with Purpose.

Grace Church is a community of about 450 households in Central IL. Our faith in Jesus is growing; we care for one another as a family and discover our purpose as we journey toward Jesus and His ways.

Since being founded in 1958, Grace Church has belonged to the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (FEC). Grace partners with the FEC to plant churches nationally and internationally, credential and care for church leaders, and provide discipleship opportunities for adults and children.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

As part of the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches, our leaders teach and lead according to the FEC’s Articles of Faith and Practice.

01

What We Offer

In our over 60 years of ministry, Grace Church has a history of pastoral internships and church planting. We are excited to continue reproducing pastors equipped to shepherd other churches.

We seek applicants for a 12-month, paid residency with weekly oversight of our Middle School ministry (6th-8th grade) – including Wednesday evening youth group, Sunday morning Sunday school, Sunday evening ministry activities, and other special events. Grace Church will provide housing, office space, and computer equipment during the residency.

02

Expectations

The Residency will last one year (June – June) with the possibility of a second year in some situations in order to give the Resident a comprehensive view of Pastoral ministry in every season.
Residents will be responsible for week-to-week leadership and teaching within the Middle School ministry.
Residents will meet weekly with the Student Ministry Director for discipleship, training, planning, etc.

03

Residency Qualifications

Holds a Bachelor’s Degree
Aspires to fulltime Ministry
Biblically qualified for pastoral ministry 1 Timothy 3:1-11; Titus 1:5-9

04

Post-residency Outcomes

A year of rigorous pastoral experience including teaching, preaching, pastoral care, and leading volunteers in the church.
A working understanding of how a church functions.
A developed personal philosophy of ministry.

Frequently asked questions

What are the dates of the residency?

The residency runs from June – June, it’s a one-year commitment with the possibility of another year if it is determined that doing so would benefit both the resident and the church.

How many hours per week?

It is a 40+ hours per week, full-time position. There would be daytime office hours Monday-Thursday, as well as work on Wednesday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday evening. You would have one weekday and Saturdays off. However, there are some Saturday events, as well as a few weekend retreats.

Is this a paid position?

Yes, this is full-time employment. Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.

Is there vacation time?

Residents will receive 1-week paid vacation. There is flexibility for extenuating circumstances.

Can I work another part-time job while I am doing the residency?

There will not be time for a second job. The residency will keep you very busy.

Where will I live?

We want you to become part of our Church, not just part of the Church staff. To help accomplish that objective, we will identify a host family for you to live with during the residency. The church will partner with the resident if married to identify a solution.

Are there health insurance benefits?

We do not provide any health insurance. Our staff makes personal choices for their health care benefits, and many of them participate in health care sharing networks such as Samaritan Ministries.

If I don’t intend to become a youth pastor, can I still apply?

Yes. The wonder of student ministry is its diversity. Even if you don’t see yourself as a youth pastor in the future, this residency will give you regular opportunities to teach/preach, lead volunteers, participate on a pastoral staff, organize worship teams, write, work within a budget, do hospital visitation, and so much more.