We are Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE). Headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Learn more by visiting www.fteleaders.org
We believe that diverse, young Christian leaders will affect the church’s future, vitality and social relevance. These leaders in ministry make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Every community needs capable, compassionate Christian leaders who serve the common good, strive for justice, build up the community, share the Gospel and ultimately do the church’s work in the world.
06/19/2026
Juneteenth marks a powerful moment in history, the delayed but enduring realization of freedom for enslaved African Americans. It stands as both a celebration of liberation and a reminder of the work still ahead.
During this holiday, FTE celebrates religious scholars, pastors, and leaders, recognizing the courage they bring to building a more inclusive and hopeful future for the church, the academy, and communities of faith around the world.
06/16/2026
Mentoring emerging leaders is sacred work, and it often goes under-resourced. Our Ministry Exploration & Mentoring Grant is designed to support mentors like you, whether you're walking alongside one mentee or building a cohort of young adults discerning their calling.
We've compiled answers to common questions about who qualifies and how to apply, but the real question is whether this grant can help you accompany your mentees more faithfully. Explore the details and click below to learn more.
06/14/2026
The church needs inspiring young adults to answer the call to ministry. But the barriers are substantial: the cost of seminary, the challenge of finding denominational belonging, an uncertain landscape for congregational ministry, and an ordination process that too often feels designed to discourage rather than support.
And yet the call persists. It's real, and it matters.
Our foundational work in vocational discernment is rooted in this conviction. We support emerging leaders to affirm their calling, equip them with evidence-based practices for discernment, and help them determine their next most faithful step forward, even when traditional pathways feel inaccessible.
The barriers are real. The call is also real. And leaders don't have to navigate this alone.
What's been true in your own vocational journey? We'd love to hear from you! Share your story in the comments or send us a private DM.
Meet the 2026 FTE Ministry Fellows!
These students are leaders in their churches, campuses, and communities. They're asking deep questions about calling. They're curious, committed, and about to embark on a journey of vocational discernment that will shape their futures and the futures of the faith communities they serve.
Welcome to the 2026 cohort!
Are you ready to explore your next most faithful step?
DISCERNext is our online learning platform for young adults and doctoral students discerning Christian vocations, as well as for ministry leaders accompanying others in seasons of meaning, purpose, and call.
Explore courses: https://fteleaders.org/discernext
Ready to guide young adults with greater clarity and confidence?
Leading & Practicing Vocational Discernment is a 5-week online course designed for ministry leaders who accompany emerging adults as they explore meaning, purpose, and their next faithful step.
This course is designed for those who have already completed the Art & Science of Vocational Discernment course or who are familiar with the content. Learn the DISCERN Together Framework and practical tools you can implement right away, alongside a cohort of peers doing the same work.
Early enrollment is open now. Save 30% with code FTEEarly30 (valid through June 30). Link in comments below to get started.
06/04/2026
Theological schools need leaders with vision and courage.
Change happens when leaders step forward. Whether as a dean, chief academic officer, or president, executive leadership shapes institutional culture, curriculum, and the formation of future ministers and scholars.
Discerning a Call to TheoEd Executive Leadership is a 4-week online course for faculty, scholars, and administrators in theological education exploring this calling. Designed for underrepresented and underserved leaders, this program gathers peers for cohort-based learning focused on vocational clarity, institutional vision, and your next faithful step.
Enrollment closes July 5th. Tap the link in our comments below to get started.
06/01/2026
Applications close TODAY for our discernment retreat, September 24–27, 2026, in Peachtree City, GA. This four-day gathering brings together emerging leaders for focused time on faithful vocational discernment.
You'll engage in practices and conversations designed to help you understand your purpose and next faithful steps, surrounded by peers asking the same questions.
Apply today before applications close at the link below.
https://fteleaders.org/events/discern
05/29/2026
We're celebrating former 2024 & 2025 FTE Fellow Richard X, III, as he completed his Ph.D. in ethics at Fordham University. His dissertation, "Born in Prison: Black Religion, Black Pessimism, and A Paradigmatic Analysis of Mass Incarceration," reflects the kind of faithful scholarship FTE exists to support. Congratulations, Dr. X!
You know discernment matters. But how do you guide it? The Leading & Practicing Vocational Discernment course teaches you the DISCERN Together Framework, a seven-step method to accompany emerging leaders exploring their purpose, passion, and call. Learn to implement all seven steps in your unique context and support young adults in their next most faithful step.
Applications Open: 5/27/26
30% Off Discount from May 27 - June 30 with Code: FTEEarly30
This course is for those who have completed the Art & Science of Vocational Discernment Course or who are already familiar with FTE and our framework.
Enroll now and master the framework at the link in the comments below.