Wanted:
Future Pastors and Planters
Are you looking for training and development in pastoral ministry?
Am I a Good Candidate?
What We Are Looking For
Exodus Church is seeking three biblically-qualified men for a 2.5 year pastoral training residency as part of our training program for pastors and church planters called The Orchard Initiative.
We believe that the best candidate for The Orchard Initiative would be a man whose life displays the following attributes.
- A maturing Christian life marked by a love for God, His Word, and His People
- Theological alignment with Exodus Church
- Displays humility, teachability, and a desire to grow
- Aspires to the office of pastor/elder
About Exodus Church
Exodus Church is a growing church filled with people (young and old) who have come to faith, with lives transformed more into the image of God. We are hopeful for the future as we continue to seek to be a redeemed people who worship and serve God in the world.
Age/Education
- All residents must be college graduates and must aspire to the office of elder/pastor.
- Residents who aspire to the role of pastor may be in or finishing seminary (though this is not a requirement), and looking for in-depth, experiential training in the local church.
- Residents who aspire to plant a new church may be older with some experience in a local church setting.
What Will I Get?
The Orchard Initiative (TOI) will train and develop pastors and planters in a culture of grace and growth. We will seek to ground our residents in the gospel such that they give their best to the ministry and work from their identity instead of for it (1 Corinthians 15:10).
GOD
God has always existed in perfection and glory as one God in three persons (the Trinity—Father, Son and Spirit). He has no needs or imperfections. God created and sustains all things by the word of His power. He is a good God who works all things together according to the counsel of His will for our good and His glory.
Hebrews 1:3, Ephesians 1:11, Romans 8:28
Training Philosophy
We would train toward the core values of TOI.
- Gospel Culture
- Gospel Doctrine
- Gospel Ministry
- Gospel Generosity
These core values will be applied to five spheres of leadership: self, family, team, church, and world. We believe that looking through the lens of each of these spheres will provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of what it looks like to be an effective pastor/planter.
Ministry Rotations
Each resident will serve in 3-4 month ministry rotations that provide practical leadership experience in a variety of ministry areas. All ministry rotations will be reviewed for the purpose of encouragement and growth.
Potential Areas of Responsibility
- Serving in unseen areas
- Leading teams/projects
- Pastoral care
- Attending/observing leadership meetings
- Preaching/teaching
- Other opportunities determined by gifting and passion
Quarterly Intensive
Quarterly intensives will provide quality training and development that is aligned with the core values of TOI. These will be highly relational, discussion-based sessions that will help to train and develop our residents for ministry.
Personal Investment
Each TOI resident and wife (if applicable) would be paired with an older, godly couple in our church for mentoring and care. Areas of focus would include marriage, parenting, etc.
Wives
Because the wife of a pastor bears a unique burden and role in the life of the church, we would seek to invest well in the wife of each resident who is married.
Seminary
TOI Residents who have not completed seminary can do so during their time at Exodus as part of their residency.
What Will It Cost?
One of the core values for TOI is Gospel Generosity. We want to be generous to the pastors and planters while they are being trained and developed as well as when they are launched.
TOI Residents will receive free housing as well as a monthly stipend. Exodus will match up to $1500 of funds raised per month (total $36,000 per year).
Exodus will also cover all costs related to training and development (books, future assessments, etc.), as well as other expenses related to the residency.
When Do I Start?
The Orchard Initiative is a 2.5 year commitment from summer 2025, to fall 2027.
Oct 2024 – Jan 2025 – Application and Interview Process
- Collect applications – October-December 2024
- Narrow to 5 finalists – January 2025
- Video interviews – January 2025
- Decisions – February 2025
Orientation (residents & spouses) – April 29-May 1, 2025
Residents move in – June 1, 2025
Residents begin work – July 7, 2025
Where Are They Now?
Our Past Residents
Kenneth Gray
“The Orchard Initiative was a gift to me and my family. Through the Orchard Initiative, I was poured into and grew as a man, husband, father, and future pastor.”
David Gladney
Spencer Fretwell
“TOI has equipped me well for pastoral ministry.” - Spencer Fretwell