APPLY FOR THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

The Transformation Ministries (TM) Residency Program is designed for young adults passionate about ministry, community development, and making a lasting impact in urban environments. This immersive program provides a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in Christian community development, receive personal mentoring, and undergo intentional spiritual and leadership growth.

Residents will be mentored by experienced leaders who guide them through the complexities of ministry, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to serve effectively in vulnerable communities facing significant challenges. Through hands-on ministry experience, spiritual formation, and leadership training, participants will develop both the practical and spiritual skills needed to advance in their calling.

Program Elements:

• Residents receive a bi-weekly stipend for 30-40 hours a week.

• Residents may 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.

• Residents work 40 hours per week with Transformation Ministries, focusing a mixture of the following tracks:

  • Iron Sharpens Iron (6-12th) - Includes Bible studies, study tables, small group meetings, life skills training and other relationship building activities.
  • City Light Kids (K-5th)
  • Greater Impact (15-25 years old)
  • Family Empowerment Center (adults) 
  • Administration
• Residents receive 10 personal days plus 13 paid holidays.

Developmental Components:

The Transformation Ministries (TM) Residency Program is designed to equip young adults for effective ministry and Christian community development in urban settings. The program focus on holistic growth by emphasizing four key developmental components that provide the residents with both practical ministry experience and personal, spiritual, and professional growth.

1. Hands-on Experience: At the core of the TM Residency hands-on experience. The residency ensures that participants gain the capacity and practical knowledge to lead others effectively. This component immerses residents in real-life ministry situations that sharpen their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of urban ministry.

   • Leading with program staff: Residents assist in leading CLK, ISI, AND GI while building relationships with students, providing guidance and fostering leadership development.

   • Planning & Leading Events: Residents help plan and events focused on serving children and youth, providing hands-on involvement in ministry initiatives..

   • Strategy & Mission: Residents work alongside TM staff, assisting in the planning and implementation of strategies that help propel Transformation Ministries towards its mission and vision.

   • Feedback & Growth: Residents consistently receive feedback on their work, affirming their strengths wile identifying areas of growth, fostering continuous development.

2. Group-Based Learning: In addition to hands-on experience, residents engage in group based learning that encourages reflection and academic processing of their ministry experiences. This learning environment provides the opportunity to dive deeper into the complex issues that shape urban ministry.

   • City Issues Awareness: Residents participate in classes where they explore key issues like race, poverty, justice, and community development. These discussions help residents integrate their ministry experience and gain a more nuanced understanding of urban life.

   • Neighborly Living: Through intentional community living with peers and under-sourced neighbors, residents learn the value of being a good neighbor, developing empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse life experiences.

   • Ministering to Marginalized Communities: The program equips residents with the knowledge and tools for effective ministry to marginalized and oppressed communities, offering practical skills and frameworks for engaging with those in need.

   • Framework for Service: Residents develop a holistic framework for loving and serving people from different backgrounds and life experiences, preparing them for long-term impact.

3. Healthy Work Culture: The TM Residency Program emphasizes the importance of healthy work culture, providing residents with a supportive environment to grow professional and personally..

   • Collaborative Environment: Residents attend weekly staff and prayer meetings, allowing them to collaborate and learn from the TM team. They gain exposure to the inner workings of a thriving ministry culture.

   • Team Building & Professional Development: Residents engage in regular team-building exercises, professional development sessions, and strategic planning, which strengthens their teamwork and leadership abilities while enhancing their understanding of organizational dynamics.

4. Personal Coaching: Recognizing the importance of personal growth, the TM Residency Program integrates personal coaching as am essential component of the development process. Residents are supported in their personal and spiritual journey, enabling them to thrive both inside and outside of ministry.

• • One-on-One Coaching: Each resident meets with a personal coach for sessions focused on personal development. These meetings provide residents with the space to process their experiences and grow in self awareness.
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  • Healthy Self-Care & Spiritual Development: The program emphasizes the development of healthy self-care habits, spiritual practices, and the understanding of unique design by God.
  • Next Steps & Calling: As residents approach the end of the program, they begin to process what the next step in their journey may look like. With guidance from their coach, they reflect on their passions, strengths, and God's calling, prayerfully considering where He might be leading them next.

• 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.

 To APPLY for the Residency Program, send your resume and cover letter to Seianna McCray, Director of Operations.

If you have any QUESTIONS about the Residency Program, please contact Seianna McCray at [email protected] or at 574-737-4020.