FTE Ministry Fellowship
Offered by Forum for Theological Exploration
About This Scholarship
The Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) has spent decades identifying young Christian leaders and helping them discern whether pastoral ministry is their calling. Its Ministry Fellowship selects college sophomores and juniors who are seriously exploring a vocation in ministry and gives them a $4,000 grant to design and carry out their own ministry exploration project, alongside a structured year of discernment with a national peer cohort.
The fellowship is more than a check. Fellows attend opening and closing retreats, complete a six-week online course, and work with FTE staff and mentors to test their sense of call in a real ministry context. The grant funds the project each fellow proposes — anything from a summer serving a congregation to a research or service initiative connected to pastoral leadership.
Candidates cannot simply self-nominate: the application starts with a letter of nomination or recommendation from a campus minister, university chaplain, pastor, or professor, followed by written reflections and a short interview with FTE staff. A 3.5 GPA and U.S. or Canadian citizenship or permanent residency are required.
Eligibility
- College sophomore or junior during the 2026-2027 academic year
- Exploring a vocation in pastoral ministry
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Available for the opening and closing retreats and a six-week online course
- Nominated or recommended by a campus minister, chaplain, pastor, or professor
How To Apply
- Secure a nomination letter or recommendation from a campus minister, university chaplain, pastor, or professor
- Complete the application form, including three reflection responses of at least 150 words each
- Participate in a brief phone or Zoom interview with FTE staff
- Submit everything by the January 15 deadline (applications open October 1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to commit to becoming a pastor?
No. The fellowship is built for discernment — it funds a year of structured exploration so you can test whether pastoral ministry is your calling before committing to seminary.
What does the $4,000 actually pay for?
The grant funds the ministry exploration project you propose during the fellowship year, developed with FTE's support after your proposal is approved.
Can seniors or graduate students apply?
No. The fellowship targets college sophomores and juniors, giving them time to act on what they learn before graduation.