Why a residency?

Just as some hospitals are “teaching hospitals,” we desire to become a “teaching church, training up the next generation for pastoral ministry through reflective experience. The rigorous training afforded in seminaries and divinity schools focuses primarily on essential academic and biblical knowledge. What’s missing is practical teaching about the work of the church.

Missio Dei Chicago seeks to fill that gap by offering two years of hands on experience to learn the ropes of local church ministry in a healthy practicum. In the long term, we believe this will extend the ministry of pastors and prevent burnout among younger pastors.

What is a resident?

Pastoral residents are ministerial staff members learning to be both specialists and generalists in ministry. They will focus on their gifting, but will have set aside time to gain experience in some of the following areas : preaching, teaching, worship leading, pastoral care, administration and congregational organization. Residents learn to preach, provide leadership to a Sunday gathering, and organize other special events.

Additionally, a resident may lead a group of disciples to follow the way of Jesus, learn how to practice justice, practice the ministry of the Spirit, learn how to baptize, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, handle weddings and funerals, how to work in teams, and how to promote stewardship and be the personal presence to Jesus to those in need. Worship residents will lead a congregation in worship 3-4 times a month

Interested in Applying?

We are now accepting applications for the Fall of 2023.

Individuals who are discerning a change in career towards pastoral ministry and recent seminary or divinity school graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) who have expressed a call to vocational ministry are invited to apply for the pastoral residency program. Applications are received throughout the year, but should be submitted no later than July 31st for consideration in the new class that begins in September 2023. Residencies may run for a total of two years.

How to Apply.

Pastoral Residency

Thank you for your interest in the residency program. This inquiry form is for anyone seeking more information about a residency with us.  All residencies will involve some amount of fundraising, as well as the potential of match grants from Missio Dei Chicago. For questions, contact Brian Fulton, Missio Dei Lincoln Square Elder.

Worship Residency

Thank you for your interest in the worship residency program. This residency is meant for those interested in a residency that is primarily focused in the area of worship. All residencies will involve some amount of fundraising, as well as the potential of match grants from Missio Dei Chicago. For questions, contact Brian Fulton, Missio Dei Lincoln Square Elder.

Testimonials

Elijah Olige, Missio Dei Uptown

My residency at Missio Dei gave me the opportunity to discover my passions in the open world of ministry. It allowed me to shape my weekly duties to fit those passions while still challenging me in other areas.

Brandon Blessman, Missio Dei Wrigleyville

My two year experience as a pastoral resident at Missio Dei was truly formative to my spiritual journey and ministry trajectory. Not only was I put in a position to learn, ask questions, and be challenged, I was empowered to lead in the Chicago context. For those seeking to grow in their giftedness and learn more about the day-to-day work of pastoral ministry, I highly recommend your participation in this residency program!

Reid Gordon, Missio Dei Lincoln Square

Missio Dei's residency program gave me a unique opportunity to be embedded in a ministry context while pursuing more formal education. Leading and serving at Missio Dei allowed these two contexts to inform each other, resulting in a robust, practical, and embodied theological formation.