Do you feel called to plant a church? Are you preparing to take the next step in your call to full-time vocational ministry? We want to partner with you in being shaped, developed, and sent to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth.  

The NewSpring Ministry Leadership Residency exists to shape and send pastors to plant churches and lead thriving ministries that reflect the heart, theology, and culture of NewSpring Church. Those who complete this residency will be elite leaders who are spiritually grounded, emotionally mature, theologically competent, and organizationally capable. 

“With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” Psalm 78:72

The NewSpring Residency is currently designed for aspiring church planters. These individuals must demonstrate an affirmed call to vocational ministry, a coachable disposition, a hunger for growth, and a tenacious faith. 

The NewSpring Residency is a 13-month, cohort-based development program that includes character and leadership coaching, theological training, and real-world ministry assignments. Each resident is paired with an experienced, high-level NewSpring staff member for personal support and coaching. Residents are given meaningful, supervised responsibility with clear guardrails. Progress is assessed through competency-based evaluations led by the Residency Director, with input from coaches and staff, to determine readiness for church planting or ministry leadership. 

The NewSpring Residency is 13 months long, spanning from June 1 of one year until June 30 of the following year.

Interested resident candidates apply for openings from January through April. The residency begins on June 1 annually. We encourage candidates to plan their church launch 6 to 12 months after completing their residency.  

Residents are categorized as full-time temporary staff, are provided a laptop, and will receive a modest salary and all legally required benefits (Social Security, Medicare, workers’ comp).

No. Embedded in the idea of a residency is the fact that you “reside” in the organization, its culture, networks, and teams. Residents will live and work in person alongside front-line ministry leaders.

The residency is a 40-hour-per-week commitment, balanced between education, equipping, and real-world leadership. 

While an undergraduate degree is strongly preferred, we will consider qualified candidates with equivalent relevant experience. 

All residents are placed on a campus and integrated into the existing local staff team. Cohort-style learning pairs well with this team dynamic to ensure residents maintain relationships with one another. 

If you’re interested in applying for the NewSpring Residency as an aspiring church planter, complete this form (EMAIL FORM LINK), and our staff will contact you.

Completion of the NewSpring Residency includes an evaluation by church leadership. Graduating residents will be considered for support by the NewSpring Network based on tested character, proficiency in leadership skills, emotional health, alignment with NewSpring culture, and the prayerful discernment of the Holy Spirit. The NewSpring Network serves member churches through relationships, resources, and training.