Lockerman Leadership Institute

Designed to equip the next generation of Church leaders through hands-on ministry experience. This program will provide young adults with valuable ministry experience in one of the most vibrant churches in the country.

Summer Residency
May 11 - August 2, 2026

RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Are you called to ministry or discerning a call to ministry? This is for you.

First Baptist Cleveland's ministry residency program is designed to equip the next generation of Church leaders through hands-on ministry experience. This program will provide young adults with valuable ministry experience in one of the most vibrant churches in the country.

Each area of ministry (Students, Kids, College, Worship, Media, Missions) will have a given number of residents during each session (Fall, Spring, Summer). Residents will each be placed in a ministry area by the LLI residency director.  Once placed in a ministry area, daily responsibility will be led by the ministry lead.  
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COMPONENTS OF LLI

The Lockerman Leadership Institute Residency Program includes three components:

Theological and Leadership Development
Grow in your theological understanding and leadership in classroom training experiences with our pastors and staff.

Ministry Experience
Each resident will be placed and work directly in a ministry department at the church, as well as working together on multiple church-wide events, to get a full exposure of church ministry.

Biblical Community
In addition to classroom and ministry experience, the residency will also feature both formal mentoring and groups, as well as informal team building events.

FAQ

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What can I expect out of this Residency Program?

This residency will provide you with a chance to learn and apply ministry in the context of the local church. Each resident will work within a specific department, attend residency classes and experience Christian community. The advantage of this approach is that it requires students to apply what they learn in real time.

When is the Residency Program?

We have fall, spring, and summer programs. 

Are these paid positions?

Yes! Residents will receive a stipend of $225 per week to offset living expenses such as gas and food. 

I'm not from Cleveland, TN- where will I stay?

If you’re not from Cleveland, we will place you in a host home for the summer.

Which departments are hiring this summer?

  • Kid's Ministry
  • Communications/Media
  • Worship
  • Student Ministry
  • College Ministry
  • Missions

Who is eligible?

The residency program is open to young adults ages 18-25.

Can I have a second job?

Due to the nature of the residency program, we ask that applicants not work an additional job while in the program. The program requires many late hours and sometimes last minute requests that may conflict with your ability to work a second job.