June 27, 2008

The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) in Atlanta, GA has recognized Lindsey J. De Kruif, an entering Master of Divinity student at Western Theological Seminary, as a young leader who demonstrates exceptional gifts for ministry.

As a recipient of a 2008 FTE Congregational Fellowship, De Kruif will receive a $2,000-$5,000 award for tuition and expenses, which matches support from her nominating congregation, the Chandler Reformed Church of Chandler, MN. The Congregational Fellows attended the 2008 FTE Conference on Excellence in Ministry June 11-15 at Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta.

"Through my participation in the conference, I was given a unique opportunity to meet students from a wide variety of denominational backgrounds who hope to serve God and His people in ministry," says Lindsey De Kruif. "My experiences at the conference gave me new questions to ask about the Church and ministry, particularly about the diversity in the Church."

FTE Congregational Fellows are selected competitively from a pool of applicants from across the U.S. and Canada by a national committee of theological educators and church leaders. They must be nominated by a congregation, be preparing for parish ministry, have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0, and have intellectual and interpersonal gifts for pastoral leadership.

The Fund for Theological Education awards the fellowships annually as part of its objective to increase the  number of highly capable young people preparing for ordained ministry as a profession.

"I am very honored to receive this award and grateful to my home congregation for supporting me," says De Kruif. "I am excited to be coming to WTS this fall and to see where God will lead me."