Reitmeier Residency 2027

Summary of Position: The Reitmeier Residency at Faithbridge is a two-year program designed to catalyze ministry careers by equipping high-capacity college graduates with the teaching, leadership, pastoral, and entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in modern ministry. This program combines hands-on ministry training at Faithbridge with seminary education and church planting experience. Residents will complete a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree from Truett Seminary in Houston while gaining practical ministry experience. 

Purpose:

Year 1: Ministry Proficiency 

• Learn to lead in ministry areas like Faithbridge Student Ministry (FSM), Young Adults, Men's, Women's, Worship, and more 

• Receive weekly one-on-one coaching with your ministry supervisor 

• Participate in biweekly preaching and teaching training with Faithbridge's teaching team 

• Engage in weekly leadership development from leaders around Houston 

• Attend seminary classes (primarily Mondays) toward your MTS degree through Truett Houston 

Year 2: Ministry Leadership 

• Embed with a Houston-area church plant four days per week 

• Build and lead a ministry program at your church plant 

• Continue weekly coaching and development at Faithbridge 

• Complete your Master of Theological Studies from Truett Seminary 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

Year 1 Duties & Responsibilities 

• Maintain active participation in seminary classes, evidenced by completion of reading assignments and homework, punctual attendance to all class meetings, and thoughtful contribution to class discussions 

• Plan, prep, and execute weekly ministry programming in assigned ministry area role 

• Support ministry area and Faithbridge-wide event programming as directed 

• Minister to Faithbridgers within ministry area scope  

• Partner with full-time staff to recruit servers and leaders 

• Attend and contribute to weekly one-on-one coaching sessions and biweekly preaching training 

Year 2 Duties & Responsibilities 

• Continue seminary coursework toward MTS completion 

• Serve four days per week with assigned Houston-area church plant 

• Develop and implement ministry programs at church plant under mentorship 

• Maintain connection with Faithbridge through weekly coaching and development 

• Support church plant leadership in various ministry initiatives 

Skills and Educational Requirements:  

• Recent college graduate (ages 21-24 at program start) 

• Professing Christian aligned with Faithbridge's values 

• Demonstrated history of disciple-making 

• Exploring a call to vocational ministry 

• Strong work ethic, teachability, and servant-heartedness 

• Ability to build relationships and initiate discipleship-focused conversations with people in multiple stages of life 

• Works well with others and has a teamwork mindset 

• Independent initiative and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to communicate effectively, accurately, and in a timely manner, both verbally and in writing through a variety of platforms including face-to-face, phone, virtual conferencing, texting/messaging, and email 

• Workplace software literacy such as Microsoft Office suite of products 

• Must also apply to Truett Seminary's MTS program 

Organization Relationship: 

This position shall be directly accountable to the Director of Discipleship. This position will have contact with church attendees, paid staff, volunteers, ministry partners, church planting leaders, seminary faculty, and outside vendors. 

Working Conditions: 

This is a two-year, full-time position (approximately 32 hours per week) with a regular weekly in-person schedule determined by the ministry area supervisor in Year 1 and church plant leadership in Year 2, along with some evening and special event work. Attendance at seasonal ministry kick-off events and large all-Faithbridge campus events will be required, including Christmas Eve and Easter. 

Compensation and Support: 

• Stipend: $21,000 per year ($1,750/month) 

• Housing: Provided through host homes at no cost 

• Education: MTS tuition largely covered through combined scholarships (Faithbridge contributes up to $4,000/year plus additional institutional support) 

• Study Trip: Biblical sites travel fully covered 

• Note: No health/dental benefits; books and seminary supplies are resident's responsibility 

Needed Attributes: 

Strong interpersonal skills, keen initiative, desire to learn and grow, organized and responsible student, flexibility, team player, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for both theological study and practical ministry. 

Program Details: 

• Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 

• Cohort Size: 4-6 residents 

• Contact: Michael McDowell, Director of Discipleship, at [email protected] or (281) 320-7588 or visit faithbridge.org/residency