ATLANTA, May 28, 2009 – Joseph M. Kolar, a Lasallian Volunteers participant and an entering Master of Divinity student at the University of Notre Dame, has been recognized as a young leader who demonstrates exceptional gifts for ministry by The Fund for Theological Education (FTE). He will receive a 2009 FTE Volunteers Exploring Vocation Fellowship, which includes $2,500 for educational expenses and attendance at the FTE Conference on Excellence in Ministry, “Becoming Rich toward God: Pastoral Leadership and Economic Justice,” June 17-21 at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va.
FTE awards fellowships to talented undergraduate and seminary students—selected competitively from a pool of applicants from across the U.S. and Canada—who have intellectual and interpersonal gifts for pastoral leadership. The 2009 FTE Volunteers Exploring Vocation Fellows were chosen by a national committee of theological educators and church leaders.
FTE awards the fellowships, which are funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., to increase the number of highly capable young people exploring or preparing for ordained ministry as a profession. Fewer than seven percent of clergy in most denominations today are under age 35, and interest among seminary students in congregational ministry has declined over the past five years.
“In today’s economy, the need to support young people who aspire to serve the church and the common good is an essential investment,” said the Rev. Ellen Echols Purdum, director of FTE Ministry Fellowships. “Congregations and entire communities need the intellect, leadership gifts and compassion that these candidates will bring to local challenges, spiritual, social and economic.”
The Fund for Theological Education is a leading ecumenical advocate for excellence and diversity in pastoral ministry and theological scholarship. It supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, annually providing $1.5 million in fellowships and support to gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Since 1954, FTE has awarded nearly 6,000 fellowships in partnership with those committed to the future of quality leadership for the church. For more information about FTE fellowships, visit www.thefund.org.