WELCOME

Our Ministry Development Program is a unique 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 vocational ministry.

Hear About the MDP

HEAR FROM PARTICIPANTS

WHAT TO EXPECT

There will be a retreat weekend at the start of the program in September 2024. We will meet together weekly on Wednesday mornings as a group of residents 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, which 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 your program. You will join the monthly staff gatherings (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.

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 2024-25 program + retreat dates?
Program Dates:
August 29, 2024 – April 30, 2025

Retreat dates:
September 13 – 15, 2024

APPLICATION, INTERVIEW + ONBOARDING PROCESS
The application deadline is Sunday, April 21, 2024 – but there are limited spots available, so we may close applications early. Submit your application as soon as you can so that you don’t miss out!

If you are asked to interview, this will happen on either Wednesday, May 8 or Thursday, May 9, 2024.

If you are offered a position, you will be onboarding all day on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

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 Big Halloween Party, 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.

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

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

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.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

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