Purpose

Our purpose is to develop ministry leaders who are biblically grounded, spiritually mature, and equipped to serve the Church with passion and excellence. Through a combination of theological teaching, hands-on ministry experience, and intentional leadership development, participants will gain the tools necessary to pursue a lifelong ministry impact.

First Year Resident

Hours: 15-20 hours/week

Compensation: Unpaid

Ministry Areas:
- Worship
- Production
- OC Kids
- Orchard Student Ministry
- Care Ministry
- Guest Services
- Multimedia

Second Year Resident

Hours: Full-time or Part-time

Compensation: Paid position

Ministry Areas:
- Worship
- Production
- OC Kids
- Orchard Student Ministry
- Care Ministry
- Guest Services
- Multimedia

*Second Year Residency is offered to leaders who show exceptional growth and calling.

Components of the Program

Wednesday Class Sessions 

  • Bible teaching and theological instruction

  • Leadership development and ministry training

  • Strategic planning and preparation for Sunday and midweek ministry

Book Study & Personal Development

  • Read 1-2 leadership or ministry books per semester

  • Participate in discussions or submit reflections

  • Apply learnings to their current ministry context

Primary Ministry Placement

  • Serve under a ministry director

  • Contribute to weekly ministry goals and events

  • Grow through mentorship, feedback, and collaboration

Community Outreach Projects

  • Work with the Outreach Lead to identify local needs

  • Collaborate as a team to design and execute projects

  • Debrief and present outcomes to leadership

Sunday Rotations Across Ministries

  • Guest Services (greeting, check-in)

  • Kids & Students (classroom support, small groups, curriculum prep)

  • Production & Worship (tech setup, media, worship team support)

  • Care Ministry (prayer, follow-up, pastoral care support)

    These rotations help Residents:

  • See how departments work together to serve people

  • Discover their strengths in various ministry areas

  • Understand the Sunday service as a team effort

Office & Administrative Support

  • Meeting prep and planning

  • Communication with volunteers and leaders

  • Event logistics and administrative systems

Coaching & Mentorship

  • One-on-one coaching meetings with staff

  • Mid-semester and end-of-semester check-ins

  • Spiritual mentoring to encourage personal growth

2026 REGISTRATION

COMING SOON

Our 2026 Residency Program is on the horizon—and we can’t wait to invite you into it. Applications officially open March 2026, and we’d love for you to start preparing now. If you’re passionate about growing as a leader, developing your gifts, and stepping into meaningful ministry opportunities, this is your moment to plan ahead. Mark your calendar, stay tuned, and get ready—we’d be honored to see your application when the time comes.

Orchard Ministry Institute Outcomes

Graduates of OMI will:

  • Be grounded in Scripture and confident in their calling

  • Possess hands-on ministry and leadership experience

  • Understand how to lead teams and communicate effectively

  • Be equipped for long-term service in vocational or volunteer ministry

  • Build meaningful relationships with mentors and ministry leaders

FAQs

How long is the program?
Each term is semester-based (Fall & Spring), with the option for a summer intensive. Residencies typically run for nine months (August-May).

Who can apply?
Young adults (18+), college students, or recent grads with a heart for ministry.

How do I apply?
Applications open. Interviews and ministry placement follow.

QUESTIONS?

We would love to hear from you!

Megan Hart: Orchard Ministry Institute Coordinator

Email