The First Free Pastoral Residency program is designed to equip seminary graduates with the practical skills and experience needed to become capable gospel-centered church leaders of tomorrow. You’ll receive exposure to a broad range of ministry, while also gaining focused experience with ministry-specific responsibilities in a large church. All accompanied with mentoring and coaching from our senior staff.
Program Highlights
- Two-year, full-time residency (to begin after final year of seminary)
- Paid position with benefits
- Full-tuition scholarship for final year of seminary
- Placement support at the end of the residency
- Significant ministry and preaching opportunities
- Multi-ethnic ministry opportunities with partner churches in Wichita
 Requirements
- MDiv student graduating in May 2027
- Aspire to preach
- Meet qualifications to be an elder (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9)
We believe 1 Timothy 3 limits the office of elder to qualified men.
Application
To apply, please prepare a document including the application details specified here. Your application should be formatted to 12-point font, single-spaced and no more than five pages in length. Completed applications need to be emailed to Jordan Green. Deadline for application is February 6, 2026.
References
Ask one of your professors and your pastor (at seminary or home church) to complete a Pastoral Residency Reference. Deadline for references is February 6, 2026.
Interviews
Interviews will begin in February for selected applicants. Finalists will then be scheduled for a second interview in Wichita and a decision will be made by the end of May.
Questions? Email Jordan Green or call (316) 681-0664.
What Our Former Residents Are Saying
“The pastoral residency at First Free gave me a front-row seat to healthy pastoral ministry. I was mentored, challenged, and encouraged to grow in both character and competency. It was an incredible environment to learn what faithful pastoral leadership looks like up close.”
Stephen DiDomizio
Pastoral Resident 2023-2025
Connection and Equipping Pastor at First Free
Wichita, KS
"First Free loved me and my family well, and we will forever have a place in our hearts for this community. As a church planter, First Free gave me the training and space to prepare well for church planting, and there isn't an ounce of the DNA of our church plant that hasn't been made better by my time with First Free. Every MDiv graduate would be blessed by bridging the gap from seminary to ministry in the First Free residency."
Dan Nelson
Pastoral Resident 2022-2024
Church Planting, The Grove Church
Union Grove, Wisconsin
"A residency may not be what you want straight out of seminary, but it's what you need. First Free's residency has sharpened my focus on what it means to be a shepherd of God's flock."
George Aidoo
Pastoral Resident 2021-2023
Church Planting/Missions
Ghana, Africa
"I’m so grateful for First Free’s Pastoral Residency Program. The intentional mentorship by faithful, experienced pastors, significant and meaningful ministry experience, and first-hand participation in a healthy, Christ-honoring church have proven invaluable. If you want to grow in your ability to better serve Christ and his church, this is the place for you."
Dirk Jasperse
Pastoral Resident 2020-2022
Senior Pastor at Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church
Hot Springs, South Dakota
“My time with the residency at First Free has proven enormously helpful in my ongoing ministry. I got direct mentorship from seasoned pastors, first-hand experience with practical ministry, and a close-up view of how to pastor a church faithfully and effectively. I can't recommend this program enough.”
Dominick Wong
Pastoral Resident 2019-2021
Associate Pastor at The Bridge Church
Wichita, Kansas
“I would have gladly spent many more years at First Free (and have since returned!) The staff and congregation were incredibly supportive, and I continue to benefit from everything I learned. Trust me, this is what you want for your first years in ministry!”
Chris Helding
Pastoral Resident 2018-2020
Senior Associate Pastor at First Free
Wichita, KS