When I first learned about the Fellows Program, it felt like an answer to a prayer I hadn't even fully articulated yet -- shortly after I experienced the first nudges of a call to ministry, I heard about the program. I decided to join as a first step in my discernment process, to get to see and experience firsthand what it is like to work in a church/ministry. During the program, I led bible studies, served as a lector and chalicer at the 5PM service, helped with the seniors' luncheon, and visited elderly parishioners in their homes. My time as a fellow confirmed and strengthened my call to the priesthood, and I am excited to be starting a seminary program in the fall!
Lindsey Hepler (Seminary student at General Theological Seminary)
I was a Fellow back in 2011, after graduating from UVA and finishing up a two-year stint with Teach For America. At the time, I was feeling pretty unsure about my own place in the world and I was looking for a year to take a breath, be around a thriving church community, and consider my next steps—the Fellows Program offered that and more. I had the chance to deepen friendships, develop a language around my faith and theology and, most importantly, to just have fun. I came out of that year feeling like I hit the pressure release valve—AND I met my future wife! Holy smokes did that year deliver the goods...
At the time I was curious about whether or not I was called to ordination, and the Fellows Program helped me see that there are many ways to be a theologian and minister, which is how I got to today, working in town as a mental health clinician, where I have the privilege of helping others experience the pressure release valve. I will be ever grateful for the year I had to bask in the kindness and generosity of God's love.
Ethan Richardson, Mental Health Clinician
I felt pretty directionless during my fourth year as I embarked on the job search. I was scatter-shot applying to entry-level jobs, and in interviews I had a hard time pretending I wanted to join these random companies. I had double-majored in politics and religious studies, and I loved studying and understanding people's beliefs and wanted a place where I could dive deeper into that. And I'd found a relieving, energizing home in the Christ Church 5PM service. So the Fellows Program seemed like it might be the right next step for me.
The Fellows Program provided an environment that was the embodiment of grace for this slightly neurotic 22-year-old high achiever. It informed much of what I believe about the Gospel, and how it applies to the world I live in. But it also allowed me to explore so many facets of the church: jail ministry, women's Bible study, senior luncheons, church staff meetings, mission trips, fundraising, arts ministry. It taught me the breadth of what a church can offer the community. It also gave me space to explore what I wanted in my life and in work.
I'm not sure I'd understand quite how much a church community could offer me before joining the Fellows Program. I also think that being a Fellow gave me a new perspective as I entered more traditional jobs about what really matters to me.
Mary Gray Johnson, Lead Consultant for Frontier Business Consulting
