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WELCOME

Our Ministry Development Program is a unique Christian internship opportunity to explore and develop your God-given calling and be equipped for ministry to become like Jesus and join Him on mission. The program is an 8-month, part-time (20 hours per week), paid residency that will give you practical experience in church ministry and help equip you in the areas of HEART, HEAD, and HANDS as you explore and pursue your calling to a career in vocational ministry.

Hear About the MDP

HEAR FROM PARTICIPANTS

JOIN OUR WAITLIST FOR 2026 – 2027

The 2025 – 2026 Ministry Development Program is full. To express an interest in the next program (2026 – 2027), please fill out the Interest Form below and we will be in touch.

2026 - 2027 MDP WAITLIST

MDP Waitlist

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

During your residency training program at Mission Hills, you’ll have the opportunity to grow both spiritually and in practical skills. Your experience will start with a launch weekend in the mountains in September. The weekend is a chance to get to know and build community with your fellow residents and to have teaching on calling and developing a personal mission statement. Throughout the eight-month internship, all residents meet together weekly on Wednesday mornings to connect as a community and participate in Development and Discussion sessions. These sessions will include teaching on spiritual HEART matters as the foundation for effective Christian ministry, plus a wide variety of helpful practical HEAD topics to equip you for ministry. You will spend the rest of your time serving in and learning the HANDS aspects of your ministry department in a large church environment. There are a number of ministry department placements to choose from, and these are listed in the FAQs below. You will participate in the regular programs and learn the normal skills and rhythms of your ministry area. You will also have the chance to experience another ministry area of your choice for two weeks during the program. You will join the monthly staff gatherings (we call them huddles) at Mission Hills and get to attend the staff day retreat as part of your training experience.

If this sounds like the right fit, we can’t wait to meet you! Click below to view the job description and apply.

VIEW JOB DESCRIPTION

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN INTERNSHIP OR RESIDENCY PROGRAM?

It is a training program specifically created for those who think that they may have a calling to vocational ministry as a career. It is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of ministry alongside receiving teaching that will help you to develop both spiritually and practically. Our program is called a residency program rather than an internship because we give people a higher-level experience and more responsibility than they would get on a traditional internship program. Amongst other things, you’ll have an individual ministry project that you’ll oversee from start to finish. Our residency program is paid although many internships are unpaid.

FAQs

Who is the Ministry Development Program for?
For all those who feel that God may be calling them to a career in vocational ministry in either a local church or parachurch setting, and who want to explore that further and be developed and equipped for their calling. It is open to those who have graduated High School and older.
What are the ministry departments that I could serve in?

Download this guide to the ministry areas that you can apply to join.

DOWNLOAD GUIDE

What are the Application, Interview, and Other Dates?

Application Deadline:
April 13, 2025

Interview Dates:
May 7 + 8, 2025

Program Dates:
August 27, 2025 – April 30, 2026

Launch Weekend Dates:
September 12 – 14, 2025

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?

Once you submit your application for the Ministry Development Program, our team will review your submission and some candidates will be invited to interview. This interview allows us to learn more about you, your interests, and your aspirations for ministry. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about Mission Hills Church and the program. Following the interview, we will notify you whether or not you’ve been successful in your application, and provide further instructions on next steps if so.

IS THE PROGRAM PAID?

Yes, it is. The Ministry Development Program is designed to be accessible to all who feel called to vocational ministry as a career, and we value our residents’ time. The anticipated salary is detailed on the downloadable job description.

What are the weekly time commitments?
20 hours per week. You will need to be available to participate in the weekly cohort gatherings (Development + Discussion sessions) on Wednesdays between 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, plus the time in your ministry department. The specific days and times for your ministry area hours will vary from department to department, dependent on their weekly rhythm.
What will I learn in the Development + Discussion sessions?
These are some of the topics that will be facilitated by our Mission Hills staff team and some guest speakers: missional culture, Biblical leadership, lifelong transformation, goal setting, time management, conflict resolution, apologetics, and a variety of other helpful topics.
What other commitments are there?

You will also attend and serve at a number of events regardless of the ministry area that you are placed in. These are the Halloween Bash, Christmas and Easter services, and one Women’s or Men’s event. Ideally you will also attend the staff day retreat if you are able to.

You will be expected to read a number of books as part of the program, which will be provided for you.

WILL I WORK WITH MISSION HILLS STAFF MEMBERS?
Yes! You will be working directly with Mission Hills staff throughout your residency. Not only will you be working hands-on with one team in your specific interest area, but you will also have a 2-week opportunity to experience one other ministry area of your choice. In addition to exposure to practical ministry, you will have a chance to build relationships within the church staff, our serve teams (volunteers), and the congregation.
WHO ARE MY FELLOW RESIDENTS?

At Mission Hills Church, one of our core values is that we are a tribe. That means that we pursue together what is too big to pursue alone. We consider our interns to be an important part of our tribe, which means that you and your fellow residents are joining a church family who cares for one another both at work and at home.

Your fellow residents are others who are testing and discerning whether God is calling them to full-time vocational ministry as a career. Residents range in age and career experience, but we have found that our interns create lasting friendships after the program ends.

WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE DURING THE INTERNSHIP?

Throughout your residency, you will have access to a support system designed to help you thrive. This includes regular check-ins with both your ministry area supervisor and the Ministry Development Program Associate Director, who will provide guidance and support tailored to your individual growth and development. Our leadership team is committed to fostering a nurturing environment where you can ask questions, seek advice, and receive encouragement along your journey.

Will I get a job with Mission Hills Church at the end of the program?

No. Our goal is to help develop and equip you for vocational ministry as you join Jesus on mission wherever he leads you. Your practical experience in a large church environment will help you to refine your skills, give you the hours of experience that employers value, and give you additional qualifications to add to your resume.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Email the Ministry Development Program if there is something else you’d like to ask us before applying.

EMAIL US