Apply for Resident Program

First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan is seeking exceptional candidates for our Resident Ministry Program. We seek candidates who are strongly motivated, innately curious, perceptive, determined, and deeply engaged in a life of ministry, service and leadership.

The Parish Ministry Residency Program at First Presbyterian gives outstanding seminary graduates the opportunity to make the transition from seminary to a lifetime of effective leadership and ministry in congregations. First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the vital, growing churches in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Church was one of the first to receive support from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to sponsor this innovative Parish Ministry Residency Program and has claimed this teaching ministry as a significant part of our mission. Ann Arbor is a friendly, highly livable city offering myriad cultural, intellectual, political, and social resources, along with world-class University of Michigan academics and athletics.

Our Residency Program seeks to refine the academic preparation of seminary graduates and ground pastors in the practice of ministry. Many seminary graduates benefit from additional ministerial experiences, practical knowledge and the opportunity to develop leadership skills. This two-year residency encourages newly-ordained ministers to develop patterns of work that maximize pastoral leadership gifts and skills. It enables Residents to connect their theological and biblical studies with the day-to-day life of a congregation. And the Residency allows individuals to deepen an interest in one or more areas of cutting-edge ministry.

Resident ministers serve two years at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor in validated ministry positions. This ministry is compensated at appropriate levels and includes participation in the Board of Pensions benefits program. Applicants must be on track for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and have earned the M. Div. degree. Preference will be given to 2019 seminary graduates.

If you have questions, please contact:

Rev. Jay Sanderford
Associate Pastor & Program Coordinator
jsanderford@firstpresbyterian.org
(734) 662-4466

How To Apply

Applications are due by January 31, 2019.

Please send the following to each program to which you are applying:

  1. A cover letter that addresses the following topics:
    • Why you seek a pastoral residency program and this one in particular.
    • A significant mentoring relationship and two or three significant ways it shaped you.
    • How your background and life experiences (including cultural, geographical, educational, spiritual, or other challenges/opportunities) have shaped your call.
  2. Complete PC (USA) PIF or PIF Narrative Questions (listed below) & Statement of Faith
    1. Describe a moment in your recent ministry that you recognize as one of success and fulfillment.
    2. Describe the ministry setting to which you believe God is calling you.
    3. What areas of growth have you identified in yourself?
    4. Describe a time when you have led change.
  3. Seminary transcripts (emailed or U.S. Mail)

Interviews for selected finalists will be scheduled on

  • March 1 - 3, 2019 (Second Church -- Indianapolis)
  • March 1 - 3, 2019 (First Church -- Ann Arbor)

Email Applications to:

Second Presbyterian Church
Lake Fellow Residency Program
Phyllis McDonald, Ministry Assistant
(317) 253-6461, ext. 354
pmcdonald@secondchurch.org
7700 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN  46260

First Presbyterian Church—Ann Arbor
Rev. Jay Sanderford
Associate Pastor & Program Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church
1432 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Email to jsanderford@firstpresbyterian.org
www.firstpresbyterian.org