/prod02/channel_1/media/wheaton-fellows-program/wc110221-46-1500X500.jpg)
Equipping Christian Scholars in Secular Institutions with Theological Foundations
The Wheaton Fellows Program is a prestigious and competitive fellowship designed to equip Christian scholars in secular institutions with a robust theological foundation and lasting connections to the broader Christian academic community. Co-led by Dr. Joshua Swamidass and Dr. Marc Cortez, this transformative program provides a rare and vital opportunity for scholars to integrate their faith with their academic work, contributing meaningfully to their fields, the Church, and the world.
Over the last few decades, missional, evangelical Christian faculty have made significant strides in securing positions at top secular universities. Despite this presence, many are isolated from theology due to limited access to formal theological education and community. This isolation often makes it difficult for these scholars to engage in Christian thought leadership, whether through writing, mentoring, or public speaking.
The Wheaton Fellows Program addresses this need by offering Christian academics a space to grow theologically, build collaborative networks, and integrate their faith into their academic pursuits.
Key Features of the Wheaton Fellows Program
Fully Funded Week-Long Theological Training Institutes
Fellows will participate in two week-long institutes at Wheaton College (one each summer). These interactive "theological boot camps" offer a foundational exploration of theology, fostered by dialogue with leading theologians and peers.
Prestigious Fellowship: Join a Cohort of Christian Scholars
Selected through a rigorous application process, the inaugural cohort will consist of no more than 10 fellows who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to faith-informed scholarship.
Mentoring and Networking with Evangelical Thought Leaders
Fellows will form enduring mentoring relationships with Wheaton faculty and other evangelical thought leaders, ensuring long-term support for their academic and personal journeys.
Two-Year Program for Theological and Professional Growth
Fellows will return for the institute in both years of the program (summer of 2025 and 2026), deepening relationships and strengthening their theological grounding over time.
Travel Stipend Provided
Each fellow will receive a generous honorarium, and the program will fully cover travel, lodging, and participation costs.
This Summer’s Institute!
Our first Theological Training Institute will take place July 28–Aug 1. Fellows will gather at Wheaton College for a week of training, exploration, and fellowship.
Meeting the Need
Theological Support for Christian Faculty
Christian academics in secular universities often operate at the intersection of faith and cutting-edge scholarship. However, without formal theological education or connections in the theological community, they face challenges in:
- Integrating faith most effectively into their academic work.
- Speaking authoritatively into conversations about faith, science, ethics, and culture.
- Building collaborative connections with theologians.
Programs like the Center for Pastor Theologians have demonstrated the profound impact of theological education for church leaders. The Wheaton Fellows Program extends this model to scholars in secular institutions, providing tools, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities to empower a new generation of Christian thought leaders.
Our Vision
Investing in the Future of Christian Scholarship
The Wheaton Fellows Program is more than an academic initiative—it is an investment in the future of Christian scholarship. By equipping Christian scholars with the resources they need to thrive theologically and professionally, the program seeks to:
- Strengthen the Church through well-informed, faith-driven scholarship.
- Shape Public Thought by empowering scholars to address cultural and ethical questions from a Christ-centered perspective.
- Build Lasting Networks among Christian academics and theologians, fostering collaboration for years to come.
We are currently funded to support our initial cohort (2025-2026).
Please contact us if you are interested in funding future cohorts of this program and would like more information.
About Us
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/wheaton-fellows-program/swamidass-headshot-2022cropped-1000X700.jpg)
Dr. Joshua Swamidass
Dr. Joshua Swamidass is a scientist, physician, and professor at Washington University in St. Louis. With over 25 years of experience in artificial intelligence, computational biology, and medicine, he has made significant contributions to his field. As a Christian scholar embedded in a secular institution, Dr. Swamidass has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and the groundbreaking book The Genealogical Adam and Eve, which bridges science and faith. His work demonstrates the transformative impact of integrating theology with scientific scholarship.
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/faculty/Marc-Cortez-head-shot.png)
Dr. Marc Cortez
Dr. Marc Cortez is the Dean of the Litfin Divinity School at Wheaton College and a theologian specializing in systematic theology and theological anthropology. He has authored several influential books, including Theological Anthropology: A Guide for the Perplexed and Christological Anthropology in Historical Perspective. Dr. Cortez’s work explores the intersection of faith, human identity, and academic thought, making him a leading voice in theological education. His passion for equipping Christian scholars stems from a deep commitment to fostering dialogue between theology and other academic disciplines.
Apply to Become a Wheaton Fellow
Applications are due on 3/30/2025, and notifications will be sent out by April 15.
Please send a completed application along with a curriculum vitae and one to two letters of recommendation.
Applicant Requirements:
- Must have a permanent scholar appointment (e.g. professor, research scientist, etc.) at a secular academic institution.
- Must affirm the Nicene and Apostle's Creeds and the Lausanne Covenant. Any disagreement or abstention from these belief statements must be explained, and exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis.
- Must participate in two summer institutes (one week each) at Wheaton College
- Ideal candidates will not have any formal theological training, but any theological training short of a doctorate is not disqualifying.
- Ideal candidates will have an integrative project—such as an article, book, or new lecture material—they hope to develop and workshop with theologians and other fellows.
How to Apply:
Download the Wheaton Fellows Program application information and return your application materials to kendra.bailey@my.wheaton.edu by 3/30/2025.
Questions? Contact Us
We're happy to answer your questions or give you more information. Just reach out to kendra.bailey@my.wheaton.edu.