Purpose
We believe the church in our place and time desperately needs well-equipped pastors and well-equipped women ministry leaders (Eph 4:11-16). While seminary is a valuable gift that sharpens theological understanding and academic skills, the local church is, in our conviction, the best context for developing future pastors and leaders. Nowhere in Scripture do we see seminaries or similar institutions as the primary means of training pastors; rather, pastors train pastors (cf. 2 Tim 2:2, Tit 1:5; 1 Pt 5:1-7). It is out of this conviction that we desire Providence Church to be a teaching hospital – willing and able, by God’s grace, to train the next generation of church leaders. Therefore, the residency program at Providence Church exists to develop leaders who are deeply rooted in Scripture, spiritually formed in Christ, passionately committed to the local church, and fully equipped for a lifetime of gospel-centered ministry. Providence Church, uniquely placed in in Northeast Ohio and equipped with both spiritual and material resources, is committed to multiplying churches by raising up pastors and ministry leaders for our church, future church plants, the Evangelical Free Church of America, and the broader body of Christ (Acts 1:8).
Commitment
The pastoral residency is a two-year, full-time position with benefits, beginning in the September of 2025. You are expected to commit to approximately 40 hours per week, including ministry involvement, study, pastoral mentorship, and participation in staff life. The residency includes a full-time salary, access to seminary coursework (if applicable), and regular opportunities for evaluation and vocational discernment.
What You Will Experience
During our two-year residency, you will engage in a wide range of pastoral training and ministry opportunities. These opportunities will include:
- Participate in staff and elder meetings
- Receive mentorship from experienced pastors
- Rotate through a variety of ministries during the first year (e.g., youth, care, men/women, children, young adults)
- Teach and lead in various settings with dedicated time for preparation and feedback
- Observe and assist in counseling, hospital visits, funerals, and weddings
- Engage in theological readings and pastoral discussions
- Participate actively in church life, including Sunday services, membership, small groups, and service opportunities
- Grow in spiritual disciplines, personal holiness, and gospel mission
Ideal candidate
An ideal candidate for our residency will possess these qualities and/or have this background:
- A committed follower of Jesus Christ and active participant in his church.
- Though not a pastor/elder, meets the biblical qualifications for pastor/elder (1 Tim. 3:1– 7; Titus 1:6–9; 1 Pet. 5:2–3).
- Alignment with the EFCA’s Statement of Faith, Providence Church’s Biblical Affirmations, and core mission
- Demonstrates a clear sense of calling to vocational ministry and willingness to live, teach, worship, and serve in Northeast Ohio as part of a local church family on mission.
- A completed or nearly completed graduate degree in biblical or theological studies (M.A., M.Div., or equivalent) is preferred—or a willingness to pursue one.
While the program is primarily designed for men pursuing pastoral ministry, women seeking ministry leadership experience are encouraged to apply. Training opportunities will be shaped according to the individual.
application information
Applications received before August 15, 2025, will be considered for the 2025–2027 residency cohort (September 1, 2025 – July 1, 2027). Applications received after August 15, 2025, will be considered for future residency cohorts.
If you have questions about the program, please contact John Matthews at:
jmatthews@providencechurch.us 
