BJC Fellows Program
Baptist Joint Committee Fellows (BJC Fellows) come from diverse educational, professional and religious backgrounds, to learn in an intensive education program that equips them for advocacy. BJC Fellows should have less than six years of experience in their current profession (we’ve had clergy members, lawyers, educators, business owners, doctoral students, and more!), and they must commit to being religious liberty advocates in the future. There are no religious requirements necessary to be a BJC Fellow — early-career professionals from any or no religious background are welcome.
Applications for 2019 BJC Fellows
Ten BJC Fellows will be selected to attend the 2019 BJC Fellows Seminar at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia July 24-28, 2019. The four-day intensive education program will utilize Colonial Williamsburg’s educational resources in conjunction with BJC staff members and other scholars. Watch this video to learn more.
BJC Fellows must commit to being advocates for religious liberty in their communities, and they will design and implement a project after completion of the seminar. There is no cost to apply, and the program covers most travel costs and all lodging and meals for the BJC Fellows. Scroll down for the details.
2019 BJC Fellows Program
Application postmark deadline: Feb. 15, 2019
BJC Fellows Seminar: July 24-28 in Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia)
Click here to download application form
See below for additional details
Connect with BJC Fellows across the country, and watch the program for the 2018 Religious Liberty Council Luncheon, featuring BJC Fellows from the first four classes.
How to apply for the 2019 class:
To apply, compile the following materials in one envelope:
- Application form (click here to download)
- Cover letter expressing interest in the program
- CV or resume
- Responses to three questions (see right)
- Two letters of recommendation
Questionnaire for applicants
(keep each answer to 300 words or fewer):
- How do you define religious liberty, and why is it important today?
- What are you looking to learn through this program?
- How will you use the information gained from the program?
Mail all materials in one envelope to:
BJC Fellows Program
200 Maryland Ave., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2019, to be considered for the 2019 BJC Fellows Program.
Since 2015, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty has offered the BJC Fellows Program, offering young professionals the opportunity to deepen their historical, theological and legal understanding of religious liberty and develop skills to advocate for the cause throughout their careers. For questions, contact Director of Education Charles Watson Jr. at cwatson@BJConline.org.
2018 BJC Fellows
The fourth class of BJC Fellows gathered in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, in July 2018. Learn more about the 2018 class by clicking the below button.
Meet the 2018 BJC Fellows
2017 BJC Fellows
The third class of BJC Fellows gathered in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, July 26-30, 2017. The participants came from nine different states and the District of Columbia, and they had a variety of denominational and religious backgrounds. Whether returning to their professional lives working for a house of worship, advocacy organization or educational institution, the 2017 class of BJC Fellows showed great commitment to furthering the cause of religious liberty, and we look forward to seeing what they will accomplish!
Meet the 2017 BJC Fellows
2016 BJC Fellows
The second class of BJC Fellows gathered in Colonial Williamsburg July 27-30, 2016. The participants came from nine different states and brought their unique backgrounds and perspectives to the program as they engaged with BJC staff, historical interpreters and other experts.
Meet the 2016 BJC Fellows
2015 BJC Fellows
The inaugural BJC Fellows Program began the tradition of equipping young professionals for a lifetime of religious liberty advocacy. Watch the video to learn more about how the program impacted those involved.