Multi-Year Ministry Resident Program

Explore God's Calling

God has given you gifts and talents that are uniquely yours. Through this process, you will discover how your gifts and skills can be refined and strengthened as a resident at Stetson Baptist Church.

The Stetson Baptist Church Resident Program is designed to provide the exposure, experience, and education needed to build a foundation for your calling.

Exposure

• Community - Build community within the Church, with opportunities to participate in and lead a small group.
• Outreach - Be part of changing the lives of others in our community by serving with the many outreach organizations that partner with Stetson Baptist Church.
• Mentorship - Sharpen your gifts and talents and step beyond your comfort zone through one-on-one development with the leadership team at Stetson Baptist Church.

Experience

• Campus Operations - Take ownership of tasks within the Church and build confidence in your leadership. You will see how the Church operates by attending and leading meetings and programs across various ministry areas.

Training

• Teaching with Staff - Learn directly from the leaders and staff at Stetson Baptist Church on topics that will stretch, grow, and equip you to succeed.
• Attend Ministry Training Conferences - Under your supervisor's direction, you will have the opportunity to attend conferences and denominational conventions with other pastors.

Compensation

• You'll receive a stipend to cover living expenses, along with additional benefits, including individual medical and disability insurance and a ministry expense account.

Housing

• In most cases, on-campus housing is available at no cost, including utilities.

School

• You are expected to pursue theological education. To support this, we collaborate with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, enabling you to earn up to 18 credit hours toward your seminary degree and providing financial assistance to help cover associated costs.

Transportation

• The majority of your responsibilities will require reliable transportation, making a driver's license and a car mandatory for the Resident Program.

Eligibility

• The Stetson Baptist Church Resident Program is open to adults exploring a call to ministry.

Work

• The Resident Program often involves late hours and occasional last-minute requests. Therefore, we ask that applicants not hold an additional job while in the program. There are also mandatory office hours, with flexible time to complete schoolwork.

What you will be doing

• No two weeks will look the same in this dynamic, ever-changing environment! As a resident, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and assignments under the guidance of the Church leadership team. This hands-on experience will help you gain valuable ministry insights and prepare you for a future in ministry.

The Resident Program is a full-time, one-year commitment. Candidates may apply annually to extend their service for up to three years, with each year featuring distinct objectives:

• Year One: Foundations - Residents will gain a broad understanding of church operations and ministry. This year is designed to help participants explore their calling and clarify their purpose.
• Year Two: Leadership Focus - Residents will refine their sense of calling and assume leadership responsibilities in their preferred ministry area, deepening their skills and expertise.
• Year Three: Ministry Preparation - In the final year, pastoral staff will mentor and equip residents for their next ministry position, ensuring they are prepared to step confidently into their future roles.

This program offers a unique opportunity to grow spiritually, professionally, and personally, and is integral to the church's mission.

Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate your personal experience of salvation
• Must demonstrate spiritual maturity
• Must be active in a local church
• Must pass all background checks
• Must have a teachable spirit and willingness to learn
• The ideal candidate will have completed their undergraduate degree and be pursuing seminary studies

Interested?

If this is something you would like to explore further, your next step is to complete an application. Email us at brad@stetson.church, and we will get you started!

Our vision is to be a multi-generational, multi-cultural family of Christ-followers who:

- Reach Up to the Savior in worship

- Reach Down to the lost with the Gospel

- Reach Into the truth of God’s Word

- Reach Out to a friend in love and service

We live out this vision by challenging every member to Worship, Grow, Serve, and Reach—both in their daily lives and within the church community each week.

Additionally, we are passionate about being #ForDeLand—a mindset that drives everything we do. By actively supporting and serving our community, we want people to see more than just a building; we want them to experience a church that truly loves them and desires to share the hope of the Gospel.