TRAINING RESIDENTS
Calvary ’ s Pastoral Residency Program
TRAINING RESIDENTS
For over ten years Calvary has offered a Pastoral Residency program raising up the next generation of Christian leaders . Our desire is to assist men and women whose goal is to serve God in developing their potential and refining their calling as spiritual leaders . Pastoral Residents generally serve for 18 to 24 months at Calvary . During that period they participate in a wide range of ministries and spend time with pastoral staff who give feedback and coaching .
As we look to continue intentionally training pastors we wanted to share the experiences of a few past residents . We hope these reflections gives you a glimpse into the importance of this program .
Calvary ’ s Pastoral Residency Program
ERIC LAPATA RESIDENCY : 2012-2014 Currently , I serve as the Co-Lead Pastor for The Chapel in Sandusky . I owe so much to Calvary and its residency program for where I am today . There are three specific reasons why .
Firstly , I learned how to pray . The culture at Calvary is one of leaning into and listening to God through His Word and prayer . Because I was immersed in this culture for two years , I realized how vital prayer is for leading in the capacity that I serve in today .
Secondly , I learned how to be a pastor . Every Wednesday from 3:00- 5:00pm the residents spent time in Jim ’ s office . We prayed , talked about life , theology , and pastoring . All of these things were extremely helpful . But , I learned how to be a pastor through watching Jim be a pastor . His humility , boldness , kindness , and godliness helped me see what it takes to be a pastor on a daily basis . Jim taught me that being a pastor on stage takes immense work and prayer off stage . I wish every single person could be a part of these meetings .
Finally , I learned how much the residency program helped my family . I was a resident and I was enrolled in full-time seminary . Calvary understood this and came alongside my wife , Paula , and son , Hudson , in real , practical ways . The pastors ’ wives included Paula in their gatherings . The elders compensated us so that Paula could stay home and care for Hudson . The elders and deacons invested in our family . Without the residency program our two years in Grand Rapids would have felt incomplete in many ways .
I can ’ t say enough about the residency program . I pray that Calvary continues to train pastors because the fruit of their effort changes lives beyond the walls of Calvary .
MARCO SALAZAR RESIDENCY : 2014-2017 Currently I ’ m the lead pastor at Radiant Church in Bay City , Michigan . My wife and I planted the church on September 10 , 2017 .
My time as a pastoral resident was extremely formative . It allowed me the time and opportunity to explore many different ministry venues from children ’ s ministry , working with special needs adults , to curriculum formation and preaching . These opportunities allowed me to grow while being under the coaching and supervision of experienced pastoral staff . I also love the fact that I had extensive time to pray and read while being a pastoral resident . I was able to really run hard after God to seek His direction for my life . I ’ m thankful that Calvary leadership encouraged each resident to further develop their prayer life as this is definitely the foundation of any ministry leader ! I have fond memories of my time as a pastoral resident and I ’ m so thankful for having been given the opportunity !
16