Overview
The purpose of Cross Family’s Pastoral Residency Program is to encourage and provide opportunities for real world ministry experience to individuals pursuing full-time vocational ministry in the local church. You will be given opportunities to serve, lead, and grow in a variety of ministries, while also having a mentoring and coaching relationship with the pastoral leadership team and the Senior Pastor in particular. The residency is a two-year program that can be extended with the mutual agreement of Cross Family and the Pastoral Resident.

The desire of Cross Family is to invest in leaders of the local church. By providing an opportunity to experience, participate, and lead in ministry, we hope to confirm and clarify the calling of our Pastoral Residents while also equipping them with both theological and practical tools they will need to lead well as they enter a full-time ministerial position. Through the financial support of the Pastoral Residency Program, we also hope to help our Pastoral Residents graduate seminary with no debt, therefore allowing them to serve wherever the Lord may lead them.

Qualifications
– Must be a baptized, born-again follower of Jesus Christ
– Must be called by the Lord Jesus Christ to serve in pastoral ministry in the local church
– Must desire to attend seminary and enter vocational ministry
– Must meet the qualifications of an elder found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9
– Must agree with our doctrinal statement (the Baptist Faith & Message)
– Must lead a life marked by Christ-like character, including humility, sacrifice, a servant’s heart, teachability, strong work ethic, sound doctrine, and a desire for the lost to come to Christ
– If married, must be faithful to their spouse and lovingly lead and manage their household well
– Ability to play guitar and lead in worship is highly desired

Expectations
– Be an active member of Cross Family and fulfill Cross Family’s membership expectations
– Oversee and lead a specific ministry, or ministries, within Cross Family
– Submit and be accountable to the pastoral leadership of the church
– Regularly attend staff meetings
– Meet regularly with the Senior Pastor for prayer, Bible study, and mentoring
– Complete assigned readings, Scripture memorization, and coaching tasks assigned by the Senior Pastor in your mentoring relationship
– Be actively involved in the Parker community
– Work 10-15 hours per week in leading and serving in your specific ministry or ministries (we understand the expectations and demands of going to seminary and have realistic expectations of the Pastoral Residents)

Financial Support
– A fully paid for apartment, including utilities, in Parker
– A full ride scholarship to any of the 6 SBC seminaries for a master’s degree (A partial scholarship can be offered to a non-SBC seminary)
– Assistance will be provided in finding additional part-time employment opportunities if needed