Eden Fellows Application

Class of 2024-2025 Application
Welcome to our application for the third Eden Fellows class of 2024-25! We're glad you're considering joining us, and we look forward to learning more about you!

The Eden Fellows program is an exciting but rigorous opportunity, so we want to make sure that each year we assemble a class that has the potential for great success at all levels. That's why you'll find our application rather extensive, asking not only for your basic information but also for your deeper reflection on some things that will be important indicators of your potential fit for this experience. That being said, the goal of this application is thoughtfulness and transparency, not perfection. We want to get to know you. We are not looking for "right" answers.

As you respond, we want you to be thorough but succinct. Please limit each of your answers to fewer than 300 words. The entire application will likely take about one hour to complete, but you may save it and come back later to submit it. We will keep your responses confidential, sharing them only with members of the Eden Fellows leadership team who need to see them.

After you submit your application, you should receive a confirmation email, and automated recommendation emails will be sent to your references. (You might want to give them a heads up beforehand!) After a brief initial review of your application, someone from the Eden Fellows leadership team will follow up with you. If you are selected as a finalist for the upcoming class, we will move forward to schedule a virtual or in-person interview.

If at any point you have questions or would like to touch base, don't hesitate to email us at apply@edenfellows.com. We're grateful you're considering our program, and we can't wait to hear more about you!

Personal Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Birthday*

MonthDayYear
Gender*
Email*
Current Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Permanent Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Uploads
Please attach a transcript from your undergraduate college or university. It can be an unofficial one for now, though an official transcript will be required later if you are selected for the Eden Fellows program.
Attach Transcript

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Please upload a current photo of yourself.
Attach Photo

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Educational Background
While admission to the Eden Fellows program does not require participation in the graduate-level certificate, admission to the GST for those who desire to pursue the certificate requires: an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent, as well as a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
University*
List most recent. List any prior universities/degrees in comment box below.
Degree & Field*
e.g., BS in Accounting, MA in Christian Ministry
Minor/Emphasis
Cumulative GPA*
Graduation Date*

MonthDayYear
Additional University or Degree Information
Please list in chronological order, with most recent first.
Program Interest & Fit
How did you learn about the Eden Fellows program, and what makes you want to invest a year of your life as an Eden Fellow? What would you hope to gain?*

0/300
Which aspects of the Eden Fellows program are you most excited by, and why? Which aspects intimidate you most, and why?*

0/0300
If you are not selected as a fellow for next year, what other options are you considering?*

0/0300
What is your personality, and what strengths and weaknesses will you bring to this cohort of fellows as a result? (Include your Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, DiSC, StrengthsFinder, etc. if you know them.)*

Formative Influences
Your Family: *
List parent names (or spouse's name and children's names and ages, if applicable), along with phone numbers.
Discuss the dynamics in your family of origin. What role, if any, does faith play in your family, and how did this influence you?*

0/0300
Describe two role models, mentors, or heroes (besides Jesus), including the one person who has most shaped your understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. What characteristics of theirs would you most like to imitate?*

0/300
Faith and Vocation
Share about your church background, your spiritual journey, and who Jesus is to you, discussing significant moments and describing where you are now. What spiritual practices are particularly important and formative for you?*
What are your gifts, talents, and desires, and in what ways do you see God weaving those into some kind of vocation?*

0/0300
What are your long-term career and life goals? Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten years from now?*

0/0300

Life Together and Leadership
A significant aspect of the program is engaging deeply in Christian community. What experience, if any, do you already have with deep community? What was that experience like, and what did you learn through it?*
What is the most challenging situation you have experienced with someone who was very different from you or someone you did not choose but still had to work with? (Think in terms of personality, preferences, and/or perspectives on controversial issues.) How did you handle this situation? (We are looking for examples of personal transparency, not perfection.)*

0/0300
Describe your leadership style, a specific leadership role you have held recently, and how this role deepened your thinking about leadership. How is this connected to your faith?*

0/0300
Getting to Know You More
What are some of your hobbies and interests? What about them appeals to you?*
What books or movies have been most impactful in your life, and why?*

0/0300
Rank yourself in these areas by ordering them from your strongest and most consistent (1) to your weakest and least consistent (10).*
Miscellaneous
Do you have any allergies, health conditions, addictions, or special needs that will require attention? Or are you in counseling, under a medical doctor’s care, or on medication for emotional, psychological, or physical reasons?If yes, please explain.*

0/0300
Have you been convicted of any crime other than a traffic violation? If yes, please include a detailed explanation.*
Are there any extraordinary circumstances that we should be aware of as we consider your application to the Eden Fellows program? If yes, please specify.*

0/0300

References
Please include three references with current contact information. References should be people who are able to assess your gifts and aptitudes for this unique and intensive program. Do not list relatives, parents, or peers. A recommendation request form will be sent to your references automatically, but you should contact each of them personally to ensure they are expecting the emailed request.
Reference #1 — Pastor or Spiritual Mentor*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Reference #2 — Professor or Academic Mentor*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Reference #3 — Personal or Character Reference*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Affirmation and Authorization
I affirm that the information I have provided on this application and all attachments is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. *
I authorize the Eden Fellows program to make an independent inquiry about me—including to my parents, school, references, and any relevant person/organization or government authority—in order to assess my qualifications regarding this program.*
I have reviewed the website for the Eden Community and believe I will be able to operate charitably within the framework and culture of this intentional Christian community for the duration of my time as a fellow.*
https://www.edencenter.org/ https://www.facebook.com/edencommunityabilene
By signing below, I indicate my agreement that, should I be chosen to participate in the Eden Fellows program, I will:
- Provide further information to the Eden Fellows program prior to my arrival, including but not limited to: an official undergraduate transcript, proof of insurance, and proof of a full physical examination.
- Pay all program fees in a timely fashion. (See website for details.)
- Begin full participation in all program activities beginning no later than August 15th, having prepared myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for this intensive year of formation.
- Commit myself to the graduate level studies of the Eden Fellows program to my greatest capacity, with certificate completion dependent on completion of quality work as determined by my professors.
- Commit to and be purposeful in living out the practices and principles outlined in the Eden Fellows Way of Life.
- Respond accordingly if the Eden Fellows Director asks me to leave the program with 30 days notice because they have determined, at any time and at their sole discretion, that my continued participation is detrimental to the goals or life of the program and its participants.
Signature*

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