What is a Pastoral Residency?
And Why Should You Pursue One?

Many of us are familiar with residencies in the medical field, but not many other arenas. So what is a pastoral residency? At Tabernacle, our pastoral residents are full-time associate pastors with salary and benefits. Residents take on real-life ministry situations that require them to use the skills and knowledge they have learned through seminary and life and allow them to grow in their character and competency before taking on long-term employment. A Tabernacle residency lasts two years with the expectation that at the end of those two years the church will be sending or planting a more fully trained and well-rounded pastor to carry out the work of the Kingdom in another community.

 

Pastoral ministry is both a calling and a craft, requiring theological depth, spiritual maturity, and practical leadership skills. A pastoral residency provides emerging leaders with hands-on ministry experience in a supportive environment where they can grow under seasoned mentors. It bridges the gap between seminary training and long-term ministry by immersing residents in the real-life rhythms of church leadership, preaching, pastoral care, and community engagement. At Tabernacle Community Church, our residency is designed to develop resilient, well-equipped pastors who are prepared to shepherd diverse congregations and lead with wisdom, humility, and a deep commitment to the gospel.

How to Learn More and Apply

If  you are interested in learning more about a TCC Pastoral Residency and applying, Please see the information below.

To apply, submit your resume and application document (detailed below) to jake@tabernaclecommunity.org.

Application document Format

  • Single-spaced
  • Does not exceed five pages in length
  • PDF file format

Competence

  • Include a resume that details your educational background, work experience, and any awards you have received throughout your educational experience.
  • In what ways have you or are you currently demonstrating leadership?
  • How would you describe your strengths and weaknesses?

Character

  • Tell us about your journey of faith.
  • How have you been involved in your local church – past and present?
  • What is something you have learned recently from the Word of God?
  • What has God been teaching you lately?
  • Read any good books lately? Tell us about one or two of them. (Exclude the Bible on this answer.)
  • What do you like to do for fun?

Calling

  • Tell us about your sense of calling. Where and how do you sense God is directing you to serve Him after graduation from seminary?
  • What are 3-5 guiding principles in your developing philosophy of ministry?
  • What is your current area of focus in the MDiv program? (If applicable)
Read More About Residency See the Job Description