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.
You will be equipped to lead with faith, wisdom, and practical skill alongside other young leaders committed to ministry, service, and community transformation. Through mentorship, shared learning, and hands-on experience, you will grow, be challenged, and step into real-world leadership opportunities, becoming grounded in biblical principles and leading with wisdom, serving with humility, and helping shape the future of our community.
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.”
Done in partnership with
