Residency

Pastoral Residency

The vision of GracePoint is that we would be a church where people Encounter the grace of Jesus, Grow in the grace of Jesus and become Grace Givers. To this end, we desire to be a church that continues to raise up leaders who are growing in their walk with Jesus and are eager to become grace givers who have a kingdom impact. As a church that cares deeply for the development of young leaders, we have established a residency program to facilitate this leadership development process and to help them explore how and where God might be leading them in ministry. This page outlines the goals, guidelines, and expectations of the GracePoint Residency Program. 

Purpose (What): To equip leaders to make a kingdom impact, and lead people well into their calling as shepherds.

Mission (Why): We believe that as a church, God has called us to be a sending church that raises up young leaders. This is part of how we, as a church, model what it means to be Grace Givers

Method (How): Residents will work with a staff member at GracePoint where they will be given exposure to meaningful ministry experience in the local church. Throughout their experiences, residents will be given consistent and intentional coaching and development

Qualifications of an Ideal Resident:

  • A growing relationship with Jesus
  • Be able to express a clear calling to full-time church ministry.
  • Be a college graduate or close to completing undergraduate education.
  • Needs to have clear and compelling leadership potential.
  • Needs to have some ministry experience.
  • Ability to work with people in a team setting.

Coaching

Ministry Coach

The ministry coach is the direct supervisor of the resident in their ministry residency and oversees the resident in regards to specific ministry details and work flow, and give feedback and debrief ministry performance regularly.

Resident Director

The residency director oversees the overall residency program at GracePoint. This person will provide professional ministry coaching and personal spiritual formation through weekly meetings.

MAPs

Each resident will have a Ministry Action Plan (MAP) every trimester that details specific day-to-day responsibilities, ministry development and growth areas, and personal development/leadership focus areas. These meetings happen monthly with both the resident director and ministry coach.  

Structure of Program

The Residency is a two-year program. The resident program starts in June. Occasionally, a resident will be recruited to take a full time ministry job before the end of their Residency. We ask that you would be committed to 18 months to the program before you start actively looking for a future job. After 18 months you are free to look and GracePoint will help in any way we can in the process. If the Ministry Coach, Residency Director, and Development Pastor agree that the resident is ready, then this is an acceptable end to their Residency. 

Each resident is expected to work at least 30 hours per week. The bulk of their time will be spent working with their resident coach as a part of their ministry team doing practical and meaningful ministry. The remaining time will be spent in development and discipleship with both staff and their resident cohort.

Residents are paid $11 an hour and are officially titled “Resident Pastor” as they are a part of GracePoint Staff. 

Housing changes from year-to-year and, if needed, GracePoint can help with finding housing with a host family.

Each resident is expected to work at least 30 hours per week. The bulk of their time will be spent working with their resident coach as a part of their ministry team doing practical and meaningful ministry. The remaining time will be spent in development and discipleship with both staff and their resident cohort.

  • Spiritual Disciplines
  • Self-Awareness Leadership
  • Discipleship (Personal and Pastoral)
  • Pastoral Leadership
  • Preaching & Teaching
  • Mission, Vision, and Core Values
  • Conflict in Relationships
  • Missions: Local and Global Church
  • Philosophy of Ministry

Resident Opportunities

Children's Ministry

Creative Arts

College/Young Adult and Youth Ministry

Community Life and Outreach

Church Planting and/or Network Church Ministry

Key Commitments to Successful Residency

Be Faithful

Serve and show up to the best of your ability.

Be Available

Be ready to eagerly do any and all that’s asked of you.

Be Intentional

Be purposeful with your time and energy.

Be Teachable

 The best pastors and leaders are continual learners. Come with questions from the material assigned and an attitude to be ready to learn from anyone.

​Be Humble

Humility not only allows us to serve people well, it also gives us the ability to see God as He is and ourselves as we are.

Brookings Quick Facts  

Brookings is the fourth largest city in South Dakota with a population of 23,377. Brookings is home to South Dakota State University, South Dakota's largest institution of higher learning, and during the school year SDSU students add another 9,000 - 11,000 residents. 

​The median age, according to 2020 statistics, is 24.5 years.

Spring (March to May):
High: 48°F (9°C) to 66°F (19°C)
Low: 24°F (-4°C) to 41°F (5°C)
Summer (June to August):
High: 76°F (24°C) to 84°F (29°C)
Low: 52°F (11°C) to 60°F (16°C)
Fall (September to November):
High: 53°F (12°C) to 72°F (22°C)
Low: 29°F (-2°C) to 44°F (7°C)
Winter (December to February):
High: 24°F (-4°C) to 35°F (2°C)
Low: 1°F (-17°C) to 18°F (-8°C)
It's important to note that these are average temperatures, and actual temperatures can vary from year to year and even day to day.
There are many opportunities for recreation and entertainment, indoors and outdoors, for both spectators or participants.
* Brookings has 40+ acres of park land (that's 26 acres per resident) and the Allyn Frerichs Trail system has 22 miles of walking/biking trails.
* McCrory Gardens
* Edgebrook golf course
​* Tee'd Off golf simulator
* Disc golf course at Larson Park
* Indoor ice arena
* Tennis & pickleball courts 
* The Lanes bowling center
* Community band
* Cinema 8 movie theater
* Live theater and concerts (community and university)
* Museums
* Summer Arts Festival
​* SDSU Wellness Center and many membership gyms , including Crossfit
* Indoor and outdoor pools, water slides and a splash pad
* Sporting events for both spectators and participants
* Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center  
* Snow shoeing and cross country ski trails
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon