Pastoral Resident: Exodus Church

The Orchard Initiative is how Exodus Church will seek to train, develop, and launch planters and pastors so they can lead faithful and fruitful churches.

The Orchard Initiative will provide training and development for future pastors and planters that is

• Rooted in Gospel Culture – We want pastors who not only have gospel doctrine and drive, but who have experienced a gospel culture. We believe that the Jesus we demonstrate is as important as the Jesus we declare. These pastors and planters will experience a gospel culture at Exodus.
• Watered by Gospel Doctrine – We want pastors and planters who are steadfast and immovable. Our only hope for that is the gospel of Jesus Christ that saves and sustains all who hope in Him. These pastors and planters will be well watered by the gospel message.
• Nurtured in Gospel Ministry – We want pastors and planters who do more than endure. We want to train and develop men who will enjoy the ministry and engage the people God has entrusted to them. These pastors and planters will be invested in gospel ministry.
• Planted with Gospel Generosity – We want pastors and planters to be launched with generous hearts and funds to support the work to which they are called. Not only will we be generous with these planters during their time with us, but also after they are sent out.

Training environments include cohorts, one-on-one, conferences, practical leadership opportunities, and others. Each resident will serve in 3-4 month ministry rotations that provide practical leadership experience in a variety of ministry areas. Potential Areas of Responsibility are as follows: Leading teams/projects, pastoral care, attending/observing leadership meetings, preaching/teaching, study/reading, serving in unseen areas, other opportunities determined by gifting and passion. All ministry rotations will be reviewed for the purpose of encouragement and growth.

Each resident and wife (if applicable) would be paired with an older, godly couple in our church for mentoring and care.

Housing and utilities provided.

For more information, go to orchardinitiative.com

We believe that the best candidate for The Orchard Initiative would be a man whose life displays the following attributes.

• A maturing Christian life marked by a love for God, His Word, and His People
• Theological alignment with Exodus Church
• Displays humility, teachability, and a desire to grow
• Aspires to the office of pastor/elder
• Residents who aspire to the role of pastor may be in or finishing seminary (though this is not a requirement), and looking for in-depth, experiential training in the local church.
• Residents who aspire to plant a new church may be older with some experience in a local church setting.