What is the Purpose of Pastoral Residency?
Seminary classrooms have much to offer in ministry preparation, but classrooms alone cannot prepare a man to shepherd God's flock. Pastoral ministry is a craft learned from pastors. Emmanuel Pastor(s) are committed to handing on the wisdom we have gained from years of training and experience to the next generation of leaders (2 Tim. 2:2). We offer the opportunity to participate in a one-year pastoral training program.
This training is a full-time commitment. Our goal is to train men in the development of knowledge, character, and skills required for service as pastors, who will faithfully serve Christ and his church as we participate together in the fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). Most men who take part in the residency have pastoral ministry as their aim, though this is not a requirement. Former residents have gone on to be faithful members of their church, lay pastors, full-time pastors, etc.
How Does It Work?
In order to develop the knowledge base of our residents, we work through a reading list that is focused on developing competence in the ministry of the Word, biblical theology, the doctrine of the church, the defense of the faith, missiology, biblical counselling, and select theological issues that are pressing today, such as biblical sexuality. Residents meet weekly with the Pastor for theological discussion on the readings with the aim of implementing the knowledge gained in practical ministry.
In order to develop the character of our pastoral interns, Emmanuel Pastor(s) seek to pastor them well, to guide them in addressing Scripture to their own hearts, to hold them accountable to moral standards worthy of the office of elder, to shepherd them either in marriage or toward marriage (as applicable), to help them fight sin that remains in them, and to cultivate in them a deeper love for God and for the church. The broader life of the Emmanuel church community plays an essential role in shaping the hearts of our leaders-in-training.
In order to develop the skills of our Pastoral Residency, we offer them occasional public preaching and teaching opportunities, as well as additional avenues of leadership that are suited to their gifts.
Is It a Paid Residency?
Yes, it is. Each position per cohort are paid positions, providing a stipend sufficient to cover their stay and food, and more.
How Long Does the Program Take?
All paid positions continue for a duration of one-year, with three month probationary period, during which time expectations for attending meetings, reading, putting in office hours, and serving the church in various ways apply.
For more information, write to echurchdelhi@gmail.com or contact +91-9871897963