Ministry Training Program
at University Reformed Church
The Ministry Training Program exists to equip individuals to faithfully serve the church and to bless the church with faithful servants.
Established nearly 20 years ago, the Ministry Training Program has grown and developed into a three-track training program that has trained over 30 men and women to serve the church with their gifts. Twenty former trainees are serving the Lord in pastoral ministry around the United States and the world and three new churches have been started by former trainees.
URC offers three Ministry Training tracks:
Internship
For applicants who have not received formal theological education at a Master’s level.
Residency
For applicants who are currently enrolled as theological students.
Fellowship
For applicants who have graduated with an M.Div degree and are pursuing pastoral ministry.
Hear from Alumni
Internship program reflections from the Spring 2021 interns and fellows.
Raising up Men
Learn about this program in this special from the PCA's Mission to North America
Internship Track
To prepare individuals to become effective, responsible, and godly ministers through study and practice
About the InternshipThe Ministry Internship exists to provide experience in a specific ministry field to individuals who have discerned God’s calling but have not yet embarked upon formal theological education. University Reformed Church also offers training programs to individuals who are enrolled in educational programs (the Residency) and those who have graduated (the Fellowship).
Each intern will be assigned a track at the discretion of the church staff and the Executive Committee (ExComm), based upon the intern’s experience, gifting, and vision for future ministry. Track options include: pastoral, campus ministry, international ministry, counseling, youth ministry, and music
Full-time internships last for a twelve-month period and consist of 10-15 hours per week of general intern training, with 25-30+ hours per week devoted to the intern’s specific ministry track. A second year internship may be offered by the intern’s advisor with the approval of ExComm.
Download: Ministry Intern Program – Policies (opens PDF in a new tab)
“Through the internship, God repeatedly challenged me and taught me about a pastor’s heart, and by His grace I hope the internship will continue to produce fruit in my life, and in the life of The Church for years to come… Most of all, I’m glad I had this internship because I have a concrete idea of what it takes to be a pastor.”
– former Pastoral Intern Josh Duemler (2017-2018).
Residency Track
To provide personalized, hands-on training and experience to complement seminary studies, as well as further the development of ministry aptitude, gifts, and sense of calling
About the ResidencyResidents will work closely with and support the ministry staff in their duties, all to the promotion of the vision and mission of the church. URC will invest in this resident and his or her family, assisting in preparation for full-time ministry. Each resident will receive assistance in finding a suitable placement upon the completion of the residency.
Residents must be pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree from an approved seminary, and must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, verified through grade submissions at the end of every semester. Residents are full-time students, and will be expected to contribute a minimum of 10-15 hours of work that directly serves URC. Residencies generally last for 1-3 years and include a full time salary with benefits, with all of the funds provided through fundraising.
Download Pastoral Residency Program – Policies (opens PDF in a new tab)
Fellowship Track
To provide personalized, hands-on training and experience for seminary graduates desiring to develop further their ministry aptitude, gifts, and sense of calling
About the Fellowship
Fellows will work closely with and support the ministry staff in their duties, all to the promotion of the vision and mission of the church. URC will invest in this fellow and his family, assisting in his preparation for full-time ministry. Each fellow will receive assistance in finding a suitable call upon the completion of the fellowship.Fellows must be graduates with an M.Div from an approved seminary. The Fellowship usually lasts for 1-2 years and includes a full-time salary with benefits. The majority of the funds are provided through URC’s Pastoral Fellowship Fund, and remaining funds are provided through a Fellow’s fundraising.
Download Pastoral Fellowship Program – Policies (opens PDF in a new tab)
For more information
To learn more about how the program works, expectations, qualifications, fundraising, application and hiring process, please contact Assistant Pastor, Nate Groelsema.
