Growing Pastors: The Residency Program

I have been privileged, since June 29th of 2013, to take part in a relatively new program in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church known as a "Residency Program." The residency program is modeled after that which medical students complete before becoming fully accredited medical doctors. That is, they learn from a seasoned doctoral staff for an appointed period of time, they are evaluated during this process, and at the end they are well equipped to serve in a hospital around the country.

The medical field takes this approach for many reasons, none bigger than the fact that these students will one day be operating on people in need of all types of medical attention. Therefore, It is important that the students be fully equipped and prepared to perform the duties that will confront them throughout their career. Our residency program takes a similar approach; recently graduated seminarians are placed within thriving churches where a seasoned senior pastor and staff help the resident pastor prepare to one day serve, faithfully and fruitfully, in another congregation.

So far, in just a short amount of time, I have benefited so much from being a resident pastor in this program. There are so many aspects of ministry that one doesn't even consider when thrust into a first appointment as senior pastor. And unfortunately many new clergy learn through failures and frustrations, while the congregation struggles along. To be sure, there will always be failures and frustrations in ministry, but the residency program provides a sense of preparedness that will help a pastor navigate those rough spots, and turn them into opportunities for growth.

I hope, one day, all new clergy can enter a program like this before being cast into the role of senior pastor. Because like the medical doctor, pastoral is also important for the spiritual vitality and care of the parishioners. And if medical students go through such a vigorous preparatory process all clergy should, too. Yes, seminary is vital, but seminary does not afford one the real life ministry experience with people. Seminary teaches church renewal, but programs like this immerse a person into a culture of church renewal. Pastor's should enter pastoral ministry with as much training and education possible, so that our calling can be combined with a preparedness that will enable us to serve effectively and faithfully.

Some pastors are naturally gifted and able to lead from day one, but most of us are like Timothy in the Bible; we need the guidance of a seasoned pastor so that we can be sent into ministry equipped to do the work of the Lord. The residency program accomplishes that. I hope more ordaining boards consider this model for preparing pastors. It benefits everyone.