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FTE Ministry Fellowship
A one-year fellowship for sophomore and junior college students interested in deepening their vocational discernment and implementing discernment practices with their peers
DurationMarch 2026 - August 2027; Atlanta
Forum for Theological Exploration
Cultivating Leaders for the Church and Academy
The Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) is a leadership incubator that inspires young people to make a difference through Christian communities. Since our founding in 1954, FTE has provided resources, events, networks, grants, and fellowships to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders, pastors, and theological educators. FTE provides a forum through which young adults, doctoral students, and ministry partners can explore their purpose, passion, and call.
Doctoral
FTE supports the next generation of underrepresented and underserved theological educators through funding, networking, and professional development opportunities. Learn more about how we can support your doctoral journey and exploration of leadership in theological education.
Ministry Partners
FTE has supported thousands of organizational partners through grantmaking, convening, and coordination efforts. Discover more about the experiences, opportunities, and financial support we provide to ministry leaders, helping to create environments where diverse, inclusive, and equitable approaches to vocational discernment for young adults are both feasible and sustainable.
Young Adults
We are committed to guiding the next generation of young adults as they explore their vocation in pastoral ministry and envision themselves as innovative leaders within Christian communities. Learn more about how FTE can support you on your discernment journey.
A launchpad for exploring your next most faithful step
DISCERNext is FTE’s digital learning platform that offers online courses for young adults and doctoral students imagining different vocational pathways, and for ministry partners accompanying young adults discerning meaning and purpose, and God’s call in their lives.
Featured Programs
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Doctoral Fellowships
Financial support, mentorship, and a community for under-resourced and underrepresented Ph.D. and Th.D. students who have completed the coursework stage
DurationApril 2026 - May 2027
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Discerning a Call to Doctoral Studies
A course for under-resourced and underrepresented individuals considering a Ph.D. in Religious/Theological Studies
DurationFebruary 2026 - March 2026
Discernment Labs
An 18-month program designed for those who accompany young adults
DurationCollegiate and Congregational Cohorts: March 2026 - September 2027; Church-Related Organizations Cohorts: TBD
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The Art and Science of Vocational Discernment
A course designed for ministry leaders who accompany young adults in exploring meaning and purpose
DurationTBD
Discerning a Call to TheoEd Executive Leadership
A course for underrepresented and underserved faculty, scholars, and administrators in theological education and religious studies interested in executive leadership at a theological school
DurationJuly 2026 - August 2026