In Grace Communion International we believe in High Support, High Challenge – Grace always! Our ministry pathway provides a safe and strategic environment for individuals to explore their call to ministry. The programs in the pathway are not necessarily
followed in a linear process system but each provides an onramp into leadership in GCI. Explore the links below to discover which program would be the best fit for you!

What is The Orchard?

The Orchard is a project-based mentoring program that participates in the work of the Holy Spirit by helping emerging Christian leaders discern God’s voice in their ongoing growth. The Orchard is led by a partnership between the Anástasis Center and Grace Christian Church, a member of Grace Communion International (GCI). In The Orchard, we see a new generation of leaders who live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and make disciples like Jesus. With a strong theological foundation, the ability to discern God’s iterative calling, and well-developed leadership skills, graduates of The Orchard enrich and expand the Body of Christ for the glory of God. Participants in The Orchard develop a ministry project of their own design over the
course of six months. Monthly learning sessions help participants understand their calling and how to best participate in ministry work. The Orchard also offers monthly, individual coaching sessions to provide one-on-one support.

LEARNING SESSION TOPICS:

  • A Theological Foundation of Ministry
  • Your Iterative Calling
  • Jesus’ Concept of Neighbor
  • Leadership and Team Dynamics
  • Organization, Time Management, and Project Management
  • Conflict Styles and Criticism
  • Project Presentation

FORMAT:

  • 7 Orchard learning sessions conducted via video conference
  • 2 hours/learning session
  • 6, 1-hour individual coaching sessions via video conference
  • Each participant will develop a Ministry Action Plan on a project of her/his choosing

Who participates in The Orchard?

The Orchard is for those who:

  • Are interested in engaging in ministry and would like to be equipped
  • Have a ministry idea but are not sure how to start
  • Want to see if ministry is a good fit before making a major commitment of time or resources

TARGET AUDIENCE:

  • Young adults aged 18-25 who are interested in ministry work
  • Older leaders, especially women, who may be a good fit for the GCI Resident Program

How do I apply?

For more information, please contact Dishon Mills, GenMin Coordinator, at dishon.mills@gci.org.

We invite you to support our leadership development programs
by donating to the GCnext fund.

What is the Ministry Intern Program?

The Ministry Intern Program is a 4-year hands-on church ministry experience for those interested in exploring ministry leadership. Rather than taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach, the program allows for a variety of gifts to be expressed, giving interns
room to flex, grow and develop in a way unique to their God-given calling. We seek to raise generations of Christian leaders equipped and empowered to participate in the ministry of Jesus Christ as expressed in GCI healthy churches and according
to God-given gifting and calling.

Key Program Features:

  • 4-year internship
  • Paid, part-time work in the church, typically 8 hours per week
  • Open to full-time undergraduate students
  • Currently offered at US Ministry Training Center
  • Ministry mentoring, coaching, hands-on ministry training, ministry leadership opportunities, formal trainings, ministry exploration and discernment of calling, participation in GCI events
  • Fundraising: interns agree to fundraise 50% of their salary estimated at $2,200 annually. Upon acceptance to the program interns will be asked to fundraise 10% of their annual fundraising goal prior to program start date. Fundraising training
    and support will be provided.

Who is a Ministry Intern Candidate?

  • At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, enrolled in full-time undergraduate education
  • Available and willing to devote 4-years to the internship without interruption
  • Available and willing to relocate to a Ministry Training Center if not already local
  • Interest in church ministry leadership exploration and development
  • Previous experience serving in church ministry in any capacity
  • Understand and agree with GCI’s statement of beliefs and Trinitarian theology

Interested in pursuing a Ministry Internship?

A written application (including a $50 application fee, resume, and references) and interview are required for application to the program. Those considering applying to the Ministry Intern Program are encouraged to read chapters 1-3 and 6-9 of the Ministry
Intern and Pastoral Resident Manual to gain a fuller understanding of the program before applying. For more information about the program and to discuss application, please email GCI Development Coordinator Cara Garrity at development@gci.org.

We invite you to support our leadership development programs by donating to the GCnext fund

What is the GCI Pastoral Resident Program?

The Pastoral Resident Program is a 2.5-year, hands-on pastoral ministry experience for those who have discerned a calling to pastoral ministry and have demonstrated potential for this vocation. This program is available to graduates of the GCI Ministry
Intern Program and those who, through involvement in their local church ministry, have gained substantial ministry leadership experience and demonstrated an aptitude towards pastoral ministry. We seek to raise generations of GCI pastors and
church planters equipped and empowered to participate in the ministry of Jesus Christ as expressed in GCI healthy churches and according to God-given gifting and calling.

Key Program Features:

  • 2.5-year residency
  • Paid, part-time work in the church, typically 25 hours per week
  • Enrollment in a Master’s of Pastoral Studies or Master’s of Theological Studies at Grace Communion Seminary
  • Currently offered at US Ministry Training Center
  • Pastoral ministry mentoring, coaching, hands-on ministry training, pastoral ministry leadership opportunities, formal trainings, discernment of calling, participation in GCI events
  • Fundraising: pastoral residents agree to fundraise 50% of their salary estimated at $9,900 annually. Upon acceptance into the program, pastoral residents will be asked to fundraise 10% of their annual fundraising goal prior to program
    start date. Fundraising training and support will be provided.

Who is a Pastoral Resident Candidate?

  • At least 18 years old with a bachelor’s degree
  • Available and willing to devote 2.5 years to the pastoral residency without interruption, including enrollment in Grace Communion Seminary
  • Available and willing to relocate to a Ministry Training Center if not already local
  • Discernment of calling to pastoral ministry with demonstrated aptitude for this vocation
  • Successful completion of Ministry Intern Program or equivalent church ministry leadership experience
  • Understand and agree with GCI’s statement of beliefs and Trinitarian theology

Interested in pursuing a Pastoral Residency?

A written application (including $50 application fee, resume, and references) and interview are required for application to the program. Those considering application to the Pastoral Resident Program are encouraged to read chapters 1 and 4-9 of the Ministry
Intern and Pastoral Resident Manual to gain a fuller understanding of the program before applying. For more information about the program and to discuss application, please email GCI Development Coordinator Cara Garrity at development@gci.org.

We invite you to support our leadership development programs by donating to the GCnext fund.

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