pastoral residency

"Growing into your ministerial calling out of Divinity school in a healthy church environment is no given - just call a few ministers and you'll find that out! Green's Farms Church is an ideal setting to grow into a job where you have enough responsibilities to make a difference and a supportive crew of staff and lay members who will ensure that your learning experiences are speed bumps, not unrestrained crashes. The program is the perfect launching pad for any young minister discerning their next steps."

- Zak Carroll - Pastoral Resident at Green’s Farms Church, 2022-2024

WATCH ZAK SHARE HIS PASTORAL RESIDENCY EXPERIENCE

What’s Next for You After Graduation?

mdiv students…

Are you interested in pursuing parish ministry in a welcoming and supportive faith community?  Green’s Farms Church is a vibrant, intergenerational UCC congregation, located in the coastal town of Westport, Connecticut, one hour north of New York City. 

Since 2022, our two-year Pastoral Residency Program has helped to incubate new church leaders by providing comprehensive mentorship and pastoral work experiences.

Our goal is to partner together with recent graduates, so that our congregation can benefit from your unique ministerial gifts, while you learn from seasoned clergy and grow into your vocational calling.

As a Green’s Farms Church Pastoral Resident, you will have the opportunity to:

  • You will gain experience in preaching, faith formation, community outreach and pastoral care.

  • From worship planning to staff leadership and budgeting, you will learn the fundamentals of church management under the supervision of  GFC Senior Minister Jeff Rider, Consulting Theologian Allen Hilton, and lay leaders.

  • Design and implement services and activities that reflect your passion and bring your  vision to our church community.

  • You will participate in weekly group supervision meetings with clergy and professional  staff members

Residency Term and Compensation:  The Pastoral Resident’s term will begin the summer of 2025 and end the summer of 2027. The position is an ordainable call in the United Church of Christ, with a salary, housing allowance and a full benefits package.

Are you a good fit?  We are looking for a candidate who will thrive in a growing congregation with diverse social, political and theological backgrounds and identities. 

Questions? Contact LaQruishia Gill.

I felt drawn to Green’s Farms Church for many reasons- welcoming energy, an engaged and open-minded congregation and the creative and passionate staff- to name a few!

-Rev. Sophie Beal, Pastoral Resident, 2024-2026