The Phillips Talbot Global Ministry Fellowship
Time Cycle of the Two-Year Global Ministry Fellowship
June 1 to August 30 of the year of graduation from seminary
(and the year the fellowship is awarded)
Fellows are in residence at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church (MAPC). Modern, one-bedroom accommodations are provided in the Church House. During this three-month Pastoral Residency, the Fellow for The Phillips Talbot Global Ministry Fellowship (GMF) serves on the staff of MAPC and becomes oriented with the fellowship program as well integrated into the worship, life, and ministry of the congregation. GMFs should expect to preach at least once during this time and assist at the Lord’s Table weekly. In addition, GMFs spend several weeks participating in a PC(USA) ecumenical mission service orientation program in Louisville, KY and in Chicago, IL. Throughout the summer, GMFs prepare to depart for Zambia by completing the ordination process, engaging in extensive reading from a list of assigned texts, getting travel documents in order and making travel arrangements, and obtaining necessary immunizations and supplies.
September 1 to the first week of the following September
On or around September 1, the GMF reports to the fellowship site at Theological Education by Extension (TEEZ), based in Kitwe, Zambia to undertake a twelve-month internship. During this time Fellows assume responsibilities in accordance with their position and gifts. A great deal of time will be spent traveling with TEEZ throughout Zambia to “bring theological education to the people.” When on the road Fellows assume teaching responsibilities and are often asked to provide leadership during worship services that includes preaching and the administration of the sacraments. When not on the road Fellows live in a two-bedroom apartment that is provided by TEEZ and within short walking distance of the TEEZ offices on the campus of the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation in Kitwe. Fellows participate in the ministry of TEEZ according to the needs of TEEZ, and their personal gifts and interests. This may include prison ministry.
Early September to November 30
At the conclusion of the one-year internship, the GMF is tasked with traveling independently throughout the global South. This travel may be allocated between Africa and other countries in route to returning to the States for two weeks vacation to visit family and friends and begin re-entry. The GMF must however, spend at least six consecutive weeks of this time traveling independently in Africa; additional travel time in Africa or elsewhere in the global South is strongly encouraged. Fellows shall exercise great care to travel as locals do, not as Western tourists do. This is crucial to the learning experience. A Fellow’s travel itinerary and arrangements must be approved in advance by the supervising pastor at MAPC.
December 1 to May 31
GMFs report back to MAPC by December 1 to take up a second Pastoral Residency, this one for six months, housed once again, in the one-bedroom Church House apartment. As with the earlier summer residency, GMFs share fully in the pastoral ministry of MAPC including participating regularly in worship leadership, teaching and pastoral care. GMFs will preach at least twice during this time. In addition, the GMF will convey insights gained from their time in the global South in regular teaching responsibilities at MAPC. GMFs will also seek and respond to opportunities to interpret their experiences for congregations in the PC(USA) and throughout the larger Church. GMFs will participate in the recruitment and selection of the next GMF. For the purpose of generating awareness, interest, and enthusiasm in the fellowship, a GMF may also orchestrate meetings and presentations with faculty, staff, and students at seminaries/schools of divinity for purposes of raising awareness of the program and seeking to recruit strong GMF candidates. In anticipation of the conclusion of their time at MAPC May 31, GMFs are also charged with seeking their next pastoral call.
