Barnabas Fellowship
Equipping young leaders with a biblical mind, and loving heart for community service through a 9-month fellowship combining theological formation, mentorship, and peer learning.
Barnabas Fellows
The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” In Scripture, Barnabas was a mentor and leader who strengthened others in their faith, calling, and service as the early Church grew.
This fellowship is shaped by that same spirit.
As a Barnabas Fellow, you are invited into a leadership development experience that is both personal and outward-facing. It includes individual growth, but it doesn’t stop there.
It is about becoming a leader shaped by Scripture who leads through service, encourages others, and contributes to the renewal of our cities.
FAQ's
The fellowship is a 9-month journey designed to form young adults in a biblical foundation for leadership through learning, service, and community.
- Biblical leadership formation: Develop a strong biblical foundation for leadership through guided coursework and reflection
- Hands-on service: Gain real-world experience through community-based service with local partners
- Mentorship & learning: Learn from mentors, facilitators, and local leaders rooted in the community
- Cohort community: Grow alongside other young adults who care about faith, service, and community impact
- Monthly gatherings: Reflect, share perspectives, and learn together in monthly in-person cohort meetings
- Online coursework: Engage in biblically grounded learning throughout the program
- Community connection: Build relationships through fun gatherings designed to strengthen cohort connection
- Full commitment: Fellows participate throughout the complete 9-month experience
Fellows should expect to commit to the following throughout the 9 months:
Weekly online coursework — 3–4 hours per week
- Complete biblically grounded online coursework focused on spiritual development and building a strong foundation for faithful leadership.
Monthly service engagement — 2–5 hours per month
- Serve at a fellowship placement coordinated through the program, offering practical experience and meaningful service as we partner with local leaders impacting our community.
Monthly cohort gatherings
- Meet as a group once a month with fellow participants to reflect on service experiences, discuss course learning, and learn from one another through shared conversation, perspective, and encouragement.
Cohort Kickbacks every two months
- Spend time together once every two months at laid-back gatherings that help you build friendships, strengthen relationships, and grow closer as a group.
As a Barnabas Fellow, you receive:
- mentorship from faith and community leaders
- practical leadership experience through service
- biblically grounded leadership development
- a financial stipend
- connection with a cohort of peers committed to growth, service, and encouragement
This fellowship may be a good fit if you:
- are 18–24 years old
- are currently employed, serving or have a desire to serve in ministry or community-based organizations and want to grow your leadership skills
- want to grow as a leader shaped by faith and service
- care about biblical foundations, your community, and the people around you
- are eager to learn, reflect, and grow alongside others
- want hands-on experience that helps prepare you for future leadership in ministry and community based organizations
How to Apply
Program Timeline
- September 2026 – Program Kickoff
- Monthly – Cohort Meetings, Service, and Mentorship
- May 2027 – Final Reflection & Closing Celebration
Application Process
- Complete the online application form
- Provide one reference (mentor, pastor, professor, or employer)
- Participate in a 30 minute interview
- Final selection announced August 27
Application deadline: August 10
Fellow Spotlight
Yetzanit, Cohort 1
“I really saw the Barnabas Fellowship as a chance to grow as a leader and kind of find my purpose and realign that with my values and my role in my service at CCT,” said Yetzanit. “And I saw it as a perfect opportunity to just realign myself and also seek guidance.”
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