First Nazarene Church
First Nazarene church just outside of Chicago is looking for their next Pastoral Ministry Resident.
Expected Work Hours: 20-40 hours weekly
Expected Monthly Pay: $1,200/month
The following is some Q and A with their staff:
What are your greatest hopes and dreams for the next couple of years for your church?
We are intentionally investing in the next generation through our residency program. We hope that our relatively short-term investment in the life of a young leader would help launch them into a healthy church, feeling equipped and confident to lead from their experience with us. Over the next few years, we hope our church develops a reputation as a place young leaders want to join, because we are known for investing in and developing the next generation of leaders!
Why did you choose to do a residency & what are you hopeful will happen through this process?
We believe healthy churches should take the lead in developing the next generation of ministers/pastors. Building on the success of short-term internships, we are shifting our focus to a residency model to better equip, build and train young ministers with the intent of launching them into full-time ministry roles.
What is it like to work on staff there?
Fast paced
Collaborative
Opportunities to do meaningful work that is not busy work. Don’t waste our efforts on things that don’t matter.
Relational
Intentional
Supportive of new ideas
Adventurous
Never dull…always people, alive, activity, life
Fun!
Does your church’s website state the mission, vision, values and key distinctives of your church?
Please describe the current staff structure.
Executive Team – Lead Pastor, Executive Pastor
The Lead Staff: Pastors and Directors of key ministry areas – Community (Assimilation & Discipleship), Worship, Worship/Tech, Student Ministries, Recreation Ministries
What qualities does it take to “win” on staff at your church?
Be:
Flexible
Adaptable
Accountable
Prepared
Organize
Able to laugh
Self-aware
Follow through on commitments
Communicate well
Always be willing to learn, grow and develop
Who will the resident report to? Will there be a different person acting as coach?
Phil Kizzee, Executive Pastor, will oversee the larger resident ministry initially. It is likely that Sandy Chew (Community) will serve as the resident’s coach.
Are there particular assessment tools that you prefer when exploring potential staff people?
Not at this time.
Are you affiliated with a particular denomination or tribes/association of churches? If so, what websites could one investigate to gain further understanding?
We are a part of the Church of the Nazarene denomination. Nazarene.org is a good place to understand our breadth and mission.
What are the key doctrinal and theological issues where alignment is essential?
Apostle’s Creed essential. Wesleyan perspective preferred.
What is your average weekend attendance?
2025 worship attendance – 764. This is up 34% in the last 3 years.
In general, what is your church demographic?
Multigenerational. 33% - children/youth; 47% - 20-60; 20% 60+
Is there more than one site or venue? If so, please describe.
One site.
How many conversions has your church had in the past 12 months? (however you define this and whatever you count)
206 thru 11 months of 2025
What percentage of people are involved in a small group?
Adults – 33%
What is your church known for in the community?
While our congregation is 122 years old, we have been in our current location since 1974. The area in what was then the far southwest suburbs of Chicago was just beginning to develop. There were few to no preschools or community recreation programs for young families moving into new developments. We began a preschool and recreation ministry in those early years and now, 50 years later, our reputation in the community is positive and far-reaching. Over 10,000 people a year are in our building for these ministries. T o these people, we feel like a modern church that cares about loving their community well!
How much are you planning on financially compensating your resident? Is it set or is it flexible?
We are providing housing (no rent, utilities) in a home dedicated to the residency program. [Residents will be asked to clean, mow the grass and shovel snow.] Pay is $1200/month. Reimburse professional expenses of $100/month.
What are the expected work hours and what does a typical work week look like for this resident?
The expected hours, weekly rhythms, and responsibilities of the resident will be crafted to fit the resident. We believe in investing in the right person and crafting their experience to fit their giftings and to address areas where they need experience and growth. We expect most residents to work 20-40 hours per week.
What else would you say to a resident considering joining your team?
It is hard to find a healthy church where you can grow and find ways ministry can be done well…but this is one of them.
Collaborative environment where it is safe to fail and learn. We have a heart for people to grow.
Success be determined by your ambition and willingness to work.
Come with curiosity, be willing to learn, and willing to work. The more you do these 3, the more you’ll get out of this residency.
No shortage of opportunity to make relationships and invite people to choose Jesus
Expect to be put in leadership roles
This relationship will work best if you are eager to learn and remain teachable
The Resident House we have in New Lenox (about 15 minutes from our campus) is a great location, close to highways to get out of town or into one of the greatest cities in the world – Chicago! And its down the street from Hog Wild (amazing pork chops and ribs) and Ranch Frosty (legendary local ice cream shop).