Your donation will help us expand our influence as we collaboratively build a better future for both the church and our communities.
Lilly Endowment, Inc. Indianapolis, IN
Soon Mee Kim
Stephen Lewis
Theodore L. Lockhart (Rev. Ted), in memory of Rev. Joe Brown Love
Andrea Perrett
Caroline Charles-May
Dr. James Weimer
Eddie Lowry, Jr.
Ernest Brooks
Shively Smith
Paul Bois
Darlene Hutto
Jordan Lassiter
Dr. Emilie Townes
Emmanuel Lartey, in memory of Katie Cannon
Jennifer Ikoma-Motzko
Jon and Amanda Bergstrom
Randy and Joy Nelson
Richard and Patricia Angel
Sharon Watson-Fluker
Christina Repoley
Diva Hicks
Joe Ella Darby
Melissa Scott
Raymond Ranker
Edward Boone
Dr. Monica A. Coleman
John Helmiere
Heather and Jamie Wallace
Elsie Barnhart
Kimberly Daniel
Patrick Reyes
Adam Bond
Dr. Christopher Angel
The Reverend Drs. Stephens and Carol Lytch
Allison Arsenault
Marlene Q. Underwood
Marquis White
Matthew Adams
Doug Black
Kenneth Theriault
Rich Sundeen, in memory of Stephen Richardson
Colin Mathewson
Heather Wallace
John Hershberger
Research Professor
University of Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
Partner
Isaacson, Miller
Washington, DC
Executive Presbyter
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
Author, Consultant
Seattle, WA
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Omnicom Public Relations Group
Atlanta, GA
Church Planter & Centre for Missional
Leadership Associate
St. Andrew’s
Hall
Vancouver, BC
Assistant Professor of New Testament
Boston University School of Theology
Boston, MA
Senior Principal Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, Schneider, & Stine, P.C.
Atlanta, GA
President & CEO
Children’s Defense Fund
Washington, DC
