Full-time formal apprenticeship designed to equip the next generation

This partnership between CORS and local churches and ministries roots leadership development within the life and mission of the local church

Ministry Residency Program Overview

The Ministry Residency Program is a three-year, full-time formal apprenticeship designed to equip the next generation of pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders. This partnership between CORS and local churches and ministries roots leadership development within the life and mission of the local church. Each resident can tailor the program to fit their vocational path. For those aspiring to become cross-cultural missionaries, please check out our Missionary Residency Program.


Residents participate in a holistic formation process—combining biblical and theological study, heart-level mentoring, and practical ministry training—modeled after Paul’s mentorship of Timothy. The program draws upon the Reformed evangelical tradition to equip Christlike leaders for a missionary encounter with culture. 

  • Ideal Applicants

    Demonstrate a genuine love for Christ and His Church and value the central role of the local church in God’s mission.


    Exhibit Christlike character, spiritual maturity, and ministry gifts affirmed by their local congregation.


    Sense a clear calling to vocational ministry (pastor, church planter, or ministry leader).


    Desire thorough training in the Bible, theology, for missiology for the goal of long-term faithful service in God’s mission.


    Value and desire deep preparation in a relational, community-based context.


    Can live in the Auburn/Opelika area for the duration of the residency.


    Meet admission requirements for Christ Our Redeemer Seminary and any additional requirements of the partnering church or ministry.

  • Program Structure

    Duration: 3 years (aligned with completion of CORS MDiv or MA degree)


    Weekly Commitment 45-50 hours/week:

    25–30 hours: Seminary coursework (class, reading, assignments)


    20 hours: Church/ministry


    Phases:

    Year 1 (Foundation): Acclimation, relationship-building, observation, supportive ministry roles.


    Year 2 (Development): Increased ministry ownership, lead initiatives, focused mentoring.


    Year 3 (Leadership): Major ministry responsibilities, leadership development, ministry philosophy formation, transition to post-residency roles.

  • Key Responsibilities

    Maintain a growing relationship with God through faithfulness to the spiritual disciplines.


    Participate in the life and ministry of the partnering congregation  


    Enroll in and complete CORS MDiv or MA degree requirements.


    Participate in mentoring relationships, meeting regularly with a primary mentor, and engaging in spiritual formation practices.


    Rotate through major ministry areas (preaching, teaching, counseling, outreach, discipleship, worship, administration, cross-cultural ministry), progressing from observation to leadership.


    Maintain personal evangelism and discipleship relationships; support Bible studies, community groups, and outreach efforts.


    Attend staff, elder, and leadership meetings as appropriate.


    Pursue ordination if desired.


    Participate in regular assessment, feedback, and reflection with mentors and ministry supervisors.

  • Spiritual Formation & Support

    Daily spiritual disciplines and accountability.


    Regular retreat days for reflection and renewal.


    Participation in a community group for personal support.


    Sustainable rhythms of work and rest.


    Two weeks for vacation and two weeks for study abroad or intensive study periods annually.

  • Compensation & Housing

    Salary and benefits are determined by the local church or ministry.


    Housing may be provided or subsidized depending on the partner church or ministry.


    Residents are funded through shared contributions from the partner church or ministry, personal fundraising, and tuition discounts.

  • Expected Outcomes

    Form sustainable habits of spiritual formation and communal life for a lifetime of ministry leadership.


    Gain thorough training in the Bible, theology, and missiology.


    Gain significant supervised ministry experience.


    Develop a clear ecclesiology and ministry philosophy.


    Build a portfolio of ministry competencies and resources.


    Establish a network of ministry supporters, mentors, and peers.


    Be prepared for long-term ministry in the church and/or other ministries.


    Earn an MDiv or MA from Christ Our Redeemer Seminary.


    Receive support for placement as a pastor, church planter, or ministry leader.

  • FAQ

    Q: Can this be tailored to align with specific mission/values/objectives relative to the church?


    A: Yes. The program can be tailored to align with your vocational goals and the mission of the partner church or ministry.



    Q: Is it feasible for a resident to do all of the required seminary work and still be effective in ministry at the church or ministry?


    A: Yes. The residency is structured to ensure academic and ministry responsibilities are mutually supportive.


Take the Next Step

Christ Our Redeemer Seminary partners with several local churches and ministries to make these apprenticeships available for you.

Contact us to if you have questions about which option is best for you or to find out if your church or ministry is eligible to offer these programs.

Worship Residency

First Presbyterian Church Opelika

Designed to help someone determine a calling towards ministry and to provide opportunities to discover and use their gifts while experiencing both theological and practical training. 


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Pastoral Residency

Pepperell Baptist Church Opelika

A three-year track for those called to vocational ministry. Residents participate in a holistic formation process designed to shape them further into the image of Christ. Biblical and theological study is combined with heart-level mentoring and practical ministry experience.


LEARN MORE

"Christ Our Redeemer Seminary does a great job of ensuring that the knowledge you receive through teaching, reading, and writing papers is fueling you into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. They are developing followers of Jesus who love to make disciples and are reaching the nations with the gospel."


- Jonathan Arrington

CORS Alumni & Children’s Pastor at Southside Baptist Church in Rainbow City, Alabama