Bethlehem Residency
Developing Tomorrow’s Church Leaders
Do you feel called to ministry?
We want to help you take your next step.
At Bethlehem Church, we want more FOR you than FROM you. As a church, we seek to invest in the future leaders of the church, people just like you! The Residency Program gives you hands-on ministry experience, coaching and mentoring, a tuition-free seminary degree, and life-giving community with like-minded peers.
We desire to develop and send out men and women who are strong in their faith, know their identity in Christ, and are confident in their calling and giftings in ministry.
Bethlehem Church offers two different tracks: Residency Program and Summer Internship.
What is the Summer Internship?
A Summer Internship is a 10-week opportunity for college students who sense God may be calling them to ministry leadership. It’s designed to give you hands-on ministry experience alongside personal investment and coaching from those who have gone before you.
Program Features
- 10-week summer experience
- 35-hour-per-week commitment
- Deep involvement in Wednesday Night and Sunday morning Next Gen ministries
- Primary focus in Kids, Students, Young Adults, and Communications ministries
- Mentoring from Bethlehem Church staff
- Learning alongside staff in leadership development groups
- Summer host homes
- Weekly pay
Program Features
- 22-month program
- Serve on a specific ministry team 25 hours per week, taking on significant ministry responsibilities to develop your ministry skills
- Weekly spiritual and leadership development training with a ministry coach and the Residency meeting
- Get training in theology, apologetics, and study the Bible cover-to-cover through taking seminary classes at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Host home housing
- Part-time pay
What is the Residency Program?
The Residency Program is a 2-year season of preparation for individuals who want to develop and deepen their calling to church ministry leadership. Residents will get to learn from and work alongside experienced church leaders, while earning a free Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
You can find out more about the Residency Program from the FAQs below.
Areas of Ministry
If you are interested in applying for the Bethlehem Residency or Summer Internship, please click the button below!
Residency FAQS
Who is the Residency for?
The Bethlehem Residency is for anyone at the beginning of their ministry career who feels called to serve the local church for a lifetime. The Residency Program is for individuals who are humble, hungry to learn, and ready to be developed personally and professionally.
Do I need to already be attending Bethlehem Church to be a resident?
No. However, if you are called to ministry, you are attending somewhere. Let us know where you are attending and serving.
How long is the program?
The Bethlehem Residency is a maximum of 2 years. During the final semester, Bethlehem will assist residents in beginning to apply for jobs and making placement connections.
How many hours is this program?
Residents will work around 25 hours per week. Seminary classes will be in addition to work hours.
What is the compensation?
Bethlehem provides bi-monthly financial compensation, as well as free housing through host homes. There is also a strongly encouraged opportunity to earn a free-to-you Masters in Christian Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
When can I start?
Bethlehem Church onboards new residents every August.
Can I have a part-time job during the program?
Many residents choose to have an additional flexible part-time job. That said, the Residency program must remain your priority.
Do I need an undergraduate degree?
While we do prefer higher education, it is not a requirement to apply for the Residency program.
What does community look like?
Over your two years, you will work side-by-side with peers who share the same passions and desires to see God move in our midst and people to discover new life in Christ. There are many opportunities to build relationships with fellow residents, as well as other staff at the campus you serve at. Additionally, you’ll be able to participate in our young adults ministry ABIDE where you can connect and find others in the same stage of life.
Will I be hired at Bethlehem Church full-time at the end of the program?
We would love that, but ultimately the goal of the Residency Program is to train you in ministry as a whole—not just in ministry at Bethlehem—and to place you somewhere growing and healthy. Two things will always be required for full-time employment here: We must have an open position, and you must be the right person for the position.
I'm interested; what's the next step?
Fill out the Interest Form, and Pastor Lawton will reach out to you!
I have another question not answered above.
Please click here to email Residency Pastor Lawton Jones.