Equipping the next generation of church leaders
At Fairhaven Church, we’re dedicated to developing future church leaders who can make a meaningful difference. We desire to equip emerging leaders to understand their calling and make a lasting impact. If you’re exploring a call to ministry, we offer three distinct experiences designed to provide hands-on ministry experience in a supportive community.
Internship
An Internship is a short-term experience, available in spring, summer, and fall. Participants gain hands-on ministry exposure to help discern their passion for serving in ministry.
TERM
12 weeks (June–August, September–November, or February–April)
COMMITMENT
15 hours per week
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Individuals age 16 and up, who are seeking exposure to ministry environments
SUPPORT TARGET
$3,600
Residency
The Residency is a yearlong program for those sensing a deeper call to ministry. Residents focus on a specific ministry area and are paired with a ministry coach for professional development and a mentor for spiritual guidance.
TERM
12 months (August–July)
COMMITMENT
20-25 hours per week
IDEAL CANDIDATE
High school graduates considering a gap year, Bible college graduates seeking experience and leadership training, or college graduates sensing a non-pastoral call to ministry
SUPPORT TARGET
$25,000–$30,000
Fellowship
The Fellowship is a two-year intensive program for those called to pastoral ministry, church planting, or missions. Fellows engage in hands-on ministry alongside experienced mentors, pursue a master’s degree, and fulfill ordination requirements with the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA).
TERM
24 months
COMMITMENT
28 hours per week
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Individuals with a completed bachelor’s degree, a clear call to ministry, and plans to become a pastor, church planter, or missionary
SUPPORT TARGET
$36,000-$45,000 per year
Listen to former participants share about their experience in our leadership training program. While they refer to it as “the residency,” the stories you’ll hear reflect the heart of all three tracks: Internship, Residency, and Fellowship.
Support-Based Experience
Participants in our residency and fellowship programs raise support to fund their ministry, while support-raising for internships is optional. This model enables us to equip more emerging leaders than our budget alone would allow, while also fostering personal growth, deepening faith, and building a network of supporters invested in their journey. Through our partnership with Reliant, participants receive training and coaching to confidently engage their community in their calling.
Application Process
If you’re interested in an internship, residency, or fellowship at Fairhaven Church, start by completing our online interest form. Once we receive your form, we’ll schedule an exploratory conversation to discuss your interests and outline the next steps in the application process. If accepted, you’ll begin the support-raising process with guidance and resources to help you succeed.
Program Partners
Reliant
Provides support and resources for ministry residencies and internships.
Crown College
Offers accredited master’s degree programs in partnership with our Fellowship track
Ohio Valley District of the C&MA
Supports ordination and placement within the C&MA network
For more information or to express interest in any of these programs, please complete our Interest Form or contact us directly. We look forward to journeying with you as you explore and fulfill your calling in ministry.