Church and venue planting is a key element of Riv’s mission to invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Our residency program is geared toward equipping future venue pastors and church planters by giving residents a boots-on-the-ground experience in a local church context. The residency program is two years long and has a rolling start date. There are general modules for all residents and tailor-made modules focusing on the skills needed to lead in an existing or new church. This is a full-time position with salary and benefits, and residents may be asked to raise a portion of their salary.

General Modules:

• Theology: Residents will either be enrolled in seminary coursework, have already completed
  seminary, and/or participate in Riv’s Systematic Theology class.
• Teaching: Residents will be given opportunities to teach, attend teaching classes or a teaching cohort,
  and have their teachings assessed for feedback and development.
• Weekend Services Ministry: This module will have residents learn, assist, and lead aspects of weekend
  services (welcome team, hosting, info center, children’s ministry, etc.) to obtain broad experience in all
  aspects of a weekend service.
• Leadership Development: Residents will participate in a leadership cohort and may lead a cohort in
  the second year.
• Riv Community/Care: Residents will learn about, assist, and lead aspects of a Riv Community
  (midsized housechurch-style meetings). If applicable, they may oversee multiple Riv Communities in
  the second year.
• Marriage Mentorship: Each resident and their spouse (if married) will be assigned a mentor from the
  elder team. They will meet monthly to help deepen their relationship and learn about the unique
  challenges of ministry on marriage.

Requirements:

• Near elder level of maturity (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)
• Strong interest in church or venue planting
• Strong alignment with Riv’s values, theological position, and culture
• Commitment to complete the full term of the residency program
• Submit to a background check
• Provide a minimum of 3 references, with 1 from their current pastor
• Digitally fluent and active on social media
• Willing to work full-time as a resident (typically 45-50 hours per week with no other employment
  during the residency program)

For more information, email [email protected].