Revamped Episcopal Church Foundation Fellowship Partners Program calls for applicants
Episcopal News Service. January 9, 2007 [010907-03]
Daphne Mack
The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) recently announced a call for applications to its newly recreated Fellowship Partners Program.
Historically, the Fellowship Partners Program provides financial support to scholars planning teaching careers in theological education. In its new state, a transformational ministry has been added to develop and nurture lay and clergy leaders and applications will be accepted from candidates throughout the Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion.
"Building upon a heritage of more than 40 years of supporting theological scholarship, our new Fellowship Partners Program is intended to develop and nurture lay and clergy leaders to empower people at the congregational grassroots levels for mission and ministry," said Donald V. Romanik, president of ECF.
A transformational ministry is considered to be one that is at the grassroots or congregational level, and one which will change individuals, groups, or communities in positive ways, impacting their ability to see and use God's gifts, bringing them into a closer relationship with God. Transformational ministries will bring about measurable change and should serve as models that can be used in different settings. Examples include pilot projects in an emerging area of congregational development, adaptations of existing programs in new locations, or the development and testing of resources designed for congregational or community use.
"The entire Foundation is trying to support under-resourced people," said Antoinette (Toni) Daniels, ECF's director of Learning and Leadership, who will supervise the program. "We wanted to come out of the ivory tower, which is where we were as just the doctoral program, and now sit next to the person in the pew. We want the program to transform someone's life."
There are three fellowships available ranging from $5,000 - $20,000.
A key component of the new program, said Daniels, is partnership.
"Fellows will share their knowledge, experience and best practices with the wider Church in practical ways, be it some form of service, publications, workshops, or presentations," she said.
Special consideration would be given to candidates working in locations with limited resources or among underserved communities, and to those engaged in a course of study with the potential to impact congregations, address a recognized shortage area, or is one in which the Episcopal Church needs to develop expertise, explained Daniels.
"I think that people should be imaginative, creative and innovative with what they come up with and really be willing to take it beyond where it is and be willing to pass it on," said Daniels.
The application deadline is March 15, 2007. Full details about the Fellowship awards, eligibility, application requirements, and online applications are available on the Foundation's website here. For questions call Daniels at 212-716-6209.