Resident - Lakes Association Ohio Cluster

Executive Summary

The GLA Cluster Internship + Residency Program develops spiritually formed ministry leaders through hands‑on ministry, an academic partnership with Kairos University, and 1:1 mentorship. Residents (2 years, full‑time) receive compensation, paid time off including spiritual formation time, and educational support aimed at producing ministry‑ready leaders who can serve across the GLA Cluster and beyond.

We invest in emerging leaders exploring or pursuing vocational ministry by providing holistic development, hands‑on experience, and 1:1 mentoring with experienced pastoral staff.

This program offers a critical leadership pipeline for the GLA Cluster and beyond that develops spiritually healthy, aligned men and women to lead the church into the next generation.

The most important thing you can offer someone is your own thriving relationship with Jesus. Your spiritual health matters most, and the program is designed to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus first and foremost through a variety of opportunities to practice spiritual disciplines in community, such as Sabbath, contemplative prayer, and 1:1 spiritual direction with skilled professionals.

We believe learning happens best when education integrates your spiritual formation, intellectual interests, and hands‑on experience. To that end, each Resident will enroll in Kairos University. This innovative program bucks the traditional course‑credit education model in favor of highly customizable, mentor‑team‑directed educational journeys. Kairos has among the highest accreditation that institutes of higher learning can achieve. Your experience in the program will count as progress toward earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on your educational background and goals.

Leadership growth happens by doing. At first, you will provide support in selected areas of our partner churches. As you grow in your leadership skills throughout the internship or residency, opportunities for genuine responsibility and ownership will be offered. Your voice will be valued as you work closely with experienced pastoral staff and ministry leaders to build the Kingdom of God.

Each Resident will primarily engage with their Sponsor‑Partner Church, which is the church funding their experience.

• Duration: 2 years, 40 hours/week
• Compensation: $16 per hour + benefits package eligibility + $3,600 education allowance
• Paid Time Off: 40 hours vacation, 40 hours spiritual formation, 40 hours personal time
• Housing for ages 18+:
  Ability to apply for a bedroom at the Program House, if available; cost = $150/month
• Education:
  
  Mandatory Kairos University enrollment; 20 hours/week toward degree
• Feedback Opportunities:
  Weekly 1:1 coaching, biannual review, exit interview
• Compensation and benefits are taken from GLA Partner Heartland Community Church’s handbook. Compensation, PTO, and internal staff rhythms may vary based on the Sponsor‑Partner Church’s policies

• Uphold and align with the Sponsor‑Partner Church’s Statement of Beliefs. (Heartland, Cross of Hope, Disciples)
• Prioritize personal spiritual formation
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Acceptance into Kairos University and maintain good standing throughout the program
• Maintain a teachable attitude and willingness to learn under the guidance of seasoned ministry leaders
• Be open to new experiences and learning in various church contexts, particularly within the GLA Cluster
• Be computer literate in Google Suite or Microsoft 365
• Have reliable transportation
• Satisfactory results on background check process

Exploratory

This pathway is designed for those exploring what ministry work is like and who desire experience in many different areas of the church. Future campus pastors or church planters may benefit from this broad exposure. Residents will spend time in various ministry areas, including Connections, Students, Kids, Operations, Worship + Tech, Communications, and Missions. Opportunities for full responsibility or ownership are limited due to the brief time spent in each…