By Lauren Lamb
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has selected Adrienne Osborne, ministry intern at First Baptist Bristol, Tenn. and Jerry Walker, lead pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church of Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas as the 2026 Vestal Scholars.
Established in 2011 in honor of former CBF Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal and his wife, Earlene, the Fellowship’s premier scholarship reflects CBF’s commitment to theological education and the development of young Baptist leaders. Awarded annually, the Vestal Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a deep commitment to both the local church and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Osborne felt called to serve others at a young age, starting with volunteering in nonprofits and churches in 2014. Some of herearliest work was as the founder and site-coordinator at the Christian Women’s Job Corps of East Tennessee. She was ordained at First Baptist Bristol in March 2025 where she collaborates with the senior pastor to help with pastoral needs like hospital and in-home visits. She also teaches faith-based studies for a senior adult Sunday School class and leading in Sunday services. She is a student at McAfee School of Theology.
“CBF’s affirmation of the priesthood of all believers has been essential to my ability to recognize and respond to my calling to ministry,” Osborne said. “It reflects a trust that the Holy Spirit continues to call and gift people of God regardless of gender. It made possible a path of ministerial formation I might otherwise have abandoned.”
Walker’s 20-year journey in pastoral ministry has a focus on work with youth and children. He leads the youth ministry program at Fellowship Baptist Church of Oak Cliff, including worship services, Bible study and educational activities. But his approach to ministry extends beyond church walls, with a role as percussion instructor at Townview Magnet Center in the Dallas Independent School District. He is a student at Perkins School of Theology.
“Among the core values of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Justice and Reconciliation resonates most deeply with my spirit and my vocational calling,” Walker said. “I live at the intersection of the sanctuary and the school system. I witness daily the scars of systemic inequity that plague our community. This core value is not merely a theological abstract for me; it is an urgent, daily necessity for the people I serve.”
A committee of CBF’s Ministries Council selected the two scholars. They will be recognized at the upcoming CBF General Assembly, June 17-19, in Jacksonville, Florida. Learn more and register for free at www.cbf.net/assembly.