Resident Leadership Academy

In Partnership with Kairos University

One Life Church is thrilled to partner with Kairos University to offer our residents an extraordinary opportunity for advanced leadership and ministry training.

Through this partnership, residents can pursue a fully church-funded Master’s in Leadership—or, if desired, a Master’s in Divinity—equipping you to lead with vision, wisdom, and impact in every area of ministry. This is more than a degree; it’s a transformative journey to prepare you for the next season of your calling.

Application Process

1. Complete Interest Form

2. Initial conversation with One Life team.

3. Application Process.

4. Official interview with Pastor.

Got Questions?

What does the Residency Leadership look like?

Residency Program Requirements & Formation

One Life Bible Institute
All Residents are required to complete the One Life Bible Institute, which includes the following core courses:

  • New Testament Survey

  • Old Testament Survey

  • Bible Doctrines

  • Spiritual Formation

Leadership Development & Coaching
In addition to the Bible Institute, each Resident will meet regularly with their assigned ministry coach to engage in guided leadership development through curated readings and discussions. Topics and resources include:

  • Session 1: Culture Matters — Jenni Catron

  • Session 2: Lead Like Jesus — Ken Blanchard

  • Session 3: Deep and Wide — Andy Stanley

  • Session 4: The Imperfect Pastor — Zack Eswine

  • Session 5: Communicating for Change — Andy Stanley

  • Session 6: How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge — Clay Scroggins

  • Session 7: Atomic Habits — James Clear

  • Session 8: Lead Like It Matters — Craig Groeschel

  • Session 9: Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek

  • Session 10: The First 90 Days — Michael Watkins

Pastoral Access & Practical Ministry Experience

  • Residents will participate in quarterly Q&A lunches with the Lead Pastor, providing insight, mentorship, and open dialogue.

  • Following the completion of Session 5, each Resident will receive three preaching or teaching opportunities, accompanied by coaching and feedback from the Executive Team.

  • Select communicators may be invited to participate in Young Communicators Weekend during the Residency Program’s graduation week.

What is the Residency description?

Pastoral Residency – Job Description

The Pastoral Residency at One Life Church is a hands-on, immersive ministry experience designed to develop emerging church leaders. Residents gain broad exposure to church ministry while receiving focused training, mentorship, and practical experience in one of the following ministry areas:

  • Youth Ministry (Grades 7–12)

  • Kids Ministry (Birth–6th Grade)

  • Worship Ministry

  • Connections (Next Steps)

Residents serve alongside experienced pastors and ministry staff, engage in ongoing leadership development, and play an active role in the spiritual formation and pastoral care of the church.

Role & Responsibilities

Residents assist with the communication and coordination of One Life Church initiatives, ensuring clarity, consistency, and excellence across ministry efforts. This position reports directly to the Residency Director and/or Campus Pastors and works collaboratively with ministry teams to support the mission and vision of One Life Church.

Are there any educational requirements?

Educational Requirements

To ensure participants are prepared for the depth of the program, applicants to the One Life Leadership Academy must hold a bachelor’s degree.

As part of our commitment to developing leaders, One Life Church covers tuition for participants pursuing a master’s degree.

How many hours will I be required to work weekly?

Expected Hours of Work

Residents are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week, balancing office responsibilities and program participation.

  • Office Hours (10 hours per week):
    Sunday mornings are required, along with attendance at residency trainings and a weekly coaching meeting. Outside of these commitments, residents have flexibility to set their office hours in coordination with their ministry team.

  • Program Hours (10 hours per week):
    Time dedicated to residency programming, leadership development, ministry training, and required gatherings.

What is the work environment like?

Work Environment

Work is performed in a variety of settings, including office spaces, virtual environments, campus buildings, and outdoor areas. Residents may occasionally be exposed to:

  • Loud noise and stage production environments

  • Stage lighting and production mist during rehearsals and services

  • Dust or other minor environmental factors on campus

The role requires flexibility to adapt to different ministry and production settings while maintaining a safe and professional approach.

Who will I report to?

Supervision

Reports to: Ministry Director and Executive Pastor

  • Residents will receive guidance, mentorship, and support from the Ministry Director and Executive Pastor throughout the residency program.
What areas of ministry do you provide for residents to get experience in?

Ministry Experience Opportunities

Residents at One Life Church gain hands-on experience across a variety of ministry areas, including:

Youth Ministry (7th–12th Grade)

  • Support student gatherings, small groups, retreats, and outreach events

  • Build relationships with students and adult leaders

  • Assist with teaching and program planning

Kids Ministry (Birth–6th Grade)

  • Serve in weekend environments, leading classrooms and supporting teams

  • Participate in curriculum planning, volunteer coordination, and family engagement efforts

  • Ensure safety and excellence in all kids ministry experiences

Worship Ministry

  • Assist in planning and leading worship services, including music, tech, and creative elements

  • Develop skills in music leadership, production, and service planning

  • Help recruit and train worship and tech volunteers

Connections (Next Steps)

  • Serve in guest experience, small group ministry, and assimilation processes

  • Help implement systems that connect newcomers to the life of the church

  • Assist with classes, events, and relational follow-up to foster spiritual growth

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

This position supports the communications and ministry operations of One Life Church and reports to the Residency Director and/or Campus Pastors.

General Responsibilities (All Ministry Tracks)

  • Attend weekly staff meetings, trainings, and residency development sessions

  • Participate in leadership and spiritual growth through mentoring and coaching

  • Assist with planning and execution of weekend services and special events

  • Support ministry leaders with administrative tasks, communication, and team coordination

  • Build relationships with volunteers, students, parents, and congregants

  • Model Christlike character and shepherding care in all ministry contexts

Are there any other qualifications needed?

Other Qualifications

Applicants should:

  • Have a healthy, growing relationship with Jesus Christ

  • Be faithful in worship, service, small groups, and giving at One Life Church

  • Be a dynamic leader, team-builder, and team player who fosters a healthy team culture

  • Have experience recruiting, developing, motivating, and empowering others

  • Be a self-starter who thrives in collaboration with others

  • Be focused, reliable, detail-oriented, and follow through on commitments

  • Be humble, teachable, and committed to a growth mindset

  • Work hard while maintaining a sense of joy and fun

  • Be disciplined in pursuing spiritual health and personal/professional development

  • Prioritize and model a healthy work-life balance for the good of the church and family

  • Be passionate about evangelism and reaching unchurched people with the good news of Jesus

Additional Information

Other Duties and Infomation

  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  • We do not offer housing currently.
  • This Residency Leadership offers a $1000 monthly stipend.