How do young ministers learn to practice ministry? While seminary offers an excellent foundation of biblical and historical knowledge, students don’t always receive training in practical ministry. How does a church budget work? What is it like to lead a funeral? How does one cultivate a healthy spiritual life alongside professional demands?
First Baptist has always been a teaching congregation—a church that nurtures young ministers and supports spiritual education. A decade ago, recognizing the need for more “hands-on” training, FBG joined a cohort of Baptist churches offering a Pastoral Residency Program for ministers beginning their careers. We are now seeking our next Pastoral Resident!
Our Residency Program provides structured, in-depth ministry experience for a recent seminary or divinity school graduate called to local church ministry. The 24-36 month Residency offers experience in pastoral care, worship leadership, church administration, student ministry, and the daily rhythms of church service you can’t learn in a seminary classroom.
I have a special love for the Residency Program because it brought me to First Baptist! In 2020, this church called me to serve as the Pastoral Resident, my family moved to Greenville in the middle of the pandemic, and the rest is history. I am thrilled to support our next Pastoral Resident and continue the legacy of congregational learning.
Do you know someone who would be a great fit for FBG? Do you have a connection at a seminary or divinity school? Do you have friends at other churches who would want to know about this opportunity? Please share! Application materials and instructions are avaible on the Ministry Education and Formation page of the FBG website: https://firstbaptistgreenville.com/ministry-education-formation/. Applications are due by November 1, 2025. I am excited to meet our next Pastoral Resident, and, more importantly, for this person to get to know this amazing church.
—Camille Loomis Rehnborg, Minister of Spiritual Formation & Outreach