Strengthen Christian ministry in the world by strengthening the quality of its leadership.

At The Fund for Theological Education, our mission is to call and cultivate a new generation of leaders to serve the church and world.

Quality leadership in ministry makes a difference in people's lives every day. Every community needs capable, compassionate Christian leaders who serve the common good, strive for justice, build up the community and share the Gospel.   We invite you to join this growing, ecumenical movement to support future pastors, those who teach them and the communities that call them.

In 1954, leading educators, clergy and philanthropists joined together to form The Fund for Theological Education out of common concern that the quality of those entering the ministry had declined and that highly talented students were too often choosing other careers.

They believed—as we do today—that this trend could leave congregations across North America without the strong leaders they need, now and in the decades to come. They believed that our shared faith deserves the best possible leadership that the Christian church can put forward. 

Supported by the vision of donors and partners, FTE resolved to do something about it.

Strengthening Leadership, Strengthening the Christian Church

We help congregations and denominations find ways to support young men and women with leadership gifts for ministry and teaching. We also seek partners who share a commitment to excellence and diversity in the next generation of pastors and scholars. FTE aims to awaken the larger community to the invaluable contributions of today's pastoral leaders and educators and the good they do every day.

The goal: To strengthen Christian ministry by strengthening the quality of its leadership.