APPLY FOR THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM
The Transformation Ministries (TM) Residency Program is geared for young adults who are interested in urban youth ministry and Christian community development. Residents will receive personal mentoring, spiritual development and leadership training to better equip them for the next step on their life path.
Program Elements:
- Residents receive a weekly stipend plus housing.
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Residents live in a house (provided by TM) in a northwest South Bend (IN) neighborhood for 1 year (possibly 2 years) striving to learn and serve in the community.
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Residents work 30+ hours per week with Transformation Ministries focusing on youth in the Iron Sharpens Iron (ISI) Leadership program which includes Bible studies, study tables, small group meetings, life skills training and other relationship building activities.
- Residents receive 10 personal days plus holidays.
6 Developmental Components:
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Hands-on Experience: Hands-on experience is what the residency is all about. The purpose of the residency is to ensure that the residents have the capacity and know-how to effectively and competently lead others. In order to do this, residents need significant and real-life ministry experience.
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Residents assist in leading an ISI team as well as mentoring ISI students.
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Residents assist in planning and leading ISI and community events for youth.
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Residents are apprenticed by TM staff as they assist in planning and implementing strategies to propel Transformation Ministries towards its mission and vision.
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Group Based Learning: While hands on experience is essential to the students' growth, the classroom time provides the opportunity to academically process through things the residents are experiencing. Residents attend a weekly class discussing issues of the city including race, poverty, justice, and community development to reflect on and integrate their ministry experiences.
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Residents gain awareness and a deeper understanding of issues in the city as they process racism, social injustices, diverse local church experiences, poverty and Christian community development.
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Residents understand what it means to be a good neighbor through intentional living with their peers and under-resourced neighbors.
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Residents learn concepts and best practices for ministering to the marginalized and oppressed in the city.
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Residents develop a framework for loving and serving people from different life experiences.
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Healthy Work Culture: Residents benefit greatly from being invited into a staff and ministry culture that is thriving and healthy.
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Residents attend weekly staff and prayer meetings to collaborate with staff.
- Residents participate in team building, professional development and strategic planning with TM staff.
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Personal Development: It is imperative that while the resident is developing ministry knowledge and skills, he or she is also growing personally. The residents will be given space to process and time to develop healthy self-care habits.
- Residents meet one-on-one two times per month with the resident coach for at least 60 minutes for personal development.
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Ministry Coaching: Ministry Coaching works in conjunction with hands-on experience. The purpose of ministry coaching is to ensure that the resident is consistently receiving feedback about his or her work, both through affirming the residents' gifts and identify areas that need growth.
- Residents meet with TM staff, volunteer leaders and residents to debrief and respond in ways that ensure ministry growth.
- Life Coaching: Towards the second half of the Residency the resident begins to process what the next step in life will be. Residents identify their passions, strengths and giftings and prayerfully consider where God might be leading them next. TM and the Resident Coach encourage and empower the resident to take the next steps after Residency that best fit the unique individual.
- Residents take tests and are evaluated to assist them in identifying what is next for them after the Residency.
FAQ:
Do I have to have ministry experience working with youth?
- No, it might be helpful to have worked with urban youth, but not necessary to be a resident. Sometimes residents without ministry experience are more moldable and eager to learn.
Do I have to be plan on going into full-time vocational ministry to participate in the Residency?
- No, in fact, we love having residents that are eager to work as social workers, school teachers, counselors, businesswomen, nurses, etc. We believe everyone will be doing ministry no matter what career field they choose.
What are the exact age requirements?
- The target age is 20-26 years old, but we are open to anyone over the age of 18. We want the resident applicant to be a good fit for the Residency regardless of age. It is more common for recent college grads to fit well with Residency as they are trying to determine what might be next for them.
What if I'm really interested but not 100% I want to participate?
- Apply right away and then a staff member from TM will be in touch with you soon. The interview process allows for both the applicant and TM staff to identify if the Residency is a good fit for both the Resident and Transformation Ministries.
What if I'm married, still in school, or have another part-time job?
- Apply right away and then a staff member from TM will be in touch with you to discuss your situation and see if the Residency is a fit for you.
What will I do with my free time?
- You can work a part-time job, continue education or use that time in whatever way seems best.