Applications for CNP’s Second Covenant Fellows Cohort
Following an exciting first year with a gifted inaugural cohort, CNP is excited to expand the Covenant Fellows Program in 2026-2027. The Covenant Fellows program is cultivating the next generation of church leaders committed to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and advocacy within the PC(USA).
Beginning with an in-person retreat to form connections that will support the program year and beyond, this nine-month program (September 2026–May 2027) equips seminary students and recent graduates with the theological foundation, practical skills and solidarity needed to lead the church toward greater inclusion, authenticity, and welcome. Fellows will engage in monthly virtual seminars, receive mentorship from experienced advocates, implement advocacy projects in their local contexts, and participate in Covenant Conversations events across the country.
CNP is grateful to have received excellent applications and looks forward to next steps. As of May 25, applications are now closed. Interviews will take place during June, with the cohort confirmed by the end of the month to begin planning a September retreat.
Learn more about this year’s Covenant Fellows Mentors
-
The Rev. Nick Carson (pictured top left) currently serves as the Associate Pastor for Outreach and Congregational Life at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. Originally from Laurel, Maryland, Nick is a graduate of North Carolina State University and Columbia Theological Seminary. Nick is a creative at heart and loves finding ways to engage ministry with creativity and joy. In his free time, he enjoys practicing yoga, watching reality tv, learning to quilt, playing with his dog Hazel, or sitting in a coffee shop with a good book.
-
The Rev. Jenny McDevitt (top right) has served as as Senior Pastor & Head of Staff at Shandon Presbyterian Church since May 2020. She was ordained at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2009. She holds degrees from Kenyon College (B.A. in Creative Writing) and Union Presbyterian Seminary (M.Div.). Jenny is frequently invited to write liturgy and lead worship for national conferences and large gatherings. She has preached across the country and abroad, including at Montreat Conference Center and on Day1.org. She serves on the Boards of Union Presbyterian Seminary and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, both of which give her hope and enthusiasm for the Church. Originally from Michigan, Jenny prays for snow every winter. The rest of the year, she reads voraciously, runs slowly, and drinks (way) too much coffee. She lives in Columbia’s Earlewood neighborhood with her growing number of rescue dogs, who sometimes accompany her to the office.
-
The Rev. Brian Ellison (bottom left) has served since 2012 as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. Brian also serves as stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. He has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery. He has previously served the national Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in numerous roles, including as moderator of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment and the Stated Clerk Review/Nomination Committee. His writing on matters of faith and theology has appeared in numerous church and independent publications. A graduate of Harvard University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Brian also is host/senior news analyst at NPR affiliate KCUR-FM. He and his partner, Troy Lillebo, live in Kansas City with their two dogs, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.
-
AJ Cerniglia (bottom right) is a Candidate for Ministry of Word and Sacrament with a Master of Music in Organ Performance from Mississippi College and Master of Divinity from The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. In 2025, AJ co-directed the Worship and Music Conference for the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. In addition to supporting Covenant Conversations, publishing resources and coordinating communications for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, AJ serves at First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City as organist and Interim Director of Christian Education. AJ’s inclusive hymns and liturgy appear in publications such as Call to Worship and The Hymn Society's Songs for the Holy Other.
