by nsmith | Nov 30, 2023 | Career, Ministry, Residency
I Left A Career I Loved… A little over two years ago, I decided to leave a career I loved. This was not a decision I took lightly or made easily. One of my closest friends was with me the night I accepted the Mercy Hill residency offer via email, and even...
by nsmith | Nov 17, 2023 | Church Planting, Ministry, Residency
How a Church Residency Shaped Me for Church Planting “Alright Jon, I think I’ll plant a church. What are we thinking as far as the timeline? Next year or something?” How ignorant of me right? I was a 21-year-old kid with a calling and some zeal. I felt called...
by nsmith | Oct 26, 2023 | Ministry, Residency, Theology
Why Include Theological Education in a Church Residency? To some, getting a degree in theological education was never even a consideration. To others, some sort of seminary degree is just the default next step. Theological education is also an option that some...
by nsmith | Oct 5, 2023 | Career, Ministry, Residency
My Journey Into Ministry: Reflections On Christmas Ministry Residency at Mercy Hill has been a unique experience that has been a springboard for living my life strategically for the mission of God. I came into residency not knowing if church ministry was...
by nsmith | Sep 20, 2023 | Career, Residency, Vocation
Does a Church Residency Slow Me Down? With so many churches searching high and low to fill staff positions with even marginally qualified leaders, we have to ask the question: Does doing a church residency actually slow me down? The answer isn’t as simple as...
by nsmith | Sep 7, 2023 | Ministry, Residency, Vocation
As a College Pastor, I have spoken to many folks interested in a Church Residency. I am often asked something similar, “If I do a Church Residency but don’t decide to go into vocational ministry afterward, will that put me behind in looking for a job in the...
