Ignite Church Residency Program Outline

At Ignite Church, we strive to advance the kingdom of God by making strong disciples. We believe there is a pressing need in our day for biblically called and qualified men to pastor churches—men who will devote their lives to gospel ministry.

The Ignite Pastoral Residency is a two-year, full-time pastoral training program that exists to train men for pastoral ministry. The Pastoral Residency trains men in the responsibilities of the pastorate: the ministry of the Word (1 Tim. 3:2), pastoral care (1 Pet. 5:2), oversight and leadership (1 Thess. 5:12), and setting an example for the flock (1 Pet. 5:3). By the end of the program, residents will have received extensive pastoral and theological training in a local church context. We hope graduates of the program will be obedient to the call of God on their lives to pastor the Church—whether through planting, revitalization, or other local church ministries.

IC | Residency Job Description

Qualifications

  • A sense that full-time pastoral ministry is in his future
  • Has completed (or are no more than two semesters from completing) his undergraduate degree
  • Aspire to the office of elder, pursuing the call and qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
  • An active and growing relationship with Jesus Christ
  • Must agree with the Statement of Faith of Ignite Church
  • Must show signs of Christian maturity: moral character, humility, teachability, etc.

Responsibilities

  • Meet with the elders and key ministry leaders regularly
  • Help carry and implement the church vision
  • Regularly attend elder meetings
  • Build discipleship relationships within the church and community

Estimated Weekly Time Allotment

  • Ministry work/development (20–25 hours)
  • Theological education (10 hours)
  • Pastoral care/ministry meetings (5 hours)
  • Worship services (5 hours)