Program Details and Fellow Requirements The Collegeville Institute Fellows Program, funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, is comprised of 12 fellows who are accomplished seminary-educated pastoral leaders, ordained or lay, in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and who have approximately 5 to 15 years of experience, with 20 or more years to give in ministry to church and community. The first cohort of fellows committed to convening 8 times over a period of 22 months with leaders of other professions in Minnesota who have a high stake in contributing to the fabric of public life in the state. They gathered with other professionals to engage the following topics: The Changing Face of Minnesota and Its Implications for the Future Business and the Future of Minnesota’s Economy Criminal Justice in Minnesota Education and the Achievement Gap in Minnesota The Challenges of Healthcare in Minnesota Poverty in Minnesota Meet the 2015-17 Collegeville Institute Fellows » View the schedule and list of guest presenters for the 2015-17 cohort » Hear the voices of Collegeville Institute Fellows » I could not be more grateful for my experience as a Collegeville Institute Fellow. The phenomenal opportunity to hear from leading figures in society today was surpassed only by the rare opportunity to delve into deep conversations with strangers who quickly became lifelong friends. This program is unique; I would recommend it to any ministry leader looking to grow their public voice in the world. — Lauren Morse-Wendt The 2013-15 Collegeville Institute Fellows: Participated in an ecumenical colleague group of 12 individuals for 22 months, and created a support system which will hopefully last long past the close of the fellowship program. Attended eight cohort meetings, two at the beautiful, lakeside apartments of the Collegeville Institute, and six at the Minnesota Humanities Center, a restored architectural landmark near Lake Phalen in St. Paul, that features comfortable hotel rooms with private baths and delicious meals prepared by their executive chef. Heard from civic and professional leaders and experts on key cultural issues. Sharpened their skills at social analysis and theological reflection. Expanded their horizons concerning the community for which they see themselves responsible as leaders and thus expanded their visions of themselves as pastoral leaders. Gained the confidence to become active participants in conversations about matters of public import both within and outside the congregations/parishes they serve. Planned and executed a pastoral project of their choosing for their congregation/parish or community. Received a $4,000 stipend.
