Ridgedale Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee offers internship and residency programs to create an environment conducive to growth, self reflection, and spiritual formation within a ministry context.
Who are these programs for?
Are you in the middle of life sensing God’s call to transition from your vocation into full time ministry? Are you a college student desiring to gain experience working with a church ministry? Are you and your family coming out of a rough ministerial experience, needing some time of stability, healing, and rest? If so, our internship and residency programs may be for you!
What is the difference between an internship and a residency?
Internships are semester long programs (with the option to extend) working under the direction of a specific ministry leader in an area of your choice. Expect to work 7-10 hours a week. A small stipend of $75 a week is offered.
Internships tracks occur each: Summer (June-July), Fall (August – December), and Spring (January – May), with exceptions – we work hard to accommodate students’ school schedules.
Residencies are a year long program working with the pastoral staff of the church. The residency is geared for those who feel called to vocational pastoral ministry. Expect to work 15-20 hours a week. A small stipend of $160 a week is offered.
Click the drop-downs below for more information:
Have questions or interested in applying? Email Josh at joshp@ridgedalebaptist.org.
Pastoral Residency Program
The residency is geared for those who feel called to vocational pastoral ministry. Our goal is to give you a seat at the table. You will be able to attend all pastoral meetings, serve in capacities that align with your goals, and be trained/mentored in weekly meetings with other residents. After your year with us we will work to help you find the place God is calling you to next. Expect to work 15-20 hours a week. A small stipend of $160 a week is offered.
Working under Lead Pastor: Doug Plumlee
Pastor of internships/residencies: Josh Powell
Children’s Ministry Intern
Make a lasting impact on the lives of children. Assist in planning and implementing engaging programs, building relationships with families, and fostering a love for Jesus in the hearts of young ones. Expect to meet weekly with the intern group for mentoring and discipleship, serve in areas of interest as well as support the children’s ministry in various capacities.
Director of Children’s ministry: Emily McBride
Foster Care Ministry Intern
Be a part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting foster families and children in need. Assist in organizing events, providing resources, and advocating for the needs of the foster care community. Expect to meet weekly with the intern group for mentoring and discipleship, serve in areas of interest as well as support the foster care ministry in various capacities.
Director of Foster Care ministry: Caroline Powell
College Ministry Intern
Dive into the exciting world of college ministry and help students navigate their faith journey during this critical time in their lives. Assist in organizing events, leading discussions, and providing mentorship to young adults. Expect to meet weekly with the intern group for mentoring and discipleship, serve in areas of interest as well as support the college ministry in various capacities.
Pastor of College ministry: Alan Denton
Young Adult Ministry Intern
Join us in ministering to young adults as they navigate the challenges of this life stage. Assist in planning gatherings, leading discussions, and providing support and encouragement to young adults seeking to grow in their faith. Expect to meet weekly with the intern group for mentoring and discipleship, serve in areas of interest as well as support the young adult ministry in various capacities.
Pastor of Young Adult ministry: Josh Powell
Digital Media Intern
The Digital Media Intern at Ridgedale Baptist Church will be the go-to photographer for church-wide events, special events within Sunday morning services, and general congregation/ministry photo needs. The Digital Media Intern will work under the direction of the Communications Director to schedule weekly event attendance (work hours), receive necessary training or direction, and to work together to further the digital ministry of Ridgedale Baptist Church. Expect to meet weekly with the intern group for mentoring and discipleship, serve in areas of interest as well as support the communications team in various capacities.
Director of Communications: Grace Hernandez
What is the admission process like?
- Submit application
- Interview with Intern Program Pastor
- References checked
- Interview with team that you’re interested in learning from
- Receive communication if you have been selected for the internship/residency.