The Future Stories About the Bible Are in Their Hands
The stories we tell shape the way the world sees Jesus, because stories do not merely inform people, they form them. They teach people what is normal, what is admirable, what is worth pursuing, and what kind of God they should expect. In a culture overwhelmed by chaos, distraction, and division, it is easy for the loudest voices to define Christianity as a political tribe, a moral stereotype, or a shallow brand. But the Church cannot afford to let the world write that narrative. We need faithful storytellers who refuse sensationalism, who love truth more than attention, and who know how to speak with clarity and conviction without losing gentleness. We need writers, editors, filmmakers, and creators who can shift the conversation from endless outrage back to the beauty of Christ, who can help people see the gospel as real, weighty, and relevant, and who can remind a tired world what Jesus actually looks like when His people live like Him.
What is The Lampstand Fellowship?
The Lampstand Fellowship is a six-month formation program created by Christianity Now to equip and elevate the next generation of Christian storytellers. Rooted in the invitation of Isaiah 55:6—to seek the Lord while He may be found—this fellowship is built on the conviction that the Church does not merely need more content; it needs more faithful witnesses. We train and mentor writers, journalists, artists, videographers, podcasters, and creative communicators to tell the truth with courage, to handle Scripture with reverence, and to bear clear, compelling witness to Christ through story.
Our world is crowded with chaos, distraction, and division. Attention is constantly being traded for outrage, and authenticity is often sacrificed for performance. In that environment, Christian communication can become reactionary, shallow, or shaped more by culture than by Christ. The Lampstand Fellowship exists to do something different. It exists to shift the conversation from the world back to Jesus by cultivating storytellers who are spiritually grounded, editorially excellent, and emotionally honest—people who can speak with both conviction and compassion, and who know how to tell stories that carry light rather than heat.
Throughout the fellowship, participants grow in craft and calling. They learn how to report with integrity, write with clarity, create with beauty, and communicate with discernment. They are trained to pursue excellence without vanity, boldness without harshness, and relevance without compromise. They will develop work that is publishable and meaningful—stories that are deeply human, biblically faithful, and Spirit-led, designed to anchor hearts in Christ, strengthen the Church, and reach seekers with hope.
At its core, the Lampstand Fellowship is about formation as much as production. We believe the most powerful stories come from lives that are being shaped by God. This fellowship is for those who sense the weight of this moment and feel called to stand as a lampstand—steady, clear, and bright—so that the world may see Jesus more clearly through the stories we tell.
Who It’s For
Emerging storytellers who want to tell the truth of Christ with beauty, courage, and depth.
The fellowship is open to emerging storytellers ages 18–30 from around the globe. We welcome:
- Writers, poets, and journalists
- Filmmakers, photographers, and podcasters
- Visual artists, designers, and illustrators
- Pastors, teachers, or ministry leaders who use storytelling as part of their calling
We seek diverse voices across languages, cultures, and contexts — because the gospel speaks through every tongue and to every nation.
Our Standards
We care as much about the character of the storyteller as the quality of the story.
We train storytellers to be Scripture-rooted, truth-telling, and Spirit-led—communicating with conviction and compassion, refusing sensationalism, and honoring people with dignity.
We take pastoral care, privacy, and security seriously—especially for stories involving trauma, persecution, or sensitive regions. We provide guidance on consent, anonymity, and wise storytelling practices to protect sources and honor dignity.
Program Structure
A six-month journey of formation, skill-building, mentorship, and publishable creative work.
6 months, mostly online, with two in-person gatherings: launch and capstone.
Fellows receive a stipend and covered travel for in-person gatherings.
What Fellows Receive
Formation, tools, mentorship, and a global creative community.
The fellowship is designed to equip emerging storytellers not only with skills, but with spiritual depth, editorial excellence, and a clearer sense of calling.
Mentorship from experienced Christian writers, journalists, and creatives.
Training workshops in storytelling, theology, and digital media.
Publication opportunities on Christianity Now platforms, including articles, podcasts, and video features.
Global community with peers from diverse backgrounds and languages.
Vocational guidance to help fellows discern how their gifts serve Christ and His kingdom.
Covered travel and gatherings so storytellers from around the world can learn, grow, and connect face to face.
Translation support to make stories and teachings accessible in key global languages.
Creative tools such as cameras, audio equipment, editing software, and writing support.
Faithful storytellers can help the world see Jesus more clearly.
Stories shape culture. When Christians faithfully tell stories of God’s goodness, grace, and truth, they invite others to encounter Jesus. By investing in The Lampstand Fellowship, you are investing in the future of the Church’s witness.
This work makes it possible for a new generation of storytellers to:
- Tell stories of Christ’s work in remote and persecuted areas.
- Give voice to believers often overlooked in global media.
- Create content that strengthens discipleship and inspires mission.
- Shine the light of Christ into cultures longing for truth and hope.
- Spread the gospel through compelling, faithful, Spirit-filled communication.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Help fund the formation, tools, travel, and storytelling work that will shape a more faithful Christian witness.
Every level of partnership helps equip emerging storytellers to communicate the truth of Christ with clarity, courage, and care. These sponsorship levels make the fellowship more accessible, more global, and more spiritually fruitful.
Sponsor a Fellow
Covers a full stipend and core training costs for one fellow.
$5,000
Support a Global Story
Funds the production and translation of a single story in multiple languages.
$1,500
Equip with Tools
Provides a fellow with media tools such as camera gear, podcast kits, editing software, and creative support.
$750
Resource Ministry Pathways
Gives storytellers access to biblical training, media platforms, and ministry networks.
$250
Share Christ’s Light
Helps ensure testimonies of faith are published, strengthened, and shared more widely.
$100
Partner in Prayer & Giving
Any amount helps sustain mentorship, expand storytelling reach, and strengthen the fellowship.
Any Amount
Partner With Us
Together, we can raise up faithful storytellers who will carry Christ’s light to every corner of the earth. Whether by sponsoring a fellow, resourcing translations, or funding global campaigns, your partnership ensures that the Church’s story is told with clarity, courage, and conviction.
partners@christianitynow.com
Apply to Join the Fellowship
We’re looking for young leaders who sense a calling to storytelling as part of their Christian witness.
If you are passionate about telling stories that glorify Christ and inspire the Church, we invite you to apply.
To apply, submit a short application, a statement of calling, and a sample of your work—writing, audio, video, photography, design, or a portfolio. Finalists will be invited to a brief interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program fully online?
The fellowship is primarily online, with two in-person gatherings; a launch convening and a capstone gathering.
Do I need to be a professional to apply?
No. The fellowship is designed for emerging storytellers. You do not need formal credentials, only demonstrated potential, teachability, and a clear desire to grow.
Can I apply if I live outside the United States?
Yes. The Lampstand Fellowship welcomes applicants from around the world.
What types of storytelling do you accept?
We accept a range of formats, including writing and journalism, podcasting and audio storytelling, video and documentary, photography, illustration, design, and other mixed-media projects.
Is there a faith requirement?
Yes. Applicants should be committed to a Christ-centered witness and aligned with Christianity Now’s statement of faith and editorial standards.
Are there any additional requirements?
Fellows commit to showing up with humility and excellence. Each fellow participates in monthly workshops and mentorship, completes assignments aligned to the monthly themes, and produces a final capstone project—written, audio, video, visual, or mixed media—created with integrity, prayer, and care for people.