Can I be married and have children and participate in the residency?
Yes.
Can I participate in the residency for more than one year?
No.
Can I get seminary credit for doing the residency?
We are in discussions with Midwestern Seminary on this topic.
Do I have to be a seminary student to participate in the residency?
No.
Do I need to have studied Hebrew and/or Greek previously?
No.
Is the residency a replacement for a theological education?
No. Our residency would complement, not replace, what a Bible college or seminary teaches. However, we do not require a resident to have attended (or to attend) Bible college or seminary.
I’m not sure I want to be a pastor or missionary. Can I still do the residency?
We encourage those who are seriously considering serving in those roles to apply for the program.
How early should I apply?
Decisions about the next residency program will be made in early December, so please submit your application no later than December 1. The earlier, the better, for our planning as well as providing sufficient time for you to work out any necessary logistics for your family.
Is CFKC able to provide this residency for women?
Because the residency is for those interested in serving as a pastor or missionary (church planters), we do not allow women to participate.
Where should I be in my education before doing the residency?
A college degree will usually be expected for candidates for the residency, though will not always be required. Formal theological training at a college (or seminary) is not required.
Must I be a member of CFKC before applying for the residency?
No. However, the application process for the residency will involve becoming a member of CFKC if not a member already. Once accepted into the residency, the resident will become a member soon upon arrival via the normal process anyone joins CFKC. If for some reason you are not able to complete the membership process, you will no longer be able to participate in the residency.
Is it okay for an established CFKC church member to participate in this residency?
Yes. Even though a “residency” is often thought of as a stage of training in which the participant is only visiting on a temporary basis for the purpose of learning, we hope that some men within CFKC will participate as well. Just as some residents who move in could end up staying in Christ Fellowship indefinitely after their residency is over, other residents who were already members of CFKC could be trained and possibly sent out for ministry.
What if English is not my first language; can I still participate in the residency?
Possibly. Please contact us to discuss the proficiency level of English needed to benefit from our program.
Do I need to be a citizen of the United States?
No. We welcome applications from internationals. We encourage internationals to apply at least one year in advance, and to contact us to discuss the visa application process.
Is a stipend provided for the residents?
No. Residents are encouraged to either work a part-time job or do some personal support raising to cover other expenses.
Does the residency cost anything?
There is no tuition. There will be some cost of required books, and regular expenses for the purchase of the resident’s coffee (and sometimes meals).
Is housing provided for the residents?
We currently do not have a “residency” house or dorm. However, we will work with residents to secure housing, but ultimately finding a place to live is the responsibility of each resident.
Will I be able to work while doing the residency?
The residency is a major commitment of time, but it is up to you to determine if a part-time job or support is needed to sustain your family financially.
Where can I send my children to school during the residency?
Interns are free to choose whichever educational option is best for their children.
Where do vacation and days off fit in with the residency?
No vacation is provided (with the exception of the two week break the first two weeks of July), and residents should not expect to travel for personal ministry purposes (speaking engagements, conferences, etc.). Some residents may travel with the elders to a conference, and some may go with an elder if he is ministering elsewhere. Usually residents will have a full day off each Saturday, though church events occasionally happen on that day.
Is it possible that, during the residency, some residents will be encouraged toward additional ministry and study than is required?
Yes, if a man has more time and prefers more ministry and study opportunities, the elders will work with him to accommodate his schedule and desires.
More on Christ Fellowship’s Church Leader Residency: