Residency Program
ABOUT SUMMIT CHURCH
At Summit Church it is our passion to guide each person to their next step on the Journey of Faith. We remember well feeling a bit overwhelmed and inexperienced while navigating those first few years of ministry. We also remember the phenomenal coaches and mentors the Lord put in our life to help guide and direct us toward health and ministry success. Here at Summit, we want to do our part to equip and empower emerging young church leaders to impact the next generation for the Kingdom of God, and help you discover the full potential of who God made you to be.
Summit is a growing and vibrant church nestled at the foot of the magnificent Bighorn Mountains in Buffalo, Wyoming. Summit ministers to over 500 each week in our weekend services and has an expanding online community. Though we were planted over 90 years ago, we have more than doubled in size in the last ten years and are reaching over 10% of our community. We have a very healthy outward focused culture with a unified vision. The five pastors on staff have a combined ministry experience of almost six decades and a heart for raising up and pouring into emerging young leaders.
LEAD STUDENTS
LEAD STUDENTS
HELP TEACH AND PLAN NEXT-GEN MINISTRY
A main focus of this residency is student ministry. Trailhead Student Ministry is a place where students take their next step on the journey of faith in a fun and engaging environment. Some of the resident's responsibilities might include leading activities, teaching, leading small groups and discipleship, and planning events.
The Trailhead meets each week on Sunday Nights from 6:00 to 7:30pm in the youth building, and it is for students in grades 6-12. The Trailhead has a student leadership team, student worship team, and hosts and participates in many big events such as retreats, summer camps, and national conventions.
DEVELOP SKILLS
DEVELOP SKILLS
HANDS ON EXPERIENCES AND COACHING
As you participate in this residency, you will grow in ministry experience and knowledge. You will be able to see the ins and outs of local church ministry as well as participate in a wide variety of ministries. You will get to spend time in meetings, work in the office, and serve during ministry programs. From beginning to end you will be able to see all that goes into ministry from the physical labor side to the fun relational side, and have the opportunity to reflect on your experiences with personal coaching from Summit church staff.
A purpose of this residency is to grow you in your love for God and your love for others. Leadership is about character and leading people well in love from that character. While here, you will be challenged to grow in your relationship with Christ as well as in your leadership, learning practical skills such as decision making, communication, and conflict resolution as well as how to lead with love, mercy, and compassion. The staff is for you, and therefore, will do all we can to help you grow in Christ and ministry.
FIND YOUR ADVENTURE
FIND YOUR ADVENTURE
EXPLORE THE RUGGED WESTERN WILDERNESS
The ministries of Summit Church can sometimes include doing life together in the outdoors. With 2,800 square miles of national forests and 13,000 ft of mountain elevation, there is more to do in the Bighorn Mountains than a person could manage in a lifetime. Summit tries to include activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, camping, shooting, and exploring as part of our ministry. Expect to see moose, elk, deer, antelope, turkeys, and much more! If you are interested you could join the group hike to the summit of Cloud Peak which is over 13,000 feet tall!
During this residency you will have the opportunity to do ministry in the great outdoors as well as find time to recreate. Many of our congregation would be willing to serve as adventure guides for you during your time here. Whether you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first time adventurer we know that your appreciation for God's creation, as well as your relationships with others, will grow during your time at Summit Church.
JOIN THE TEAM
JOIN THE TEAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does 2024 residency begin?
We’re flexible, but we would prefer your residency to start between July and September 2024.
How long is the residency?
The residency could be one or two years depending on the interest of the applicant.
When should I apply?
Please apply no later than May 5, 2024 to be considered. The earlier you apply the better!
Is there a signed contract?
We expect any resident hired to be fully committed and involved for the entire year. There will be a signed contract agreement.
What are my weekly duties & expectations?
- 29 hours a week serving in ministry at Summit Church.
- Attend staff meetings
- One-on-one mentoring and coaching
- Event planning and preparation
- Opportunities to observe, lead and participate in weekly ministries
- Guest follow-up and interaction
- Social media engagement
What types of ministry will I be exposed to?
The vast majority of your residency experience will be in student ministry. Here you will have opportunities to teach, lead games, run small groups, plan events, and spend time building relationships with students. You will also have exposure to pastoral care ministry, hospital visits, first-impressions, sacred ceremonies (weddings, funerals, communion, etc.), worship ministry, children's ministry, men's/women's ministry, missions (including a trip to Mexico to build a home), staff meetings, board meetings, and more. You will have the opportunity to preach in the weekend services with feedback.
What is the expected compensation?
- $1100/month living stipend
- Single – host home provided by Summit
- Married – suitable rental housing provided by Summit
- $1500/year toward education *
- Ministry resources provided as needed
- Insurance is your responsibility
What can I spend my education stipend on?
- Online education toward a ministry-related post-graduate degree
- Online education to finish your ministry-related bachelor's degree
- Debt reduction toward current school loans
NOTE - Educational stipend allotment must be approved by your residency coach and the LBA.
What are the requirements to apply?
- A clear calling and passion for ministry
- A desire to help people grow in their faith journey
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) is preferred
NOTE - We are willing to work with you if you choose to finish your education online during the residency program.
How many residents is Summit looking for?
1-2 residents
Residency application process:
- Apply before May 5, 2024 by clicking HERE
- Expect a response from one of our residency pastors within 2 weeks from the submission of your application. During the call, we will give you application feedback and will have a short conversation about possible next steps. If applicable, step #3.
- Video Interview with lead pastor and other residency pastors.
- Decision and feedback offered. If applicable, step #5
- Confirm & Extend Offer