Pastoral Residency Program
Overview
Beginning in 2026, this is a new ministry undertaking of the Columbus Baptist Association. This is a three-year program for aspiring pastors and planters. Our goal is two-fold: 1) that we might develop pastor-ready candidates to pastor/revitalize or to plant/replant churches in the Columbus area, and 2) that we might form CBA-minded micro-networks of churches that edify and support one another as sending churches.
The Pastoral Residency Program is designed to coincide with a man’s seminary education by providing opportunities for practical education in a safe-to-learn environment. This is accomplished by the student serving officially on staff at a local CBA church which takes on the role of mentoring this man as a partner in ministry. The student will participate in leadership level meetings, will serve the church in a variety of service areas, will reach out in partnership service to other local CBA churches, and will participate in cohort meetings with local lead pastors.
Due to the natural turnover of leadership that happens within churches and due to the number of churches that are currently in decline, there is often a lack of qualified and capable candidates for a search team to pursue. We would like the Pastoral Residency Program to be the first place those search teams look.
This program is beneficial to the young pastor-to-be who has someone invest significant time and effort into them. This program is beneficial for the church who is looking for someone trained and trustworthy, someone who has already had some practical experience. This program will be beneficial now, but can you imagine how beneficial this will be for years to come?
Church-Based Formation: Residents serve on staff in CBA churches with calibrated responsibility (preaching, pastoral care, discipleship, leadership meetings, governance exposure, missions).
Mentoring: Primary mentor (Senior Pastor) plus secondary staff and lay mentors; weekly resident roundtables; six-month formal reviews.
Seminary Partnership: Coordinated pathway with an approved, accredited seminary pursuing M.Div. completion/advancement, with tuition/book support as funding allows.
Outcomes: Senior Pastor readiness, increased pastoral longevity, and healthier churches across the association.
Program Director: Dylan Sanders
Program Administrator: Josiah Johnston
Steering Committee: Josiah Johnston, Tim Jones, Dylan Sanders, Matt Stephens
Hosting Pastors: Will Hawk, Dylan Sanders, Matt Stephens
Pastoral Mentors/Instructors: Al Jackson, Nathan Tubbs, Matt Westgate, Don Wilhite
$40,000 per resident, per year: for salary/benefits, tuition and books, coaching/counseling, training/conferences, and program operations
Funding breakdown: 37.5% CBA Investment, 37.5% Host Church Investment, 25% Candidate raised
Other Funding Channels: CBA designated Fund, partner-church contributions, individual doners, and foundation/grant support
Here is detailed information about how you can become a part of the Columbus Baptist Pastoral Residency.
- Complete the CBPR Application below.
- Submit to a live interview with the CBPR Steering Committee
- Complete the CBPR Application Part II giving to you during the interview.
- Submit to an in-person interview with the CBPR team.