From growing up in South Carolina as the son of an Episcopal priest, to studying at Wheaton College outside Chicago, to navigating the hustle and bustle of New York City, Sam Fleischer's journey has taken him through very different places, each deepening his love for the Church and opening new possibilities for what God might be calling him to.
At Wheaton, where he studied Biblical Hebrew, Educational Linguistics, and Christian Formation and Ministry, Sam discovered a particular joy in preaching, building friendships, and making disciples. Now, as a PreachFor America Fellow and Pastoral Resident at the Parish of Calvary–St. George's in Midtown Manhattan, he's taking the next step: continuing the discovery through the everyday experience of serving a congregation, while also studying full-time in graduate school. And rumor has it that the small-town South Carolinian is also falling in love with New York City.
Learning from the Inside
At the heart of Sam's experience is a combination of close mentorship and meaningful opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities. Regular conversations with the clergy, led by Rev. Jacob Smith, have given him space to wrestle with difficult subjects, receive personal counsel and feedback, and discover that ministry is not something one undertakes alone.
Equally valuable has been the opportunity to observe the less visible work of church leadership. By sitting in on meetings and participating in the daily rhythms of congregational life, Sam is gaining an understanding of the decisions, relationships, and responsibilities that sustain a healthy church.
Sam has benefited from Calvary-St. George’s ‘flexible leadership’ which has encouraged him to dive into every corner of church ministry – helping lead Bible studies and outings for young adults and youth, acolyting during Sunday services, participating in daily morning prayer, helping lead Wednesday prayer services, and meeting personally with parishioners to strengthen fellowship.
Beyond these formal responsibilities, Sam is discovering that much of ministry happens through relationships: conversations at the welcome table, time spent with young adults, and the simple practice of showing up consistently in the life of the parish. As he gets to know the congregation, he is learning what it means not simply to serve a church, but to belong to one.
Reflecting on these experiences, Sam says they have "grown the love of ministry even deeper in my heart and shed new light on many of the behind-the-scenes aspects of church leadership."
A Deeper Understanding of Grace
Perhaps the most profound part of Sam's experience so far has been a shift in his understanding of Christian life and ministry. Through the Gospel-centered teaching and community at Calvary–St. George's, he is discovering a different way of thinking about spiritual growth – one grounded less in personal striving and more in the grace of Christ.
"Instead of thinking of what I need to do as a Christian, this program has encouraged me to look at what Christ has already done. Instead of focusing on becoming a 'better person', I need to think about being with the best person ever to live. Out of Christ's presence flows true fruit and ministry, not out of our own sheer force of will. I am so thankful for this new understanding of the power of God's grace!"
Learning Through Relationships and Integrated Experience
For Sam, one of the most valuable aspects of the Fellowship has been the opportunity to bring theological learning into the everyday life of a congregation. His gradute studies at Wheaton College’s Litfin Divinity School provide an important foundation, while mentorship, conversation, and hands-on ministry add another dimension to his formation.
Reflecting on PreachFor’s approach, he says, "Integrating mentorship and work alongside pastoral discernment and academic training has taught me both hard and soft skills that I hope to never forget. I truly cannot think of a better way to prepare future leaders for ministry."
Sam's early experience illustrates the heart of the PreachFor America Fellowship: creating space for promising emerging Christian leaders to explore their gifts and discern a potential calling through theological education, intentional mentorship, and meaningful service within the life of a local church.
