Pastoral Fellowship Residency

Overview

Pastoral Residency Fellowship – Madison Avenue Baptist Church (NYC)

Madison Avenue Baptist Church (MABC), a historic and progressive congregation in Manhattan, invites applications for its two-year Pastoral Residency Fellowship. This program offers emerging ministers the opportunity to develop as preachers, storytellers, and leaders in a diverse, justice-driven community. Residents will co-lead worship, help shape Bible Study and youth/young adult ministries, engage in social justice initiatives, and gain mentorship from Rev.

Susan Sparks, a nationally recognized preacher, author, and comedian who brings expertise in preaching, storytelling, humor, and digital ministry. This robust program will be the first of its kind for MABC. For full details around the Fellowship, Candidate Requirements, and Application Instructions, review the full Program Overview.

We are seeking applicants who:

• Hold (or are completing) an MDiv, MTS, or equivalent degree
• Are ordained or on track for ordination (ABC-USA preferred)
• Embrace progressive theology, diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ affirming ministry
• Demonstrate strong preaching and communication skills
• Bring creativity, cultural competency, and a sense of humor to ministry
• Show interest in urban ministry and collaborative leadership

Application period:
October – December 2025

Start date:

Spring 2026

Compensation:

• Base stipend: $60,000-$70,000 (Annually)
• Healthcare allowance: $5,000 (Annually)
• Professional development fund: $1,000 (Annually)
• Relocation Support – One-time reimbursement dependent on candidate’s location

• Resume or CV naming MDiv, MTS, or equivalent graduation location and date, and ordination location and date or ordination timeline
• Cover letter, briefly answering three questions:
  • Given that you’ll be mentored by a pastor who is also a professional comedian and author, what aspects of your own personality, background, or life experiences would you bring to this unique learning environment? How would this unconventional mentorship shape your ministerial identity?
  • MABC treats Sunday worship as an “art form” and serves as a theological place for exploration. How would you contribute to creating worship experiences that engage both artists and seekers while maintaining theological depth?
  • MABC has a 177-year legacy of taking “great risks” for ministry (like rebuilding inside a hotel in 1929). If you could design one innovative ministry program or initiative during your fellowship that others might consider “risky” but could transform lives, what would it be and why?
• Video submissions: 2-3 compelling preaching/storytelling clips (2-3 minutes each, reel format acceptable)
• Two professional references (Optional in initial submission, required before Final Interview)
• Please submit all materials to fellowship

Madison Avenue Baptist Church is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We strongly encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experience, even if you have most but not all the qualifications listed above. If you feel passionate about our mission and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you!