Program Details & Requirements The Collegeville Institute Rural Minnesota Fellows Program, funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, is comprised of 12 fellows who are accomplished seminary-educated pastoral leaders in greater Minnesota, and who have approximately 5 to 15 years of experience, with 20 or more years to give in ministry to church and community. The fellows commit 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 will gather with other professionals to engage topics such as: The Changing Face of Minnesota and Its Implications for the Future The Rural Economy Immigration as an Opportunity and a Challenge Health Care in Rural Minnesota View the schedule for the 2021-23 cohort » The Rural Fellows Program was one of the best continuing education experiences I have had and I learned so much. I found the sessions to be safe spaces where we could honestly talk about the realities of ministry. As a new resident to a rural community, much of the factual information provided by the speakers was new to me. I now feel like I am a more competent conversation partner in my community.” — Jeanette McCormick, 2017-19 cohort The Collegeville Institute Rural Minnesota Fellows will: Participate in an ecumenical colleague group of 12 individuals for 22 months Attend eight cohort meetings, staying twice at the beautiful lakeside apartments of the Collegeville Institute and six times at Saint John’s Abbey equally lovely Guesthouse in Collegeville, MN Hear from civic and professional leaders and experts on key cultural issues Sharpen their skills at social analysis and theological reflection Expand their horizons concerning their rural Minnesota communities and their visions of themselves as pastoral leaders Gain confidence to become active participants in conversations about matters of public import both within and outside the congregations/parishes they serve Plan a pastoral project for their congregation or community Receive $4,000 in stipends over the period of the program, and have all travel costs relating to meetings covered by the Collegeville Institute Build a support system lasting past the Rural Minnesota Fellows Program
