residency at Schweitzer
The Schweitzer Residency is a robust, 9-month ministry immersion designed to help you explore and refine a call to vocational ministry as a long-term life pursuit.
FOUNDATIONS
Discover the inner workings of church leadership—from facilities and finances to preaching and pastoral care. You will:
- Fully participate in the worshiping and discipleship life of Schweitzer.
- Experience every ministry area during your first semester, then transition into a focused ministry concentration for your second semester.
- Build a grounded foundation of character and competency for long-term ministry health and growth.
FIELDWORK
Put theory into practice through real-world leadership and hands-on ministry. You will:
- Own and execute meaningful ministry projects and initiatives.
- Recruit, train, lead, and disciple teams.
- Learn from experienced pastors through weekly coaching and spiritual mentoring.
FUTURE
Step confidently into your next season through intentional career coaching and vocational guidance. You will:
- Prepare for your next phase—whether that means entering full-time vocational ministry, serving in marketplace ministry, or attending seminary.
- Build practical skills in resume design, job searching, interviewing, and networking.
Development
When you become a resident at Schweitzer, you come to fully immerse yourself in full-time ministry. This is not an internship position. You will do meaningful ministry work that moves the Kingdom forward. The invitation of the Residency program is to come and see and to explore your calling while Schweitzer invests in your development.
Resident Meeting
Residents meet with members of the Schweitzer staff every Wednesday afternoon. During this time, you'll receive teaching that is focused on one of three areas: ministry skills development, leadership development, or personal and spiritual development.
Ministry Experience
Early on, residents will experience every area of ministry to gain a clear picture of the multifaceted ministry of the church. As a more specific area of focus emerges, you will be given an active role in Schweitzer’s ministry, which allows you to take ownership of meaningful ministry responsibilities to develop your skills.
All Staff
Residents participate with Schweitzer staff weekly during our all-staff meeting. During these meetings, you will learn about the life of the church and the leadership process.
FAQs
Who is the Residency for?
This program is open to anyone seeking clarity in their ministry calling, including:
- Current college students and recent graduates
- Professionals considering a career transition
- Recent retirees looking to serve in a new season of life
When can I start?
Schweitzer onboards Residency cohorts every September.
What is the compensation for the Residency?
Schweitzer provides a $1,600 monthly stipend, as well as housing through host homes within the Schweitzer community. Residents also receive up to $1,500 in financial support for planned leadership conferences and ministry events.
How long is the program?
The Schweitzer Residency is 9 months long, September through May. By the end, we want residents to feel well prepared for whatever their next step may be.
How many hours?
Residents will work around 40 hours per week. Residents receive 2 weeks of paid vacation time, plus accrued sick leave.
Can I apply if I don’t live in the United States?
Internationals with a US degree are welcome to apply. All others, please inquire.
Do I need an undergraduate degree?
A degree is not required to apply for the Schweitzer Residency.
What does community look like?
Residents enter the Residency in a cohort. Over your nine months, you will work side-by-side with others who are on the same exploratory path. You will also be welcomed fully into the Schweitzer community, with many opportunities for connection.