“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:1–2
The first year of the Lead Pastor Residency Program was very successful. We had some great men in the program who love Jesus, their families, and the church and have a deep passion to see people saved. I’m excited to meet the next class of lead pastor residents and am praying daily for them already. I’ve also had a great time learning and growing with them. Below are my top ten favorite experiences from this critically important program for the future of Mars Hill Church.
10. We laugh together loudly and often
Ministry is a sobering experience. Our work is joyful but weighty. Ministry provides an amazing context for real-life comedy. We regularly laugh at ourselves and at the circumstances we find ourselves in, knowing that Jesus redeems all things. The funniest thing of all is that he uses imperfect men like us to do his work.
9. Top Pot Doughnut days
Occasionally, we were spent to the point of discouragement hanging heavy in the air like the Seattle mist. When that was the case, nothing was more refreshing than a doughnut, a cup of coffee, and the retelling of stories commemorating God’s grace in tough times. The residents keep a numbering system going, much like tracks on your favorite CD, based upon the stories I tell over and over again to remind them that Jesus is faithful. They know if it has been a week of heavy spiritual warfare, then they will certainly hear Pastor Dave Story #9. Again. And while maybe the stories get stale, the doughnuts are always fresh.
8. A front-row seat to strategy sessions
I enjoyed being in key strategic meetings with the residents throughout the year. I enjoyed watching them soak in the important discussions surrounding ministry philosophy and practice—stuff you could never experience in a classroom.
7. Behind-the-scenes ministry
The residents this year learned firsthand how important volunteers are to the forward movement of the mission. So many people work thanklessly and nearly invisibly on Sundays and throughout the week so that others are loved and served. I’m confident they will learn the two most important words in a good lead pastor’s vocabulary: “Thank you.”
6. Watching resident families worship together on Sunday
Being qualified to pastor Jesus’ church begins in the home. Scripture makes it clear that a man who doesn’t spiritually lead his family well shouldn’t be considered for church leadership. Being able to see each resident worship alongside his wife and children on Sundays was confirming. Especially the part of the service when one of the men would drop to a knee in order to explain what was happening to his small daughter or son.
5. Preaching at Q School
Preaching in front of your peers is intimidating. Preaching for the purpose of being approved for the same duty at Mars Hill Church in front of Pastor Mark at Q School is daunting. But I felt like a proud dad when each of our residents passed this test with flying colors. Even more, I was happy to see them learn that the most important skill in preaching isn’t eloquence, but expecting the Holy Spirit to move in power.
4. Learning limits
It was interesting to watch each resident be struck by his own limitations. Each man learned he needs others with complementary gifts and skills for the sake of Jesus’ mission. If ministry were a sport, it would be a team sport. The lead pastor will only be fruitful when he leads a team where each member is playing their position effectively.
3. Sunday pre- and post-service meetings
During the first few months of the program, residents met before and after the first service on Sundays with Pastor Mark. He went over with them, in detail, the answer to every “Why?” question possible. He carefully explained all aspects of the service while revealing the underlying theology and philosophy. I learned as much as anyone else in those sessions.
2. Studying the pastoral epistles
We worked through each of the Apostle Paul’s letters to Pastor Timothy and Pastor Titus, verse by verse, together every Wednesday morning. I was amazed again at how much practical help the Bible provides pastors in everyday life. The residents helped me see new applications of the gospel I hadn’t noticed before. This time together made my week, every week.
1. The Marvelous Missiological Mars Hill Tour
While Pastor Mark is widely acclaimed and respected as a world-class preacher, few people are aware that he is also a world-class missiologist. The program began with the residents packing into a crowded van with Pastor Mark for a full-day historical tour of Mars Hill Church through the narrow and winding streets of Seattle. His cultural insights were brilliant. Moleskins were filled with notes and the lessons we learned that day will serve us for the rest of our ministry lives.
Do you feel called to be a lead pastor? Apply for the residency program today.
