Come visit with us!
We'll be on campus November 7-9 in the Rodine Lobby to share more and answer any questions you may have about our Residency Program!
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 Details
- Two-year, full-time residency (to begin after final year at TEDS)
- Paid position with benefits
- Full-tuition scholarship for final year at TEDS
- 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 from TEDS in May 2025
- 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 Ron May. Application deadline is Monday, February 5, 2024.
References
Ask one of your TEDS professors and your pastor (in Chicago or home church) to complete a Pastoral Residency Reference. References must be completed by Monday, February 5, 2024.
Interview
We will return to campus in February or March to interview 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 Ron May or call (316) 681-0664.
What Our Former Residents Are Saying
"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. The staff and congregation were incredibly supportive, and I continue to benefit from everything I learned there. Trust me, this is what you want for your first years in ministry!”
Chris Helding
Pastoral Resident 2018-2020
NextGen Pastor at Montvale Evangelical Free Church
Montvale, New Jersey