New City Fellows

“It is for this reason that the present age is better than Christendom. In the old Christendom, everyone was a Christian and hardly anyone thought twice about it. But in the present age the survivor of theory and consumption becomes the wayfarer in the desert, like St. Anthony; which is to say, open to signs.”

― Walker Percy, Signposts in a Strange Land

New City Fellows is an eight-month fellowship and discipleship program that equips emerging leaders and professionals to connect faith, work, and culture and become leaders in the renewal of Raleigh and the Triangle.

With an emphasis on formative practices, public theology, and the practical wisdom within the Christian tradition, New City Fellows is an immersive program that provides Fellows with four foundational areas of growth:

Foundational Areas of Growth

Theological Training

Through reading, classes, discussion, and reflection, Fellows gain a robust vision for how the Gospel affects every aspect of life, and how they can engage the rapidly changing and diverse culture of Raleigh. Areas of study include:

Core Christian theology
Bible and worldview
Apologetics
Theology of culture
Christian approaches to various vocations/industries and cultural issues
Works read include those by St. Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, C.S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Stott, N.T. Wright, Abraham Kuyper, Tim Keller, James Davison Hunter, Martin Luther King Jr., James K.A. Smith, Dorothy Sayers, Vince Bacote, Andy Crouch, Karen Swallow Prior, and many contemporary writers.

Community Formation

The program provides a community of peers from diverse backgrounds and vocations who are committed to each other’s spiritual growth and the collective calling to serve the common good of Raleigh. In addition, the program fosters relationships through:

One-on-one mentorship
Interaction with prominent leaders in various fields and the local church (see Faculty below)
Group reflection, prayer, and discussion

Spiritual and Personal Development

New City cultivates character formation and spiritual growth in our fellows through:

Devotional practices and spiritual disciplines drawn from throughout Christian history
Three quarterly retreats

Cultural Renewal

We train our Fellow to understand and effectively engage and impact the culture of their workplace and the city with the gospel by developing a theologically informed imagination and vision of renewal, culminating with a project for implementing that vision.

Watch the Virtual Info Session

Learn more and hear from staff and Fellows about joining the next class of New City Fellows.

FAQs

Who should apply?

Applicants should be in their mid-20s to 40s who are members of or actively involved in their church. We welcome applications from members of any church in Raleigh or the Triangle that holds to the historic Christian beliefs outlined in the Nicene Creed.
Full-time parents are welcome to participate, and childcare is available for single-parent families or those with both parents participating in the program the same year.
Each class typically includes 12-15 men and 12-15 women from a broad range of backgrounds, including full-time parents, students, those in career transitions, and working professionals in various industries (law, finance, technology, nonprofit leadership, vocational ministry, education, government, medicine, real estate, and the arts).

What is the commitment?

New City Fellows is an immersive program that is meant to lead to foster spiritual growth and life change. The program runs for eight months from late August through early May (see draft calendar for class of 2023-2024). It also includes the following:

Summer assignments to complete before the program begins
Extensive reading (15-20 pages per day) and several projects
Guided daily devotionals for the eight months
Weekly 2-hour classes (typically one cohort meets on Sunday evening, the other Monday evening)
Monthly Saturday programs in the city focusing on a different industry/vocation
Monthly meeting with your New City mentor
Three quarterly retreats, typically in early September, midwinter, and late April/early May

What is the cost?

Tuition is $2,000 before scholarships and discounts. Tuition covers all program expenses, including curriculum and reading materials, weekly classes, monthly Saturday programs, and weekend retreats.
Need-based scholarships are available with 1/4 or 1/2 reductions off of tuition. Requests for scholarships should be submitted in writing with the application materials, or by May 15, in a letter indicating the amount requested and outlining the need for a scholarship. Scholarships are typically very generous.
Discounts are also available, and include: early application discounts of $100, and book-sharing discounts for spouses of $200.
A monthly payment plan is offered.

How are applicants selected?

Applications are accepted between January 1 and May 15 of the upcoming program year. Applications submitted by April 1 receive an early application discount of $100 off tuition.

Fellows are selected by our admissions committee on the basis of:

commitment to the Gospel and ongoing renewal of our city;
spiritual maturity; and
ability to fulfill their commitment to the NCF program.

How can I learn more?

CONTACT US

Feel free to reach out and email us any time. We’d be glad to meet you over coffee or via phone/videoconference and answer any questions you may have about the program.

WATCH OUR VIRTUAL INFO SESSION

Learn more and hear from Center staff and current Fellows (length: 56 min) and download our presentation on the program. Fill out the following form and a link will be sent to your email.

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Faculty

Daniel J. Lee

Director of New City Fellows

Dr. Josh D. Chatraw

Billy Graham Chair of Evangelism and Cultural Engagement, Beeson Divinity School

Rev. Dr. John Yates III

Rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Visiting Faculty

Our faculty each year is comprised of our staff, partner church leaders, and visiting lecturers. This year’s visiting faculty includes:

Warren Kinghorn

Associate Research Professor of Pastoral and Moral Theology at Duke Divinity School; Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center
Jan. 13, 2024

Karen Swallow Prior

Research Professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Feb. 26, 2024

Jonathan Pennington

Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Director of Human Flourishing Ministries
Feb. 9-11, 2024

Walter Strickland

Assistant Professor of Systematic and Contextual Theology and Associate Vice President for Diversity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Nov. 5, 2023

Lisa Berwyn

Director of Advancement & Donor Engagement at Communities in Schools Wake County
Nov. 5, 2022

Wesley Burks

Dean of UNC School of Medicine and CEO of UNC Health Care
Jan. 13, 2024

Joy Currey

Founder & President of Corral Riding Academy
Nov. 4, 2023

Anissa Ferris

Psychotherapist
Dec. 16, 2023

Gil Greggs

Director of Academic Symposia & Upper School History Teacher at St. David’s School
Oct. 15, 2022

Frank Hill

Director of The Institute for the Public Trust
Oct. 15, 2022

John Kane

Founder & CEO of Kane Realty Corporation
Mar. 25, 2023

Pope “Mac” McCorkle

Professor of the Practice at Duke Sanford School of Public Policy
Oct. 15, 2022

LaToya Montague

Executive Director of Communities in Schools Wake County
Nov. 5, 2022

Joan & Jim Perry

Former Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives
Oct. 9, 2021

Michele Suffridge

Executive Director of Refugee Hope Partners
Nov. 4, 2023

Taylor Worley

Visiting Associate Professor of Art History, Wheaton College; Project Director of ‘Thinking about Thinking: Conceptual Art and the Contemplative Tradition’
Jan. 29-31, 2023

Teaching Assistants

Mallory Cunningham

David Stremic

Testimonials and Endorsements

“We at CtK (Christ the King Presbyterian) are thrilled at the chance to partner with Holy Trinity and Vintage—two other churches that share a common context and vision. We believe that the New City Fellows will provide first-rate discipleship training for many. But what really makes this program so exciting is that it provides unique opportunities for Kingdom-minded Christians in our distinct churches to develop friendships and partnerships for the common good. ”

Geoff Bradford, Senior Pastor at Christ the King Presbyterian

“I cannot think of a more strategic ministry initiative than New City Fellows. It helps young professionals to take the most important thing in the world – the Gospel – and allow it to shape the place where they spend the most time – Work. If the gospel truly changes our hearts then it will profoundly shape our work. And gospel-centered work will change our city and culture. This is what New City Fellows is all about… it’s what Holy Trinity is all about.”

Rev. John W. Yates III, Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Church

“At first, I was hesitant to make such a big commitment, but having been through the program, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions of my life. It completely transformed my personal relationship with God, my approach to work and allowed me to see how deeply connected they are.”

Katie Henderson, Financial Advisor & Gotham Fellow, Class of 2015

“New City Fellows helps young professionals see their vocation as an act of worship and mission, not just self-fulfillment and self-realization.”

Katherine Leary Alsdorf, New City Fellows Founding Director and co-author of Every Good Endeavor

“I am so excited to be involved in this endeavor to teach and equip young leaders how to navigate their faith, work and personal lives. I wish this opportunity had been available to me as a young Christian trying to understand the integration of work culture and faith commitment.”

John Kane, Chairman & CEO of Kane Realty Corp.

“The New City Fellows program is addressing a significant need and I am pleased to be a part of this new initiative in Raleigh. I would have jumped at the chance to participate in something like New City when I was a young professional.”

Bill Roper, Interim President of UNC System