Tracie has been accepted as a Jubilee Fellow!

What is a Jubilee Fellow?
Jubilee Fellows are students who have been accepted into the Jubilee Fellow Program. This program is designed for twelve promising students who are strongly inclined toward spiritual leadership and Christian ministry, and it aims to foster the next generation of church leaders. Students sometimes have a sense that God is calling them to ministry, but they aren't sure what "job" they should pursue or what steps they should take after graduating from Calvin. Others may already have a sense that God is calling them to continue their studies in seminary, or pursue a particular job in church ministry. In either case, the Jubilee Fellows program seeks to help these students explore their vocational calling through interdisciplinary learning, mentoring, and ministry experience. What is required of a Jubilee Fellow?
Jubilee Fellows participate in a lively program. During the spring semester of their junior year, they take a seminar course that studies the vision, lives, and theologies of those who have made great contributions to the Christian church through the centuries. They read a variety of books, both historical and contemporary, listen to guest speakers, and do a bit of personal research on a Christian leader of their choosing. The semester-long course meets weekly over dinner to foster fellowship and a sense of community among the Jubilee Fellows and the course instructors.
Following the course, Jubilee Fellows set out on ten-week summer internships in outstanding teaching congregations throughout North America. This component of the program is often the highlight for students, providing them with first-hand experience in the day to day life of a church. We also pair Fellows with strong mentors on the pastoral staff of the internship churches. The mentors will walk alongside the Fellows, not only providing them with work to do, but also with honest feedback on their peformance, spiritual direction and encouragement, and the opportunity to learn from someone working daily in church ministry.
Upon returning, Jubilee Fellows contribute to Calvin College community life through a ministry-related service component their senior year. Students take what they have learned from their internships and find creative ways to use their gifts at Calvin, whether its leading a small group book or Bible study, helping out in the Mentoring Office, or hosting community outreach events in their neighborhoods.
Jubilee Fellows will receive a $4,000 fellowship, paid throughout the summer and fall of their service. Each will also be provided with summer internship living expenses and reimbursed for travel expenses to and from their summer internship site.
Through these components of the Jubilee Fellows program, we seek to encourage students as they consider church ministry as a vocation.