FTE is a leading advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry. Our work supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars—by providing fellowships and a network of support to gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. We also serve as a resource for educational and faith communities, to help them encourage highly capable candidates to explore vocations in ministry and teaching.
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Most major Christian denominations face a looming shortage of clergy to serve congregations and parishes as today's clergy retire. Fewer than seven percent of clergy in mainline denominations today are under the age of 35. At the same time, compared with previous generations, fewer seminary students today plan to be ordained, and only about one-third plan to serve a congregation. FTE helps identify and support the future church leaders our society needs.
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African Americans and other racial/ethnic groups are significantly underrepresented among the faculties of the nation's theological schools. More than 60 percent of seminaries report that racial/ethnic faculty are underrepresented or not represented at all. Students, churches and communities need educators and leaders who reflect the diversity of those they serve, and who can build understanding in our multicultural society. That's why the Fund leads initiatives to increase the number of students from racial/ethnic groups pursuing doctoral degrees in religion or theology. Today, nearly two-thirds of the African-American scholars serving in theological education are FTE Fellows.
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Click the following links to go straight to information about the various fellowships offered by and through FTE:

• Fellowships for current college sophomores and juniors
• Fellowships for students entering M. Div. programs
• Fellowships for African-American doctoral and dissertation students
• Fellowships for racial/ethnic doctoral students
• Matching-fund fellowships for congregation-nominated students
• Other fellowships

We can point you toward people, programs and information to help you on your journey. If you are a high school, undergraduate or entering seminary student, contact Melissa Wiginton. If you are an African-American doctoral student or doctoral student from another underrepresented racial/ethnic group, contact Sharon Watson Fluker.
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Yes. Our staff regularly speaks to congregations and community organizations about the need for highly capable young people to consider ministry and teaching. To find a speaker on the program that is right for you, please read about our staff and contact us!
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You'll find a database that will let you search theological schools on our site. For more information about each school, you can go directly to that seminary's web site from there.
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Please contact Sharon Watson Fluker, Vice President for Doctoral Programs and Administration.
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We offer a range of programs for congregations, including consultations, workshops, conferences and even matching funds to help send a young church member to a first year of seminary. For details, read about programs for congregations or contact our staff.
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FTE needs strong voices and financial support to advocate at many levels for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and teaching. There are many ways to get involved—through programs, networking, and giving. Please contact Linda McKenzie, FTE Development Associate.
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The work of FTE depends on financial support from foundations, organizations, congregations, and individuals. Among our current donors are Lilly Endowment Inc., The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, The Henry Luce Foundation, and The William Randolph Hearst Foundation.
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