Cross Point Residency
making the best better
The Cross Point Residency equips the next generation of church leaders through hands-on ministry experience, theological education and intentional discipleship. This one-year program, with the opportunity to continue for a second year, provides practical ministry experience, spiritual formation and leadership development at one of the country’s most vibrant and creative multi-site churches.
The Cross Point Residency isn’t just about preparing you for your next ministry role. It’s about becoming the kind of leader who loves Jesus deeply, serves others faithfully and is equipped to lead wherever God calls.
What to Know Before You Apply
The Cross Point Residency is designed for individuals who:
1
Completed or on track to complete an undergraduate degree.
2
Sense a clear call to full-time vocational ministry.
3
Desire mentorship, honest feedback and spiritual growth.
4
Committed to growing as a leader in the local church.
5
Demonstrate ministry experience and leadership potential.
The Mission of the Residency
Making the Best Better
We believe God has uniquely gifted and called the next generation of church leaders. Our goal is to help those gifts flourish through intentional development, meaningful ministry experience and Christ-centered discipleship.
As a resident, you’ll learn “trench-style” leadership by serving wherever the need is with humility and a willingness to do whatever is in front of you. This reflects one of our core staff values and shapes the way we lead and serve together.
We believe every calling is unique. Whether God is leading you toward pastoral ministry, nonprofit leadership or another area of Kingdom impact, we want to help you grow in your gifts while providing the training, coaching and support to prepare you for what’s next.
Our goal isn’t to develop future Cross Point staff members. It’s to equip faithful, healthy leaders who are ready to serve wherever God calls them. We do this through mentored ministry, one-on-one coaching, pastoral leadership classes and seminars.
Structure of the Residency
More than an internship
The Cross Point Residency is a one-year leadership development experience, with the opportunity to continue for a second year. It is designed to help you grow spiritually, personally and professionally while serving in the local church.
Immersion in Cross Point Culture
Leadership Development
The Residency exists to develop and equip the next generation of church leaders through intentional ministry experience, theological education and practical leadership opportunities.
Relationship and Care
We want every resident to approach ministry through the lenses of leadership, relationship and care, learning not only how to lead but also how to love people well and shepherd them faithfully.
Intentional Rhythms
Residents learn to steward their time well and maintain a schedule while balancing responsibilities, leadership development and personal growth.
Personal Coaching
Spiritual Mentorship
Each resident is paired with a mentor who helps guide their relationship with Jesus, offering encouragement, accountability and spiritual direction.
Being. Knowing. Doing.
Designed to Form the Whole Leader
Being: Spiritual Development
Healthy ministry begins with a healthy relationship with Jesus. Residents are equipped to grow spiritually through intentional discipleship, training, and discernment of their unique calling. Residents will also engage with books, readings and seminars to deepen their faith and leadership.
Knowing: Theological Development
Residents participate in a 12-month learning experience covering practical ministry and theological topics. Additional books, readings and seminars provide opportunities to deepen biblical understanding while preparing residents for long-term ministry.
Doing: Ministry Development
Residents spend the majority of their time serving in a ministry area alongside experienced leaders. Leadership development is a key consideration; each resident is paired with a mentor who provides coaching, feedback and practical ministry experience throughout the Residency.
Ministry Areas
Designed for Your Calling
Creative Team
The Creative Team helps create meaningful ministry experiences through worship, video production, communications and graphic design. This team exists to communicate the mission of Cross Point with excellence and creativity.
Central Team
The Central Team helps bring clarity, alignment and support to ministries such as; Next Gen, Global and Local Good, Groups and Discipleship, Operations, Finance, Culture, Safety, Security and Facilities.
Campus Team
Campus Teams serve on the front lines of ministry, leading and supporting the ministries of Cross Point in their local community. They are responsible for leadership, relationship and care at the campus level.
Requirements
What We’re Looking For
✓
Hold (or on track for) a bachelor’s degree before the program begins.
✓
Be available to work a full-time, 40-hour workweek throughout the program.
✓
Available Mon – Thurs from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (and Sundays as assigned).
✓
Legally eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the program.
Cross Point Culture
The Heart Behind Our Team
The Cross Point Residency is about more than gaining ministry experience. It’s about becoming the kind of leader God can trust with people. Throughout the Residency, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Cross Point as you grow spiritually, develop as a leader and serve alongside our staff. Everything we do is shaped by our church values, staff virtues and ways of working.
Cross Point Church Values
These values define who we are as a church and guide the mission we pursue together.
- Love God: We love God because God first loved us.
- Serve Others: We serve others because people matter to God.
- Share Jesus: We share Jesus because Jesus is our only hope.
- Live Generously: We live generously because we are stewards, not owners.
- Grow Always: We grow always because Jesus isn’t finished with us yet.
Cross Point Staff Virtues
While skills can be taught, character is formed over time. Our Staff Virtues shape the kind of leaders we strive to become.
- Humility: A healthy self-forgetfulness that gives credit to God and honors others.
- Integrity: Trust, consistency and transparency between the seen and unseen.
- Relational Unity: A passionate pursuit of Christ, healthy relationships with your team and an eagerness to serve others.
- Hospitality: Where generosity meets place, creating space for the outsider.
- Resiliency: The ability to wisely persevere in the God-given mission through challenges and resistance.
Cross Point Ways of Working
These principles shape how we serve, collaborate and lead together every day.
- Pray First: Prayer isn’t the only thing we do, but it is the first thing we do.
- Use Your Blinker: Communicate proactively and honestly so everyone has the clarity they need when they need it.
- Set the Table: Pursue excellence, creativity and innovation to create welcoming environments for everyone.
- Stronger Together: We accomplish more when we collaborate than when we work alone.
- Give Ministry Back: Develop and empower leaders and volunteers by creating owners, not renters.
- Lean Into the Last 10%: Protect relationships by having honest conversations with grace and truth. We avoid the “meeting after the meeting,” address concerns directly and celebrate wins all around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cross Point Residency paid?
Yes! Residents receive a semi-monthly salary throughout the program
Is housing provided?
Yes! Residents are required to live in Cross Point Residency housing throughout the program. We provide two fully furnished homes, one for men and one for women, located about 10 minutes from Cross Point’s Nashville campus.
Living together is an intentional part of the Residency experience, creating opportunities for meaningful community, spiritual growth and relationships that extend beyond the workplace.
Can residents have another job while in the program?
No. The Residency is a full-time commitment designed to provide an immersive ministry and leadership development experience. Because of the time and investment involved, residents may not maintain outside employment during the program.
What is the difference between year one and year two?
The second year provides an opportunity to deepen your leadership and ministry experience. While the core components of the Residency remain the same, second-year residents are entrusted with greater responsibility as they continue to grow alongside their ministry team. Residents returning for a second year also receive a salary increase.
What Cross Point events do residents participate in?
Residents are fully integrated into the life of our staff and church. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in weekly all-staff meetings, Staff Advance and a Global Good trip.
Depending on your ministry area and interests, you’ll also have opportunities to serve at key ministry events like Student Camp, Super Awesome Summer and other campus and churchwide initiatives throughout the year.
I am married. Am I eligible?
Based on Cross Point’s employment policies and the terms of the Residency housing agreement, married individuals are not eligible to participate in the Residency program.
Will I get a job at Cross Point after the Residency?
The Residency is designed to equip the next generation of ministry leaders, not to serve as a pipeline to employment at Cross Point. If a position becomes available and it’s the right fit, there may be opportunities to apply. No matter where God leads you next, our commitment is to help you leave the Residency prepared to lead with wisdom, humility and confidence.
Do I receive post-graduate credit for participating in the Cross Point Residency?
No. The Cross Point Residency is not an accredited academic program and does not offer post-graduate credit. Instead, you’ll receive hands-on ministry experience, intentional leadership development, theological training and personalized coaching designed to prepare you for a lifetime of ministry.