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The Congregational Fellowship enables a congregation to provide significant financial aid for a student during his or her first year of seminary. This matching grant program doubles a congregation's investment in the theological education of a young person whose call to ministry it has helped to cultivate.

Congregational Fellowships are for students entering their first year in a full-time Master of Divinity program. To be considered, they must be nominated by a congregation.

Here is how the program works

• The nominating congregation commits $2,000 - $5,000 toward the cost of the student's first year.
• If the student is selected as a Fellow, FTE matches the congregation's commitment dollar for dollar.

The fellowship substantially reduces the cost of a student's first year in seminary, covering tuition and most living expenses. More importantly, it enables a congregation to provide a tangible expression of abundant support and confidence in a young person's calling as he or she takes a significant step toward becoming a minister.

Congregational Fellows must be preparing to enter the first year of a full-time Master of Divinity program in the fall at a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. (You're not eligible if you're already enrolled for an M.Div., M.T.S., Th.M. or M.A. degree.) You must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen 35 years of age or younger.

Congregational Fellows must be nominated by a congregation. A candidate's nomination should be submitted by the congregation that will make the financial commitment required for the fellowship.

Congregational Fellows receive an award from FTE to match the amount provided by their nominating congregations.

Each Fellow also attends the FTE Conference on Excellence in Ministry in the summer before the fellowship year. A stipend is provided for conference travel and expenses.

(Please note that attendance at the conference is a requirement of the fellowship.)

Up to 40 Congregational Fellows will be named for the upcoming academic year. Limit of five Fellows per seminary.

Application forms for the 2008-2009 fellowship year are now available for download. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2008.

Click here for suggestions about approaching your home congregation for financial support through The FTE Congregational Fellowship.

Read more for tips on securing helpful letters of reference.

The 2008 FTE Conference on Excellence in Ministry will be held June 11 – 15, 2008 at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, GA.