Pastoral Residency

The St. Paul Pastoral Residency Program offers a smooth transition from seminary to pastoral ministry, supporting new pastors navigating their first call. Participants gain deeper self-awareness and develop practical skills for lifelong ministry through seminars, literature, special projects, and feedback. Like a medical residency, this program combines learning with hands-on experience, preparing young pastors to lead healthy congregations. Residents are fully integrated into the pastoral team, engaging in preaching, teaching, sacraments, and more. The program offers a full-time salary with benefits.

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Program design

The residency program fosters personal growth, building on each pastor’s skills and interests. Unlike an internship, it seeks professionals eager to lead.

Pastors gather regularly for seminars led by the senior pastor, focusing on pastoral leadership, congregational culture, and practical ministry challenges. Residents are immersed in all aspects of church life, working as pastoral staff in worship, finance, leadership, outreach, and more, helping to shape their approach to preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. The program emphasizes collegiality, continuing education, and special projects tailored to each resident’s interests.

We value people of every racial identity, ethnicity, citizenship, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity — yes, everybody. We celebrate diversity as a gift from God. Inclusivity enriches our congregation as we become a more vibrant reflection of the larger community.

Innovative beginnings

In 2005, the Lilly Endowment asked St. Paul and, then senior pastor Peter W. Marty, to craft an innovative program for new pastors. A nationally recognized teaching congregation, St. Paul has seen 47 members enter ordained ministry and is a strong supporter of ELCA seminaries.

Seminary students in their final year or graduates awaiting their first call are encouraged to apply, with preference given to those showing leadership potential.

Learn more about the Residency Program

Applications

St. Paul accepts applications on a rolling basis with a goal to welcome a new pastor each August.

Download: Residency application

Contact: Pam Garrett, program administrator, (563) 326-3547