Ministry Development Program
The Highlands Church Ministry Development program offers exposure, experience, and equipping to those who believe they are called to full-time ministry and who have an expressed desire to increase their ministry effectiveness. The MD program offers two paths for guided ministry experience:
- Internships
- Ministers in Residence
Internships
Internships offer opportunities for individuals to explore whether or not they are called to full-time ministry. Internships are available to individuals enrolled full-time as undergraduate students with a minimum sophomore standing.
Residency
Ministers in Residence (MIR) provides experience to individuals who affirm God’s call on their lives for full-time ministry. MIRs also are required to be enrolled full-time in seminary or in a graduate program relevant to their ministry pursuit.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
- Children
- Students
- Adult Groups
- Women's Ministry
- Marriage
- Outreach
- Worship
- Production
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is the ideal candidate for the Ministry Development Program?
The Ministry Development Program affords opportunities in ministry for those who are seeking to gain exposure to specific ministries within a local church, those who are sensing a possible call to full-time ministry, or those believing God has called them into full-time vocational ministry service.
What is the time commitment?
Interns are generally on-site 2-4 days per week, with hours varying between 10-20 hours per week. MIRs work 20 hours a week in addition to their seminary commitment.
Does an applicant need to be enrolled in college or seminary to be considered?
Interns must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student and have a minimum sophomore standing while working toward an undergraduate degree.
Note: Discretion may be applied regarding the educational requirements considering educational background and/or prior life and ministry experiences.
Ministers in Residence must be enrolled full-time (at least 9 units per semester) as a graduate student at an approved seminary, pursuing a degree that coincides with their ministry goals. Highlands recognizes Dallas Theological Seminary as the primary seminary for providing biblical and theological education to its residency participants and will direct residents to pursue a DTS degree as part of their ministry preparation. Attendance at another accredited, biblically faithful seminary is permissible, and MIRs are asked to seek an approved exception from church leadership.
Note: Non-ministerial resident candidates seeking an exception to graduate school must provide a detailed rationale for why a graduate degree is not in his or her best interest. Should that candidate be admitted, he or she must demonstrate high competency and meaningful work and life experiences that correspond to the development track he or she is pursuing.
Does the MD Program include compensation or benefits?
Interns and MIRs are paid bi-weekly as temporary, non-exempt employees of Highlands Church. Paid Sick Time will accrue per Arizona state laws. No other benefits will be available. Funding for the MD Program is determined in the church annual budgeting process and is subject to change, while maintaining compliance with all state and federal compensation requirements.
Can Highlands Church assist with work permits or visas for international applicants?
Candidates are required to be eligible for work in the United States to be considered for our program. Highlands is unable to assist with this process. In some cases, the seminary to which MIRs are admitted may be able to assist with a student visa. An international pastoral resident applicant should check with his/her seminary regarding options for assistance with student work permit/visa needs.
Does the MD Program include housing?
We do not provide housing or a housing allowance for interns. MIRs may qualify for housing depending on need and availability.
Does an intern or MIR need to attend Highlands Church?
All participants are required to attend Highlands Church and agree with and support the overall vision of Highlands’ leadership and its philosophy of ministry. Participants must also agree with the Highlands Church Statement of Faith and Statement on Marriage and Sexuality.
How long does the MD Program take to complete?
Internships last 1-3 years, and residencies typically last 3 years. These are general guidelines which may be modified by the church or the candidate.
How many candidates are admitted in the MD Program?
For the ministry 2026-2027 ministry year, Highlands will have seven internships and five residencies. Additional opportunities may occur later in the year.
When does the MD Program start?
The MD Program calendar generally mirrors an academic year calendar, but it is common to start candidates during summer prior to fall ministry launch. Additional opportunities may occur within the year.
Does Highlands Church provide job placement support for graduates of the MD Program?
Highlands Church has a Kingdom focus and enjoys relationships with ministry partners within and beyond the greater Phoenix area as well as globally, and is committed to helping MD Program graduates find their next full-time ministry opportunity. However, there is no guarantee that completion of the program will result in employment.
How can I get more information about the Highlands Church MD Program and/or apply?
If you have additional questions or would like more information, please contact
or call us at 480-348-9191. You can also reach out to Pastor Ed Lutz directly at
.
TO APPLY