Pastoral Apprenticeships

A Pastoral Apprenticeship is a three year commitment to  gain valuable hands on ministry experience at Redwood Park in preparation for full time ministry while undertaking concurrent biblical and theological studies. Our pastoral apprentices take two distance learning courses a term from Briercrest Bible College. (www.briercrest.ca) At the end of three years an apprentice will be well on the way to earning a full bachelor’s or masters degree. Some credit will also be earned for the practical experience of serving at Redwood.
The Pastoral Apprenticeship program is a rigorous time of spiritual and ministry formation with solid theological reflection. The goal is to furnish young men and women with both the needed practical skills as well as a sound biblical/theological foundation for effective ministry in a local church.

 As an apprentice you will be fully immersed in a chosen area of ministry alongside of the staff pastor who coordinates that area. That staff pastor will serve as your immediate supervisor and coach. That staff pastor will also monitor your academic progress. Mentorship in the areas of spiritual formation and leadership development will by provided by the senior pastor. You’re involvement will span everything from service tasks that are critical to the running of the ministry, to significant leadership and teaching opportunities designed to stretch and grow you, and then everything else in-between. While your focus will likely be on a particular ministry area, you will need to see yourself as a team player who is able to serve wherever needed.

Finances

The Pastoral Apprenticeship program is primarily an educational experience. You are not a paid staff member. We are providing you with what we are convinced is an incredible opportunity to learn valuable ministry skills in the context of a vibrant growing church family with a talented and fun loving staff and volunteer team.
Single apprentices are provided room & board in the home of a congregational member or a staff member. For married couples suitable apartment accommodation will be found in the area.

For singles in addition to covering room and board, a monthly living allowance of $400 is provided. For married apprentices  the living allowance varies.

Pastoral Apprentices must fully cover all of their school costs (tuition, books and so forth). Apprentices are given two months a year off to earn money to fund their schooling. Some apprentices have been able to find employment tree planting in the Thunder Bay area each year.