APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
FTE provides support to young leaders interested in exploring ministry as a vocation and connects them with congregations within communities they want to serve. Young adults are given the chance to expand their view of what they might do through the church, learn more about innovative ecclesial models of ministry, and create a meaningful mentoring relationship.
Recipients will receive a $1,000 grant to develop a Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Project. Eligible applicants must be residents of the US or Canada and have participated in either an FTE discernment retreat, online course for young adults, or the Christian Leadership Forum. Applicants must identify a sponsoring organization to assist them and hold them accountable. It is encouraged that applicants submit their proposals by the first deadline after their FTE event participation.
“ This experience gave me a vision of ministry that I would actually want to be a part of: justice-focused, brave, loving. ” Past Recipient
Eligible applicants must be residents of the US or Canada and have participated in either an FTE discernment retreat, online course for young adults, or the Christian Leadership Forum. Applicants must identify a sponsoring organization to assist them and hold them accountable. It is encouraged that applicants submit their proposals by the first deadline after their FTE event participation.
Young people exploring their call need opportunities to learn how church leaders and faith communities are participating in God’s work in the world. These funds provide opportunities for young adults to:
- Create a project to explore ministry as a vocation,
- Expand their view of what they might do through the church,
- Learn more about traditional and innovative ecclesial models of ministry,
- Connect with congregations within communities the applicant wants to serve, and
- Create a meaningful mentoring relationship with a pastoral leader.
Applicants must be a US citizen, Canadian citizen or permanent resident of either country.
Yes! Applicants can collaborate with other discernment retreat and Christian Leadership Forum participants on a proposal idea.
A complete application includes:
Please Note: If awarded, changes to the project budget and proposal plan can be made but only with the approval of FTE. Don't hesitate to reach out to and revise a plan if COVID or anything else disrupts the initial proposal. FTE is here as a partner to help you discern how this project best assists your ministry exploration even during difficult times.
Although there may be more, we’ve found the following four types of projects to be successful. Decide which of the following types is most applicable to you, and then recruit a conversation partner (peer, pastor, FTE retreat leader, etc.). We highly encourage you to reach out to FTE staff to discuss your idea before completing your application.
The Pilgrimage: I want to visit several pastoral leaders and/or communities doing the type of ministry I am interested in. Both virtual and in-person visits are possibilities. Please use discretion deciding which to do based on the current pandemic landscape Example:
The Mini-Internship: I want to explore ministry alongside one pastoral leader and/or community doing the kind of ministry that interests me. Both virtual and in-person visits are possibilities. Please use discretion deciding which to do based on the current pandemic landscape. Example:
Connecting with a ministry network focused on a specific aspect of ministry I’m interested in learning more about. I need more time around other young adults who are exploring this aspect of ministry and engaging in practices of discernment. I want to go to a network gathering or training that helps people network and learn about a particular aspect of ministry. Please use discretion deciding which to do based on the current pandemic landscape. Example:
Learning more about a topic: (and sharing it with others) I want to explore a cause (e.g., food justice, the environment, anti-racism training) or some specific intervention congregations could use (e.g., art therapy, hip hop aesthetic) and consider how I would engage a faith community in it. Please use discretion deciding which to do based on the current pandemic landscape. Example:
Applicants may apply to do a one-year Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Project of $1,000 per person. Awarded proposals must begin within 3 months of receiving the award.
Each recipient is required to complete the following within one month of completing their Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Project:
Recipients will receive a notification within 40 days of the application deadline.
Please contact Heather B.P. Wallace or send a message to us on our contact page.