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About the Small Church Residency Program
Launched by the Presbyterian Mission Agency in fall 2009, the Small Church Residency Program (formerly known as: For Such a Time as This) was designed to renew and grow small churches and help them to become healthy, missional congregations. The program pairs small, underserved congregations in rural, small town, and urban settings with recent seminary graduates in a two-year pastoral-residency relationship, during which they are supported and guided by a cluster of pastor-mentors.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Church Residency Program
More information for Candidates
More information for Congregations
Tips for Pastor Nominating Committees
Contact residency@pcusa.org with questions and inquiries.
Pastoral Residency Positions
Residency positions are open to pastoral candidates seeking their first call — and who have been certified by their presbytery ready to receive a call. This program pairs small, under-served congregations with recent seminary graduates who are interested in answering God’s call to serve where there is need in the PC(USA), specifically in small membership congregations.
Each pastoral resident will be assigned a pastor/mentor from the presbytery, who will regularly engage in one-on-one conversations with residents. Pastor/mentors will also meet monthly in cluster groups with other pastoral residents or other first call pastors in their presbytery to engage in activities of spiritual practice, to explore elements of the practice of ministry, and to review a case study presented by one of the pastoral residents. During the two-year residency, there will be three national gatherings underwritten by program funds for pastoral residents, pastor/mentors and a representative from the presbyteries.
Pastoral residents will be ordained as ministers of the Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA) as Designated Pastors. All positions are full-time, and will be compensated at presbytery minimum salaries. Pastoral residents will be enrolled in the PC(USA) Board of Pensions plan and may qualify for the Board of Pensions Seminary Debt Reduction Program.
Have questions? See Frequently Asked Questions
The Rev. Cindy Cushman
The Rev. Cindy Cushman serves the Office of Theology and Worship as part-time coordinator for the Small Church Residency Program. As a small church pastor, presbyter, and administrator, Cindy brings extensive experience to her role in leading the team in support of this innovative program. Cindy may be contacted by telephone at (800) 728-7228, x5381, or by email.
