News

Award Supports Future Leaders in Ministry

ATLANTA, June 9, 2010 – Dominique F. Corriveau and Jennifer M. Scott, entering Master of Divinity students at Regent College, have been recognized as young leaders who demonstrate exceptional gifts for ministry by The Fund for Theological Education (FTE).
As recipients of a 2010 FTE Congregational Fellowship, Corriveau and Scott will each receive a $1,000 to $5,000 award from FTE, matching support from their nominating congregations for seminary tuition and living expenses. They also attend the FTE Leaders in Ministry Conference held in June at the Boston University School of Theology.

A national committee of theological educators and church leaders select the FTE Congregational Fellows from a pool of applicants from across the U.S. and Canada. Students must be nominated by a congregation, be preparing for congregational or parish ministry, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and have intellectual and interpersonal gifts for pastoral leadership. Corriveau was nominated by Reverend Michael Murray, Pastor at United Christian Assembly in Jericho, VT. Scott was nominated by Reverend Alf Halvorson, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem in Bethlehem, PA.

FTE awards the fellowships to foster quality leadership and inclusive excellence in pastoral ministry. Fewer than seven percent of clergy in most denominations today are under age 35, and interest among seminary students in congregational ministry has declined in recent years, underscoring the need for leadership development among students from diverse backgrounds. The awards are funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Henry Luce Foundation.

"These exceptional students see ministry as a compelling path to serve others, to renew the church and to create change in the world," said Kim Hearn, director of FTE Ministry Fellowships. "They bring intellect and compassion to community challenges of every type—spiritual, educational, social and economic."

FTE supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, annually awarding $1.5 million in fellowships and offering a network of support to gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Since 1954, FTE has awarded more than 6,000 fellowships; its alumni serve congregations, schools and communities around the world. For more information, visit www.fteleaders.org.