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Innovation Grants Awarded to Cultivate Next Generation of Church Leaders

FTE names six latest recipients of “Cultures of Call” grants

ATLANTA

, June 3, 2010 –The Fund for Theological Education (FTE)today awarded more than $50,000 in “Cultures of Call” grants to ﬁve local congregations andone faith-based organization to create innovative ways to cultivate future leaders.Selected from a national pool of proposals, these six programs are the newestadditions to an ecumenical Calling Congregations partnership designed by FTE toencourage vocational discovery in local churches.“We encourage congregations tobe intentional and innovative in supporting andmentoring young people as they explore what it means to be ‘called’ – a process wecall Vocation Care,” said Jim Goodmann, FTE Calling Congregations Regional Directorand Grant Program Administrator. “Our hope is that Vocation Care—a commitment tocall forth and sustain talented leaders to renew the church—will become a way of lifefor congregations enabling full participation in their call: to be living witnesses for thenext generation to a vibrant Christian faith, and those who live creatively into thequestions of vocation.”Since the program launched in 2007 with funding from Lilly Endowment, Inc., FTE hasawarded more than $450,000 inCultures of Call grants. The Fund invitescongregations and other groups to submit letters of intent for the next grant cycle bySeptember 1, 2010.The six new FTE Cultures of Call grant recipients are:

Cornerstone Church of San Diego- $10,000 for E.Q.U.I.P. (Empowered, Quality,Uniﬁed, Inspired and Passionate) Leadership Development Program,

which focuseson helping young Christians discover and develop their God-given vocation. Itenhances abilities to reach out to peers and share Christian faith through training andmentoring, annual retreats and one-day workshops.

Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship(FGBCF), State of Illinois Women’s Division- $9,989.00 for the New Discerners Division

, a partnership by FGBF with threecongregations to create space for a comprehensive discernment experience for youngwomen, ages 20-34, that nurtures their call to ministry.

Grace Lutheran Church,River Forest, IL - $7,690.00 for Grace Works!

Grace willnurture and support high school youth as they identify emerging gifts for ministry andservice, envision a change they want to see in the world, and form the necessaryrelationships required for that change. Older adult members of the congregation willaccompany youth in service and reﬂection.