The purpose of Citylight's Leadership Development Program is to raise up, equip, and send ministry leaders into the harvest. This 3-year development program is crafted to give leaders foundational and practical tools to enter into full-time ministry, following their time as a resident.
The Process
HEAD | Theology
Residents will be educated on the core Christian beliefs in order to strengthen theology, deepen love for Jesus, and equip for the work of ministry. The two-year development program is broken into six segments that focus on theology, spiritual health, ecclesiology, spiritual formation, biblical community, and missiology. Each segment has weekly reading assignments, lectures, and group discussion to develop theological understanding and practice in the context of community.
HEART | Character
As residents grow in theology, Citylight desires to develop character as well. This happens through coaching and guidance from pastoral staff and directors, mentorship within the church and community, and accountability with other residents.
HANDS | Ministry Skills
A key part of Citylight's Residency Program is the opportunity for real ministry practice. During a resident's time in the program, they will be given opportunities to lead, grow, and develop skills in a variety of ministry areas while under the supervision and guidance of a director.
Who is this for?
Residencies are for:
- Men and Women who have completed their Bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the time of the program start date (August of each year).
- Have a desire to be developed personally, professionally, and theologically.
- Have shown seasons of faithfulness in their capacity to be leaders who are eager to build God’s Kingdom.
Year 1 & 2 Residents
- During the first 2 years, residents will take part in a Development class.
- Development Class occurs every Wednesday from 9-12.
- As part of the LDP, you will be developed personally, professionally, and theologically.
Year 3 Residents
- No Longer Attend Leadership Development Class.
- Year 3 residents will spend the majority of their year working with their managers in personal, professional, and theological development through a 1-year learning development plan.
The Distinctions
INTERNSHIP | Internships are designed for those who desire to explore a possible calling to vocational ministry, but lack full-time ministry experience. Interns require greater training and oversight to develop competencies in areas such as teaching, worship, discipleship, and leadership. Interns will be given hands-on experience, equipping, discipleship, and theological development throughout their two year commitment as they explore the different areas of ministry to discover passions, gifting and calling.
RESIDENCY | Residencies are for those who have full-time ministry experience or education and have competencies in some ministry areas such as teaching, worship, leadership, or discipleship. Residents will continue to develop these skills and as they develop competencies and are given greater responsibility and leadership throughout their two year commitment.
The Funding
WHY SUPPORT RAISING? | Support raising is a biblical way for ministry workers to be compensated and for others to invest in the Kingdom of Christ. Support raising helps residents exercise faith and dependence on Christ while experiencing His faithfulness. It also provides and opportunity to invite ministry partners to practice obedience and step into a missional partnership. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 8-9, Numbers 18:21-24, 1 Chronicles 29:1-20, Matthew 10:5-15, 1 Kings 17:1-16.
FUNDING DETAILS
- The minimum required support-raised salary is $2,800 a month.
- The maximum support-raised salary is $3,500 a month.
- Residents receive an additional $500 a month stipend.
RESIDENT BENEFITS
- Residents receive the same health care benefits as full-time staff.
- Year 2 and 3 residents may receive 80% of tuition covered for seminary education.
INTERNS | Raise 100% of salary at $2,500/month
- Receive the same health care benefits as full-time staff
- Opportunity for seminary education with 80% of tuition covered