Last week we posted a blog announcing the open application process for our Lead Pastor Residency program. Applications open today. Here’s a description of the type of man we hope will apply.
We’re not just looking for any man to apply for the Lead Pastor Residency. We’re looking for humble men who love Jesus and his church, men who will lead the charge and be the next generation of church planters at Mars Hill Church. The Lead Pastor Residency program is designed to train called, qualified, courageous men who will plant a Mars Hill church or lead an existing one.
Called
Being called is the most important part of being a lead pastor resident. Leading a church comes with an enormous amount of spiritual attack and persecution. If you’re not called to be here, you won’t make it. You will most likely quit after a year or less. We need men who care about the people of our church and have a focus on longevity at Mars Hill so we can advance what Jesus has called us to do. We need men who will run with perseverance, knowing they’ve been called by a faithful God.
Qualified
This is a tough gig and you need to be qualified. Part of being qualified is being holy and humble. It also means being experienced. This is not the place to begin training for ministry. We’re looking to help those who are seasoned receive more intense training so they can lead the charge on big things Jesus is calling us to at Mars Hill. If you’re not seasoned in ministry with a proven track record of leading others and leading people to Jesus, this position is not for you.
Courageous
We need men of action who are passionately in love with Jesus and are ready to lead the charge. We need strong, bold, and courageous men. We need men who love and know their Bibles. We need men who love their wife and children well. We need men who are down on their knees often praying to Jesus because they know they can’t do a thing without him. We need men who love the church, give to the church, and serve the church. We need men who repent often.
I know this sounds like a lot. And it is. But we’re not just looking for any man. Last year, nearly 200 men applied for the Lead Pastor Residency and we only took five. The program is highly selective because we don’t just need any man. We need the right man. Are you one of those men?
