Heartland Residencies
Converge Heartland’s vision is to see a Gospel-centered church bringing transformation to every Heartland community. 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.
Residencies are local church-based programs designed to train men for pastoral ministry. Graduates of the program will be elder-qualified men, prepared to pastor the church through planting, revitalization, or other local church ministry in the Heartland and beyond. Most residencies offer a base salary with supplemental, support-raised income options to assist with living costs, seminary tuition, retirement, health insurance, etc.
The Components
To train men for ministry, residencies have three main components.
Pastoral Development
- Learn the essential functions of pastoral ministry
- Meet regularly with the church’s leadership for discipleship and formation
- Grow in the character required of qualified elders
Theological Education
- Earn your theological degree through one of our partner schools
Ministry Experience
- Gain experience in preaching, pastoring, and projects
- Serve and lead in various ministries
Residency Partnerships and Affiliations
Converge Heartland
Converge Heartland is one of ten districts in Converge, a collaborative network of independent Great Commission congregations working together to help people meet, know, and follow Jesus. Heartland serves over sixty churches across Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
University Partners
We partner with various Christian universities and seminaries to provide residents with accessible, affordable degrees in theology—all completed remotely during the program: Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kansas City, MO), Kairos University (Sioux Falls, SD), and the Timothy Pastoral Apprenticeship (Dell Rapids, SD).
FAQs
What is the duration of a residency?
Residencies range from one to three years, depending on the context.
Who should apply?
A pastoral residency differs from an internship in that it is designed to clarify and sharpen a man’s call to ministry, not determine whether he is called. Ideal candidates for this program are men who:
- Sense that full-time pastoral ministry is in their future
- Have completed (or are no more than two semesters from completing) their undergraduate degree
- Aspire to the office of elder, pursuing the call and qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
- May benefit from hands-on ministry experience prior to beginning their own pastorate
Who employs the resident?
The resident is an employee of Converge Heartland. All funds for paying residents go securely through Converge Heartland. Though an employee of Heartland, residents are members of and accountable to the local churches where they serve.
Does the residency provide housing?
Some host churches provide housing for the residents, others do not.
How does support-raising work?
Before the program begins, residents will participate in a three-day training program through Converge Heartland, where they will be equipped with everything they need to raise support. Residents will also have a ministry coach from Heartland who will help them along the way.
Want to Learn More?
Click here to learn more about Heartland’s website’s residency page