Ministry Residency Intensive (MRI) Program

The Ministry Residency Intensive (MRI) is a summer program for college students interested
in exploring church ministry.

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Ministry: MRI participants are placed at internships in churches in the western and southwestern suburbs of Chicago. Internship responsibilities can include:

•  Discipling middle and high school students

•  Preaching training labs

•  Helping with pastoral visits

•  Evangelism

•  Observing leadership meetings

•  Serving alongside the Sunday tech team

•  Participating in ministries, prayer groups, and Bible studies

•  Preparing retreats

•  Research support for pastors and staff

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Residency:

MRI participants live together in a house in Elmhurst, IL, sharing life with others who are committed to living out their faith and have an interest in exploring ministry as a possible career path. Informal conversations over meals, during exercise, or while playing games allow MRI participants to receive support as they engage ministry, talk through their sense of calling, and encourage one another in their faith.

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Intensive:

MRI participants will engage in spiritual and vocational formation that will help them to grow as followers of Christ, mature in their faith, and deepen their sense of calling. Four practices are part of the MRI:

1. Bible Study: weekly group Bible Study with one of the Program Directors (Ephesians and 1 Timothy)

2. Theological Reflection: weekly discussion of theology with one of the Program Directors (using 222 Disciple)

3. Mutual Confession: Participants confess their sins to each other once a week.

4. Meals with Pastors: weekly meals in pastors homes to hear their call stories, conside what ministry looks like for them in their context, explore various aspects of ministry, and see how they live beyond the walls of the church

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The Ministry Residency Intensive program is now accepting applications for Summer 2027!