Pastoral residency program
The American church faces an urgent need to raise up the next generation of faithful, well-equipped pastoral leaders. In response, FRC is launching Pastor Builders—a residency designed to intentionally train and send those called to vocational ministry. This is more than a program. It is a pathway of formation.
Through Pastor Builders, residents will be immersed in the life of the local church—receiving theological training, personal mentorship, and intentional spiritual formation, while gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of ministry settings within a healthy small to mid-sized congregation. You can learn more about this program by watching the video and using the drop down menu below. Apply to Pastor Builders by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page.
Through Pastor Builders, residents will be immersed in the life of the local church—receiving theological training, personal mentorship, and intentional spiritual formation, while gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of ministry settings within a healthy small to mid-sized congregation. You can learn more about this program by watching the video and using the drop down menu below. Apply to Pastor Builders by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page.
Additional Information
What is Pastor Builders?
Pastor Builders is a residency program at First Reformed Church in Grand Haven, MI for preparing emerging leaders for ordained pastoral ministry.
What is the Vision?
To meet the urgent and growing need for faithful and competent pastoral leaders for gospel ministry.
What is the Process?
Pastor Builders is designed to be a 2-year program that will assist future pastors become ordained in the Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC). The process begins with Pathways: the standard ARC assessment based upon a resident’s previous academic work and ministry experience. Based on the Pathways assessment, each resident will have a customized program to help them reach ordination. Since each situation will be unique, it is possible that the residency could be shortened or expanded in length of time.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants are committed followers of Jesus Christ who feel a call into pastoral ministry. In general, it is preferred if the applicant has a Bachelor’s degree (or some accredited Biblical classes) and some ministry experience, but it is not required. Also, applicants should have an appreciation for the doctrines of the Reformed faith. While our primary focus will be on developing future ARC pastors, we would like to remain kingdom minded and are open to consider other ministry candidates.
What Can I Expect from Pastor Builders?
The residency program is built upon 3 foundations key to successful pastoral ministry: Knowledge, Character, and Competency. Residents will engage in each of these areas through coursework (through our ministry partners), mentoring, and many opportunities to engage in hands-on ministry (preaching, teaching, worship planning, administration…) The goal is to prepare future pastors across a wide range of disciplines to help them lead impactful Christ-centered gospel-driven ministries in the future.
Who Leads Pastor Builders?
The residency program is directed by FRC pastor, Rev. Dr. John Kenny. He has been at the church for nearly 20 years and has a calling to help train and develop emerging pastors. FRC is a healthy, small-midsize historic congregation that is eager to invest in and come alongside future leaders so that the gospel of Jesus Christ may continue to go forward for generations to come.
What’s My Next Step?
If you would like to apply, you can fill out an application by clicking the button below.
If you have any questions about Pastor Builders, please contact John Kenny:
jkenny@firstgrandhaven.org
616-842-6600
If you have any questions about Pastor Builders, please contact John Kenny:
jkenny@firstgrandhaven.org
616-842-6600