Residencies
Real-world experience to become a leader in Christ's church
Pastoral and Ministry Residencies
Program Objectives
The goal of the pastoral ministry residency program is to give candidates the opportunity to evaluate their call to ministry, gain valuable church ministry experience, and discern areas of focus for future study.
- Theological Knowledge and Reflection: Understand, recall, and integrate key theological doctrines and pastoral principles in real-world ministry contexts.
- Spiritual Formation and Discipline: Cultivate a deep personal spiritual life and integrate prayer, Scripture study, and pastoral care into both personal and public ministry.
- Leadership and Administrative Skills: Analyze, evaluate, and apply leadership principles in church administration, management, and strategic planning.
- Preaching and Teaching: Develop, deliver, and refine biblically grounded, Christ-centered sermons or lessons while emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit and holy living in preaching and teaching.
- Public Ministry and Missional Engagement: Engage the community through Gospel-centered outreach, discipleship, and service, ensuring effective pastoral care and mission.
- Pastoral Care and Counseling: Learn pastoral care, discipleship, and counseling, applying biblical principles to support individuals and the congregation.
Program Scope and Sequence
| Month | Focus & Objectives | Reading | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month One | Introduction to the Church and Residency Program | Dever & Alexander, How to Build a Healthy Church | Summary of reading & one-page reflection on the pastoral calling and its relevance to the church's mission. |
| Month Two | Understanding the Gospel and Substitutionary Atonement | Packer & Dever, In My Place Condemned He Stood | Summary of reading & lead a small group discussion on substitutionary atonement. |
| Month Three | Prayer and Spiritual Life | Miller, The Praying Life | Develop a plan for the congregation that integrates prayer into both individual and congregational lfie. |
| Month Four | Pastoral Care and Shepherding | Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals | Reading summary & participate in a counseling session or pastoral visit, reflecting on key takeaways. |
| Month Five | Church Leadership and Operations | Welch, Church Administration, 2nd ed. | Reading summary & lead a major church administrative project (e.g., event planning, budgeting, or ministry organization) with after-action report. |
| Month Six | Christ-Centered Preaching/Biblical Teaching | Selections from various works | Produce homeletical methodology paper & prepare and deliver a sermon or lesson. |
| Month Seven | Evangelism and Discipleship | Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God | Reading summary & organize and lead a community outreach event for a target people group. |
| Month Eight | Time Management and Leadership Efficiency | Perman, What’s Best Next | Reading summary & develop a personal and ministry time management plan and implement it for one month. |
| Month Nine | Theological Reflection and Pastoral Care | Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity | Write a five-page paper on an assigned loci of theology proper, using academic resources with template. |
| Month Ten | Strategic Planning for Pastoral Ministry | Dunlop, Budgeting for a Healthy Church | Reading summary & develop sample ministry budget with provided calculators and template. |
| Month Eleven | Preaching, Teaching, and Ministry Refinement | Dever, How to Build a Healthy Church | Produce ministry philosophy document & refine ministry-focused resume. |
| Month Twelve | Conclusion and Commissioning | Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals | Refine and finalize ministry philosophy document & plan next steps for ministry. |
Position Summary
The Pastoral Resident and Ministry Resident will engage in a 12-month residency program designed to provide hands-on pastoral leadership experience, spiritual formation, and practical ministry training. This program is ideal for individuals preparing for ministry and desiring to deepen their understanding of church leadership, preaching, pastoral care, and administration. Residents will work closely with the church leadership team, participate in key ministry activities, and receive ongoing mentorship from experienced pastors.
You will incur no cost as a result of your participation in the program. All of your books and materials will be provided for you. Participants are responsible for funding their own time, room, and board during the program with the time not allocated to the program.
Key Responsibilities
- Theological Development:
- Engage in a structured reading program covering theology, care, leadership, and church administration.
- Participate in discussions and reflections on theological concepts, such as the Gospel, the Trinity, and gender roles in the church.
- Leadership and Preaching/Teaching:
- Preach and teach in various contexts (e.g., worship services, small groups, outreach events), developing Christ-centered sermons or bible studies and receiving feedback.
- Assist in leading worship services, including structuring an order of worship, scripture readings, and prayers.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for church ministry and operations in collaboration with the leadership team.
- Spiritual Formation and Discipleship:
- Lead personal and communal prayer initiatives within the church.
- Create discipleship programs that emphasize spiritual growth and biblical literacy for church members.
- Mentor and disciple small groups of congregants as part of church ministry.
- Church Administration and Operations:
- Participate in church administration tasks, such as event planning, budget management, and operational oversight.
- Lead specific church projects or initiatives, ensuring they align with the church’s mission and strategic goals.
- Community Engagement and Outreach:
- Plan and lead community outreach events that focus on evangelism, discipleship, and relational ministry.
- Build connections with community members and develop programs that address local needs through a Gospel-centered approach.
- Pastoral Care and Counseling:
- Participate in pastoral care activities, including counseling sessions, hospital visits, and congregational care.
- Assist in developing and implementing pastoral care plans for specific groups within the congregation (e.g., families, youth, elderly).
Desired Qualifications
- Skills and Abilities:
- Introductory knowledge of theology and biblical principles.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and in public speaking.
- Organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
- Strong commitment to personal spiritual growth and theological reflection.
- Ability to work collaboratively with church staff and leadership.
- Personal Characteristics:
- Passionate about pastoral ministry and serving the local church.
- Humble, teachable, and willing to receive feedback and guidance from mentors.
- Committed to developing a Christ-centered ministry that prioritizes biblical teaching, pastoral care, and community outreach.
Key Opportunities
- Mentorship:
- Residents will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced pastors who will provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the residency.
- Hands-On Ministry Experience:
- Residents will have the opportunity to preach, teach bible studies, lead ministry projects, or engage in pastoral care, gaining valuable experience in various areas of ministry.
- Spiritual and Theological Growth:
- The residency will offer structured opportunities for spiritual formation, theological reflection, and leadership development through a combination of reading, reflection, and practical application.
- Community Impact:
- Residents will actively participate in community outreach and evangelism efforts, helping to lead initiatives that impact the local community.
Time Commitment
- 10-20 hours per month
The time commitment will vary based on the month’s focus and the resident’s assigned projects, with flexibility for balancing study, mentorship, and practical ministry roles.
Compensation
This is a non-paid residency program. However, there are no costs incurred for participation in this residency. All books and materials are provided to residents. there may be opportunities for assistance depending on the church’s budget and available resources. The program offers invaluable experience and training that will help prepare residents for full-time pastoral ministry.
Additional Benefits
While completion of the residency does not guarantee a post at any local church, it fulfills a major prerequisite of men seeking to becoming a church planter with the Great Commission Collective.
Additionally, students who are accepted into Southern Seminary may transfer up to 18 credit hours into a Masters degree as a part of Southern’s MAP program. More information here.
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
The goal of the pastoral ministry residency program is to give candidates the opportunity to evaluate their call to ministry, gain valuable church ministry experience, and discern areas of focus for future study.
- Theological Knowledge and Reflection: Understand, recall, and integrate key theological doctrines and pastoral principles in real-world ministry contexts.
- Spiritual Formation and Discipline: Cultivate a deep personal spiritual life and integrate prayer, Scripture study, and pastoral care into both personal and public ministry.
- Leadership and Administrative Skills: Analyze, evaluate, and apply leadership principles in church administration, management, and strategic planning.
- Preaching and Teaching: Develop, deliver, and refine biblically grounded, Christ-centered sermons while emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching.
- Public Ministry and Missional Engagement: Engage the community through Gospel-centered outreach, discipleship, and service, ensuring effective pastoral care and mission.
- Pastoral Care and Counseling: Learn pastoral care, discipleship, and counseling, applying biblical principles to support individuals and the congregation.
Program Scope
Program Scope and Sequence
Slide left and Right to see whole tablE
| Month | Focus & Objectives | Reading | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month One | Introduction to the Church and Residency Program | Dever & Alexander, How to Build a Healthy Church | Summary of reading & one-page reflection on the pastoral calling and its relevance to the church's mission. |
| Month Two | Understanding the Gospel and Substitutionary Atonement | Packer & Dever, In My Place Condemned He Stood | Summary of reading & lead a small group discussion on substitutionary atonement. |
| Month Three | Prayer and Spiritual Life | Miller, The Praying Life | Develop a plan for the congregation that integrates prayer into both individual and congregational lfie. |
| Month Four | Pastoral Care and Shepherding | Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals | Reading summary & participate in a counseling session or pastoral visit, reflecting on key takeaways. |
| Month Five | Church Leadership and Operations | Welch, Church Administration, 2nd ed. | Reading summary & lead a major church administrative project (e.g., event planning, budgeting, or ministry organization) with after-action report. |
| Month Six | Christ-Centered Preaching/Biblical Teaching | Selections from various works | Produce homeletical methodology paper & prepare and deliver a sermon or lesson. |
| Month Seven | Evangelism and Discipleship | Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God | Reading summary & organize and lead a community outreach event for a target people group. |
| Month Eight | Time Management and Leadership Efficiency | Perman, What’s Best Next | Reading summary & develop a personal and ministry time management plan and implement it for one month. |
| Month Nine | Theological Reflection and Pastoral Care | Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity | Write a five-page paper on an assigned loci of theology proper, using academic resources with template. |
| Month Ten | Strategic Planning for Pastoral Ministry | Dunlop, Budgeting for a Healthy Church | Reading summary & develop sample ministry budget with provided calculators and template. |
| Month Eleven | Preaching, Teaching, and Ministry Refinement | Dever, How to Build a Healthy Church | Produce ministry philosophy document & refine ministry-focused resume. |
| Month Twelve | Conclusion and Commissioning | Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals | Refine and finalize ministry philosophy document & plan next steps for ministry. |
Residency Expectations
Position Summary
The Pastoral Ministry Resident will engage in a 12-month residency program designed to provide hands-on pastoral leadership experience, spiritual formation, and practical ministry training. This program is ideal for individuals preparing for full-time pastoral ministry and desiring to deepen their understanding of church leadership, preaching, pastoral care, and administration. Residents will work closely with the church leadership team, participate in key ministry activities, and receive ongoing mentorship from experienced pastors.
You will incur no cost as a result of your participation in the program. All of your books and materials will be provided for you. Participants are responsible for funding their own time, room, and board during the program with the time not allocated to the program.
Key Responsibilities
- Theological Development:
- Engage in a structured reading program covering theology, pastoral care, leadership, and church administration.
- Participate in discussions and reflections on theological concepts, such as the Gospel, the Trinity, and gender roles in the church.
- Pastoral Leadership and Preaching:
- Preach and teach in various contexts (e.g., worship services, small groups, outreach events), developing Christ-centered sermons and receiving feedback.
- Assist in leading worship services, including preparing liturgy, scripture readings, and prayers.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for church ministry and operations in collaboration with the leadership team.
- Spiritual Formation and Discipleship:
- Lead personal and communal prayer initiatives within the church.
- Create discipleship programs that emphasize spiritual growth and biblical literacy for church members.
- Mentor and disciple small groups of congregants as part of church ministry.
- Church Administration and Operations:
- Participate in church administration tasks, such as event planning, budget management, and operational oversight.
- Lead specific church projects or initiatives, ensuring they align with the church’s mission and strategic goals.
- Community Engagement and Outreach:
- Plan and lead community outreach events that focus on evangelism, discipleship, and relational ministry.
- Build connections with community members and develop programs that address local needs through a Gospel-centered approach.
- Pastoral Care and Counseling:
- Participate in pastoral care activities, including counseling sessions, hospital visits, and congregational care.
- Assist in developing and implementing pastoral care plans for specific groups within the congregation (e.g., families, youth, elderly).
Desired Qualifications
- Skills and Abilities:
- Introductory knowledge of theology and biblical principles.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and in public speaking.
- Organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
- Strong commitment to personal spiritual growth and theological reflection.
- Ability to work collaboratively with church staff and leadership.
- Personal Characteristics:
- Passionate about pastoral ministry and serving the local church.
- Humble, teachable, and willing to receive feedback and guidance from mentors.
- Committed to developing a Christ-centered ministry that prioritizes biblical teaching, pastoral care, and community outreach.
Key Opportunities
- Mentorship:
- Residents will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced pastors who will provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the residency.
- Hands-On Ministry Experience:
- Residents will have the opportunity to preach, teach, lead ministry projects, and engage in pastoral care, gaining valuable experience in all areas of pastoral ministry.
- Spiritual and Theological Growth:
- The residency will offer structured opportunities for spiritual formation, theological reflection, and leadership development through a combination of reading, reflection, and practical application.
- Community Impact:
- Residents will actively participate in community outreach and evangelism efforts, helping to lead initiatives that impact the local community.
Time Commitment
- 10-20 hours per month
The time commitment will vary based on the month’s focus and the resident’s assigned projects, with flexibility for balancing study, mentorship, and practical ministry roles.
Compensation
This is a non-paid residency program. However, there are no costs incurred for participation in this residency. All books and materials are provided to residents. there may be opportunities for assistance depending on the church’s budget and available resources. The program offers invaluable experience and training that will help prepare residents for full-time pastoral ministry.
More
Additional Benefits
While completion of the residency does not guarantee a post at any local church, it fulfills a major prerequisite of becoming a church planter with the Great Commission Collective.
Additionally, students who are accepted into Southern Seminary may transfer up to 18 credit hours into a Masters degree as a part of Southern’s MAP program. More information here.
Process
Review Commitment Documents
Understand the scope, sequence, and requirements of the program.
Apply
Candidates should apply to the residency before cut off date.
Interview
Residents will interview with Redeemer's elders.
Admittance
Residents will sign documents and be admitted to the program. Students seeking credits at this stage should apply to Southern Seminary's MAP program.
Review Commitment Documents
Understand the scope, sequence, and requirements of the program.
Apply
Male and female candidates should apply to the residency before cut off date.
Interview
Residents will interview with Redeemer's elders.
Admittance
Residents will sign documents and be admitted to the program. Students seeking credits at this stage should apply to Southern Seminary's MAP program.