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.
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.
05/27/2026
In March, the 2026 Collegiate and Congregational Cohorts of Discernment Labs gathered at Serenbe for their opening retreat.
Over the next year and a half, they'll dig into the FTE DISCERN Together Framework, learn the six disciplines of discernment that strengthen vocational accompaniment, and design projects to experiment with these practices in their unique communities.
We're excited to see how they'll innovate, grow, and bring clarity to the young adults they serve.
Whether you are a young adult wondering, “What’s next?”, a doctoral student navigating your academic vocation, or a ministry leader guiding others through discernment, DISCERNext is for you. Our online platform offers courses, mentorship, and a community ready to walk with you toward clarity and purpose.
Start your discernment journey by visiting fteleaders.org/discernext.
05/21/2026
Michael Jones Jr.'s words after the 2026 Discernment Labs: Congregational Cohort opening retreat remind us that even in times of change, our purpose is to curate spaces for the Spirit to move. Here, leaders find affirmation, connection, and a reminder that they belong to something greater.
Thank you, Michael, for participating and sharing your experience with us.
The church and world need capable, compassionate leaders. To ensure we have the kind of leaders who serve and shape a more hopeful world in every era, Christian leaders must cultivate leadership gifts across the whole church.
They must inspire and cultivate young leaders to pursue the worthy endeavor of making a difference in the world through Christian ministry and theological scholarship. Discernment is the first step.
Comment below and share your experience: how has FTE’s DISCERN Together Framework helped you pursue God’s calling in your own life and vocation?
05/19/2026
A proud moment for the FTE community.
Three-time FTE alum Terrence L. Johnson has been appointed Dean of Candler School of Theology at Emory University. From his work at Harvard to now leading 500+ students, his leadership continues to reflect a deep commitment to justice, partnership, and prophetic scholarship.
We’re cheering you on! Congratulations, Terrence!
05/16/2026
Theological education needs leaders who reflect the full breadth of the church. FTE's Discerning a Call to TheoEd Executive Leadership course equips underrepresented and underserved scholars and administrators for roles like Chief Academic Officer, Dean, and President.
Enrollment is open. Use THEOEDEXEC35 for 35% off until May 31, 2026. To enroll or get details, visit the link in our comments.
FTE is honored to announce the 2026 Doctoral Fellows—a new cohort of scholars whose work reflects the depth, promise, and diversity of theological education today. We're investing $35,000 per person to accompany them through rigorous formation as they strengthen their capacity to lead as theological educators and scholars in the church and academy.
These scholars will be accompanied by FTE through community, mentorship, and encouragement as they deepen their calling to the life of the mind. Their work matters. Their voices matter. And we're grateful to walk alongside them.
Please join us in celebrating the 2026 Doctoral Fellows by dropping a word of encouragement in the comments below. ⬇️
05/14/2026
Imagine spending four days with a diverse group of peers who are asking the same questions you are. Who am I? What is God calling me to? How can I lead faithfully?
That’s DISCERN: A retreat for young adults ready to explore their vocation seriously and discover how their leadership changes everything.
Apply to attend or nominate a young leader at the link in our comments.