• Why enroll in Thrive Residency?

    The benefits of a 10-mo postgraduate ministry training program

      

    You've heard God's call. You've said yes to the call. What's next?

     

    There is a temptation to turn on auto-pilot once we've made the decision to enter full-time pastoral or non-profit ministry. Some dull their spiritual eyes and ears, and start making vocational plans based on accepted cultural norms or the expectations of others.

     

    Keep listening! Let God speak into your next steps. If the LORD is guiding you to enter seminary or graduate school, He'll make that clear. If He's drawing you into a ministry job opportunity right out of school, follow His lead. Remain open to His leading.

     

    As you pray and listen, we want to introduce you to an option you may not have considered before... the 10-month Thrive Ministry Leadership Residency program.

    Our goal is not to sell you on the idea of Thrive Residency.

     

    This isn't a sales pitch. This is a spiritual matter. And the question is simple...

     

    What will best prepare you to fulfill God's calling on your life?

    Our goal is simply to make you aware of this unique, accredited, integrative, 10-month postgraduate program, and to encourage you to pray about it and follow God's leading.

     

    Of course, we believe Thrive Residency is an incredible experience for any aspiring pastor or ministry leader. So permit us to brag just a bit...

  • 10 Reasons to Enroll in Thrive Residency

  • #1

    Ten months to listen deeply, experiment vocationally, and process your next steps in life and ministry

     

    You just graduated - or perhaps you're about to graduate. A full-time ministry job, seminary, or graduate school might be the next best move. But a focused 10-month residency may give you the extra time and space you need to refine the call of God within you.

    << swipe

     

    #2

    Dedicated communal life and learning with 12 other aspiring pastors and non-profit ministry leaders

     

    We don't just talk about community, we practice it! Thrive Residents live together, eat together, study, and serve together. We share deeply, ask the hard questions about life and ministry, and push one another to greater intimacy and devotion to Christ.

     

    #3

    Knoxville, Tennessee... Southern hospitality, Smoky Mountains, and so much more!

     

    It's hard to find a better location for a Residency experience! Knoxville is the best kept secret in the South - a diverse and friendly college town (Go Vols!), with top-notch restaurants, retail, museums, coffee shops, and endless sports and outdoor entertainment.

     

    #4

    Work in a local church or non-profit (30 hrs/wk) + Graduate-level theological & ministry training (18 credits)


    Thrive Residency partners with churches and non-profits to give each Resident a 10-mo job related to their calling. Residents also gather weekly for accredited academic training with well-qualified professors, pastors, and teachers.

     

    #5

    Dedicated time and interaction with hundreds of catalytic Kingdom leaders & teachers

     

    We put Residents in front of the best and brightest ministry practitioners in Knoxville and beyond. We seek answers to the important questions of life and ministry from pastors and non-profit leaders of diverse backgrounds and theological traditions.

     

    #6

    1-on-1 mentoring with an older, wise believer + honest and confidential peer-group experiences

     

    We pair each Resident with a mature Christian leader for ongoing support and mentoring. Male and female Residents also meet regularly to share and process openly about life and ministry in an environment of grace and trust.

     

    #7

    A healthy, worshipful, and sustainable pace of work and rest, service and study, action and reflection

     

    Jesus had a rhythm of life that is foreign to many of us. He was neither a workaholic nor a recluse. So too, we aim for balance. Thrive Residents will work hard, but rest well - engage deeply, but then step away for regular times of sabbath, spiritual disciplines, and retreat.

     

    #8

    Residency in the safe, but at-risk neighborhood of Lonsdale, with a beautiful opportunity to learn what it means to be a good neighbor to the poor.

     

    Residents live rent-free in a 2-story home, just 2-mi from downtown Knoxville, in one of the most disadvantaged communities in town. We believe in the value of exposing Residents to real life, needs, and ministry in the city.

     

    #9

    In-depth theological and ministry training at a reasonable cost, plus sustainable monthly income

     

    Thrive Residents pay only $995 upfront for our 10-mo program. Rent and utilities are FREE! And, you'll earn $1,150/mo for your ministry job to help you pay for food, gas, and other personal expenses.

     

    #10

    A short-term Residency with long-term results, networking opportunities, + a boost to your resume!​

     

    The experiences and relationships you cultivate at Thrive Residency will deeply enhance your personal, spiritual, leadership, and vocational development. In short, these 10 months will change your life and uniquely prepare you to make a difference for the Kingdom!

     

  • Check out what current and former Residents are saying about the program!

    Ready to take the next step in your personal, spiritual, and leadership journey?

    Do you know of a college graduate that needs to hear about Thrive Residency?

    Cookie Use
    We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
    Learn More