Empowering Clergy to Thrive in Ministry
The CBF Fellows program equips clergy with connections and resources that help them cultivate the traits of thriving in ministry. Through peer and mentor relationships, Fellows are supported and encouraged early in their vocational lifespan as they serve their congregations.
For more information, contact Kelly Adams, Director of Clergy Support (kadams@cbf.net).
Who Are CBF Fellows?
CBF Fellows are clergy committed to congregational ministry as their vocational calling and have begun their first full-time ministry position the last five years. They are individual members of CBF and/or members of a CBF partner congregation. Fellows are capable leaders and are willing to learn from their peers as they navigate the joys and challenges of congregational ministry.
Cohort 7 Application is Open!
The 7th cohort of Fellows will engage participants in mutual equipping through continuing education opportunities that seek to maximize connection to CBF staff and resources. The 18-month cohort experience will consist of 5 face-to-face gatherings (3 gatherings and 2 General Assemblies). In addition to gatherings, Fellows will receive individualized coaching sessions to help them set professional and personal goals that will foster their thriving.
Congregations commit to providing for their participating minister:
- Encouragement,
- Time away for all cohort experiences without penalty, and
- Complete financial support to attend CBF General Assembly each summer of the cohort.
Participants should be in their first five years as a full-time staff minister in a local congregation. Ministers who are not serving in a congregational context will not be considered for Cohort 7.
Dates for the 2026 gatherings of Fellows are:
- March 1-5, Location TBD (Sunday and Thursday are travel days)
- June 17-19, Jacksonville, FL, Leadership Institute and General Assembly
- September 27-October 1, Location TBD (Sunday and Thursday are travel days)
2027 dates will be announced in the 2nd quarter of 2026. Ministers who already have commitments on any of the 2026 dates should not apply for the cohort. These dates are non-negotiable and in-person participation should be given priority in participants’ schedules.
The application for Cohort 7 is open until October 1, 2025. The application process includes the following steps:
- Completed online application
- Brief (30 minute), informal interview
- Notification of acceptance and church covenant by minister and church representative
What Cohort 6 is Saying:
”Fellows provided a space for me to grow, learn, and share life with other ministers.
The deep, meaningful relationships we formed will last well beyond the cohort, and I’m truly grateful for each person and the unique contributions they brought to our group.
Patrick GriffinAssociate Minister for Children and Youth, Oakland Baptist Church (Rock Hill, SC)
”Fellows has been an incredible opportunity to learn and grow alongside people who have become so important to me over the past two years. It is a unique experience of education, networking, camaraderie, and a commitment to be present for one another. I am eternally grateful for the way Fellows has inspired my journey and for the deep relationships that formed along the way.
Rev. Allie OsborneMinister of Missions and Children’s Discipleship, Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA)
”The Fellows program has been nourishing in ministry and in my life! Along with informative retreats that helped me consider ministry from many angles, I have found new colleagues and friends who are walking this path, too. It's practical and renewing, and I would do it again if they'd let me!
Sean TimmonsAssociate Pastor of Youth and Families, West Main Baptist Church and University Chaplain, Averett University (Danville, VA)