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Definition Church

Residency

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Empowering the Next Generation of Ministry Leaders

The Definition Residency Program is designed to help individuals discern whether God is leading them into full-time vocational ministry by immersing them in the life and leadership of the local church. Through a two-year, full-time apprenticeship, residents gain hands-on ministry experience, intentional mentorship, and practical leadership development, equipping them to confidently take their next step - whether that leads to vocational ministry or another calling in the workplace.

Whether you feel called to Kids, Youth, College, Pastoral ministry, or Worship and Creative, the Residency Program offers specialized tracks tailored to equip you in your area of passion and calling.

Residency Tracks

Kids Ministry Track

Invest in the next generation by creating dynamic, gospel-centered environments where children encounter Jesus.

Youth Ministry Track

Help middle and high school students grow in their faith and build strong biblical foundations.

College Ministry Track

Reach, disciple, and develop leaders on local college campuses.

Pastoral Ministry Track

Gain a comprehensive understanding of church leadership, pastoral care, and preaching.

Worship & Creative Track

Opportunities for those gifted in leading worship, production, or creative media.

Foundations of the Residency Program

1. Ministry Experience

Experience is one of the best teachers. Residents work full-time (40 hours per week) alongside Definition Church staff, gaining hands-on leadership experience. Your ministry focus will depend on your selected track, but all residents will:

  • Be given real-life ministry responsibilities.
  • Lead and disciple teams.
  • Develop outreach and ministry strategies tailored to their track.
  • Engage with the broader Definition Church community through weekend experiences and leadership opportunities.

2. Mentorship

Residents will be paired with a mentor who provides weekly coaching, discipleship, and encouragement throughout the program. This relationship is designed to foster spiritual growth, leadership development, and practical ministry insight.

3. Ministry Training

In partnership with the Cultivate Leadership Institute, residents will engage in weekly training sessions and classes designed to equip them in:

  • Leadership and spiritual formation
  • Practical ministry skills
  • Biblical and theological studies
  • Organizational and team leadership

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for highly committed, self-starting individuals who:

  • Have a strong desire to pursue full-time vocational ministry.
  • Are willing to invest a season of their life into intensive ministry training.
  • Want to gain hands-on experience in a thriving local church.
  • Are eager to grow spiritually, develop leadership skills, and be mentored.
  • Desire to use their gifts to serve the church and advance the Kingdom of God.

Current Residents

Each resident has a unique calling and story, stepping into this season to deepen their faith, develop their gifts, and make an impact in the lives of those they serve. Meet our current residents and learn more about their journey in ministry.

Karis Sustar, Worship Resident

Karis Sustar

Worship Resident

As Definition's first Worship & Creative Resident, my heart's desire is to help others experience and learn that being a worship leader does not just mean being on a stage. It is about cultivating your own relationship with Jesus and letting your life off the stage be characterized by worship. Worship is a lifestyle, not a moment or experience you only have on Sundays. The Lord has worked in my heart over many years to learn this very thing and I want to help others experience the fruit of this. As I seek the Lord about vocational ministry throughout my residency, I will be getting hands-on experience in running the different components of a worship ministry and growing my skills in production elements. None of this is possible without your prayer and support. Help me make an impact in the lives of worship and production leaders who desire to lean into the gifts God has given them.

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Grace Ann Hundley, Youth Resident

Grace Ann Hundley

Youth Resident

Hey y'all! Thank you so much for taking a look at my page! I am serving on staff at Definition Church as a Youth Ministry Resident. I am beyond excited to see how God uses this season of my life to reach students in our area. Having had a heart transplant in 2019, I recognize there is never a day to waste. It's time to reach students with The Gospel! As a youth ministry resident, I am supporting our youth director with administrative, and executive tasks. I also collaborate with our staff, coordinate events, and most importantly engage in community with our students. My heart's desire, plain and simple, is to see Greensboro's student's hearts come alive with the truth of The Gospel, and for them to crave a revival in this city. I am praying that God will infiltrate our schools, our students, our city, our state, and our nation!

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Chris Tucker, Youth Resident

Chris Tucker

Youth Resident

The youth of the Body of Christ need to hear and understand the Gospel. I am pursuing the heart of those in their youth so that they may grasp just that. My role will be to disciple the youth, to shepherd the youth, teach them sound doctrine and to help them grow in their faith to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do as Jesus did. As the youth gain wisdom of the attributes of God, they will exalt Him, and grow in the fear of the Lord, as that happens we see regenerated hearts being transformed for the advancement of the Kingdom. I am blessed that God is using me to serve as a conduit for this next generation, to train and equip, share His divine grace and truth, and my personal testimony that will benefit them as Jesus has crafted my life for them. My prayer is that the lives of those we currently are growing with may walk in the willingness to become vessels for the Lord as we our as well.

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Connect with us!

Steve Rozema, Residency Director

Steve Rozema

Residency Director

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Parker Jones, Executive Pastor - Next Gen

Parker Jones

Executive Pastor - Next Gen

Contact

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Our application process is open year-round, so whenever you're ready to take the next step in your calling, we're here to walk with you.

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FAQs

How long is the Residency Program?
The residency program is two years long, and residents can either start in July or January of each year.

What will my source of income be during the Residency Program?
All residents are fully support-funded. This means that residents are responsible for raising their own salary. But don't panic- we are partnered with an organization that trains, coaches, and manages residents throughout the entire fundraising process. This empowers residents with everything they need to fundraise and serves as a great learning experience for future ministry endeavors.

Will I get a job at Definition after the program?
We cannot promise that you will get a job at Definition after completing the residency program. However, we will do everything we can to help you take your next best step.

I don't attend Definition. Can I do the program?
Yes! This program is not exclusive to Definition Church members. However, if you are accepted you will be expected to become a member at Definition Church.

Helpful Links

Looking for more information? View these links below or get in touch with us!

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