Schweitzer Residency Program
Aims & Outcomes
We aim to give a robust, 9-12 month ministry immersion experience that allows a person to explore a call to vocational ministry as a long-term life pursuit. Residents could include, but are not limited to: recent high school graduates, college students, recent college graduates, those considering a career change, and those who have recently retired. The purpose of the residency is to help a Resident gain clarity on their next step, which could include deciding whether or not to pursue a ministry undergraduate or graduate degree, as well as whether to begin interviewing with churches.
The Schweitzer Residency Program focuses on the following three areas:
1. Ministry Experience
Residents work 40 hours a week alongside Schweitzer Church staff, gaining hands-on leadership experience. Residents will:
2. Mentorship
A pastor will serve as the primary Mentor for the resident, providing regular coaching, discipleship, and encouragement throughout the program. This relationship is designed to foster spiritual growth, leadership development, and practical ministry insight.
3. Ministry Training
Residents spend 4 days each week engaging in hands-on ministry, followed by 1 day each week of processing and training sessions focused on:
Compensation & Evaluation
TO APPLY:
To apply, send the following information to Jason Leininger at jason@schweitzer.church:
We aim to give a robust, 9-12 month ministry immersion experience that allows a person to explore a call to vocational ministry as a long-term life pursuit. Residents could include, but are not limited to: recent high school graduates, college students, recent college graduates, those considering a career change, and those who have recently retired. The purpose of the residency is to help a Resident gain clarity on their next step, which could include deciding whether or not to pursue a ministry undergraduate or graduate degree, as well as whether to begin interviewing with churches.
The Schweitzer Residency Program focuses on the following three areas:
1. Ministry Experience
Residents work 40 hours a week alongside Schweitzer Church staff, gaining hands-on leadership experience. Residents will:
- Be given real-life ministry responsibilities.
- Lead and disciple teams.
- Enter fully into the worshiping and discipleship life of Schweitzer.
- Be exposed to every type of ministry at Schweitzer during the first semester, with a more specific ministry focus emerging during the second semester.
2. Mentorship
A pastor will serve as the primary Mentor for the resident, providing regular coaching, discipleship, and encouragement throughout the program. This relationship is designed to foster spiritual growth, leadership development, and practical ministry insight.
3. Ministry Training
Residents spend 4 days each week engaging in hands-on ministry, followed by 1 day each week of processing and training sessions focused on:
- Leadership and spiritual formation
- Practical ministry skills
- Biblical and theological studies
- Organizational and team leadership
Compensation & Evaluation
- Residents receive a monthly stipend of $1,600 + housing for 9-12 months, beginning Sept 2025.
- If the Mentor recommends a certain conference or leadership development experience, those fees and costs will be covered by Schweitzer, up to $1,500.
- The Schweitzer Employment Policy will be the essential guide for all employment matters, including sick days. Residents will be given 2 weeks of vacation time.
- Schweitzer is an at-will employer. Therefore, if conduct is unbecoming or inappropriate, the agreement may be terminated without notice.
TO APPLY:
To apply, send the following information to Jason Leininger at jason@schweitzer.church:
- Your Name
- Resume
- Highest level of education completed
- Availability for a Zoom call
- A brief statement telling us why you are interested in the Schweitzer Residency Program
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