Calling Congregations is a national, ecumenical effort to encourage and equip churches to play a leading role in the vocational discernment of young men and women-and to increase the number of gifted young people considering ordained ministry as a profession.

"These grants support innovative ways in which congregations embrace responsibility for the conversation about vocation and inspire a new generation to explore discernment of their call," said Jim Goodmann, FTE Calling Congregations regional director and grant program administrator. "Finding those who will lead the church tomorrow begins with offering space for that conversation today with the young people in our midst."

Calling Congregations seeks to establish a national network of 500 congregational and church-related partners by 2009. With this goal in mind, FTE offers regional workshops and national conferences, teaching tools and up to 40 fellowships annually that match a congregation's financial support toward seminary tuition for a young person in their community.

The Fund for Theological Education is an ecumenical advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. It supports the next generation of pastors and scholars, annually providing $1.5 million in fellowships and a network of support for gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. For more information about FTE, visit www.thefund.org .