Island Alliance Church currently has three ministry residents and is seeking a fourth resident to start around June of 2025. Residents are paid half-time (see following Residency Program Overview). We are specifically looking for a future worship leader. This residency would invest in someone with the goal to become part-time or full-time in ministry after the residency is complete.

Residency Program Overview

Island Alliance Church (IAC) is committed to developing servant leaders for greater ministry impact. The residency program is IAC’s investment in leaders who desire to take the next step in their ministry leadership roles and responsibilities. Residency is for high-level leaders who desire to enter vocational or bi-vocational ministry leadership. Most residencies will target a certain ministry leadership goal. For example, desired outcomes may include becoming a pastor, missionary, or a specific ministry leader* (worship, women’s ministry [IAC affirms women as ministry leaders except in pastoral roles], youth, etc.). As a ministry of IAC, priority will be given to Christian & Missionary Alliance members and those who desire to pursue accreditation or ordination.

Process

All residents will have a thorough interview process before being admitted to the program. The interview will reveal areas of strength and areas of growth. Based on each individual assessment, a custom job description and development plan will be created. Every resident will be given one pastor and one mentor to give them direction and encouragement throughout the process. 

Compensation: $2,000 Per month. The compensation is one way for IAC to invest in each resident. The ideal scenario is approximately 24 hours of work per week. Additional support raising is optional in some cases (e.g. church planters and missionaries) to help cover living expenses and allow time for work on the RDP. In addition, there will be an expense reimbursement fund (up to $250 per year) and scholarship opportunities (based on available funds).

Full acceptance into the residency program must be approved by the elders of IAC. Though the length of residencies may vary, 2 years is considered typical to gain sufficient ministry experience and accomplish the residency development plan. An annual review will be conducted to ensure progress is being made and the resident will continue. At the end of the program, IAC will assist the resident in finding their next step in ministry leadership at IAC or with another church or ministry.

There are two main areas of the residency program: Ministry Leadership and the Residency Development Plan (RDP). 

Ministry Leadership 60%

In order to give hands-on ministry training, most residents will have leadership over at least one ministry and oversight of a second ministry within IAC. In addition, there will be ministries where the resident actively participates on a team with the staff or volunteers. The resident will also have opportunities to observe other ministries throughout the church.

Lead

The following is the main list of ministry leadership opportunities at IAC. The final ministry selections will be determined by the pastor and mentor involved, and approved by the elders.

• Children’s Ministry

• Youth Ministry

• Young Adults

• Small Groups

• Discipleship Track

• Administration

• Outreach

• Evangelism

• Missions

• Worship

• Connection

• Shepherding

• Preaching

If Youth Ministry is the primary ministry assigned, the job description will be detailed and include something like the following.

• Youth Ministry (Example)

  • Develop a thriving youth ministry for 6th-12th grade students

    • Gospel-centered and biblically sound

    • Fun & engaging activities

    • Invitational and friendly culture

  • Recruit, train, and support the leaders within the ministry through regular interactions

  • Disciple the leadership and train them to disciple the students

  • Offer support, tools, and training to parents

  • Select and implement the curriculum or study materials 

  • Oversee the budget and track all expenses 

  • Create and communicate the youth ministry calendar 

  • Plan and implement 1-2 large events per year (e.g. DYR)

  • Incorporate 1-2 serving events throughout the year

  • Incorporate 1-2 fun events throughout the year

Participate

There are several areas a resident will be involved as a general part of the IAC leadership. Portions of this section will vary depending on the assigned ministries and Residency Development Plan (RDP).

• IAC Staff

  • Join in regular staff meetings

  • Communicate regularly with other staff members

• Be an active church member who attends services, gives, and joins a small group 

• Other areas of ministry will be based on gifts, goals, and RDP.

  • For example: Sunday morning communication, assisting another ministry, etc.

Observe

Upon invitation, each resident may participate in high level ministry meetings or other areas of ministry to gain insight into the inner workings of these teams.

• Governing Board Meetings

• Elder Meetings

• Other Ministry Trainings/Meetings

Residency Development Plan 40%

The Residency Development Plan (RDP) is based on initial interviews with the resident and focuses on strengthening character, knowledge, and skills. The RDP will be created by a pastor and mentor/elder and will be discussed with the resident before being finalized. In order to make progress in these goals, residents will need to set aside time to accomplish them. 

Part of the program will include required coursework. These studies may be formal (from a seminary/college) or in-house (from IAC leadership) or both. Classes may include topics such as ministry development, church culture, power and conflict, preaching, vision, theology, and leadership philosophy. 

Ideally, the resident has time during the work week to develop these core competencies. However, we will work with each resident to understand their situation and determine the best course of action. Below are the three areas of head, heart, and hands with several examples of what might be included in each section.

Head (Biblical and theological knowledge)

(Examples)

• Formal or in-house coursework as determined by the assessment and desired ministry

• Conduct a personal study of Romans

• Write a theological position paper on a divisive topic (e.g. miracles, Calvinism vs. Arminianism, or women in leadership)

Heart (Relationships and character)

(Examples)

• Grow in Giving - increase percentage of giving as a family

• Create a daily habit of Scripture reading

• Participate in an accountability group of men or women

Hands (Experience and Skills)

(Examples)

• Conduct a training for youth volunteers

• Strengthen preaching or teaching by submitting outlines and receiving regular feedback

• Start a small group and prepare it to multiply