The Ministry Track supports emerging Episcopal leaders who are developing ministry initiatives that strengthen congregational life, deepen spiritual formation, expand community engagement, or foster creative approaches to mission.
Applications to the 2026 ECF Fellowship Class are now closed. Applications to the 2027 class will open in November 2026.
What Fellows Receive
Ministry Fellows receive seed funding, relational support from ECF staff, connections with peer leaders across the Fellows network, and opportunities to share insights and learnings from their projects with the wider Church.
Who Should Apply
Ideal applicants are actively engaged in ministry at the congregational, community, diocesan, or grassroots level. Projects may be new initiatives or adaptations of existing models suited to different contexts. Strong applicants demonstrate leadership skills, practical experience in their ministry area, and a desire to serve to the broader Church.
Projects may include (but are not limited to):
- New or experimental forms of congregational development methods
- Innovative approaches to formation, evangelism, or community partnerships
- Adaptations of existing programs for new settings or audiences
- Development and testing of ministry resources for congregational or community use
Strong applicants are those who:
- Exhibit confidence in their ministry focus
- Clearly communicate their vocational vision and sense of calling
- Understand practical implications for the Church
- Commit to sharing their research with Episcopal communities
- Address issues such as inclusive leadership, community expansion, racial justice, or creation care, aligning with the Foundation’s goals outlined in the “What We Stand For” section on ECF’s Purpose, Mission, and Vision
What We Expect from Applicants
Applicants should submit:
- A clear outline of their proposed ministry or project
- An explanation of how the project will develop leaders or strengthen communities
- A plan for how the wider Church will benefit from their findings
- A method for capturing and sharing lessons learned, experience, or best practices
- Any other relevant application materials (please refer to the application linked below)