Future Leader Fellowship
The Future Leader Fellowship helps a promising seminary student finish a master’s degree. It is not a one-time scholarship. A Fellow is chosen during the first year of seminary, and we assist through the last two years, helping with expenses and acting as a partner when problems arise, from a laptop that needs repair to trouble with a student visa.
Our aim is to help prepare Christian leaders for the places that need them, and to stay beside them as they begin their ministry.
Who May Apply
Students in the first year of a master’s program at a seminary. Most Master of Divinity programs take three years, so the Fellowship covers the second and third. We look for students who already show a record of initiative in their church or community, who work well with people, and who are ready to roll up their sleeves. We give preference to students who are already working part-time, or whose families are contributing what they can.
What We Ask of a Fellow
A Fellow uses every other resource available first: savings, help from family, work-study at the school, and scholarships from the school or a church. The Fellowship covers what remains.
A Fellow keeps a Future Leader Circle on this website and posts an update at least once a month, in writing, a photo, or a video, so that the people who support the Fellowship can follow the Fellow’s progress and talk with them.
After graduation, we hope our Fellows stay in touch through their Circle. Many will not join an established organization, and when a Fellow’s new ministry has a project that needs prayer and support, we may help raise it. Our first Fellow is starting a goat farm with his church in Kathmandu, to give church members work and the church a steady income.
How the Fellowship Is Funded
The cost of a Fellowship depends on the school: two years can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000. The Fellowship is paid for entirely from contributions. We do not commit to a student until the money for that student is in hand. We accept applications now and review them as funds become available.
We cannot do this without financial help from others. If you would like to help a future Christian leader finish seminary, please consider a gift. You choose where your gift goes.
Apply for the Fellowship
Tell us about yourself and your studies, and write an essay explaining why you are the right person for this Fellowship. Please do not include financial account numbers, identity numbers, or anything you would not want kept on file.
What Happens Next
If you are chosen for the next level of review, expect to be asked for two references and some other information to help us know your reputation and character. Something of concern in your background does not necessarily disqualify you, but we will ask you to explain it. We believe God allows careers to be reestablished and reset; the apostle Paul is one example.