Our student pastor program is driven by a zeal to help train and equip the next generation of leaders in Christ’s church (2 Timothy 2:2). As students pursue their formal theological training in a seminary, we seek to bolster that education through personal discipleship and practical ministry opportunities.

This program is not used to staff church programs. Rather, it is designed to expose young men to every aspect of local church ministry, while investing time and resources in their theological and personal development. The Lord will not lead every student pastor into vocational ministry, but we strive to equip each student for lifelong, faithful service to the church of Jesus Christ.

Expectations and Requirements

Growing Church Member

  • Fully participate in EBC’s life and ministry 
  • Seek opportunities both to be discipled and to disciple others
  • Intentionally meet several different members or member families each year
  • Receive approval of the elders to enter the program

Growing Man and Leader

  • Attend elders meetings (during year 2 and either year 3 or 4)
  • Attend any other meeting upon request (new member interviews, shepherding visits, deacons’ meetings, etc.)
  • Attend Shepherding Seminars and Leadership Development gatherings
  • Attend monthly Student Pastor meetings (includes service reviews, personal life updates, discussion of ministry related topics, etc.)
  • Attend conferences with elders and staff as able
  • Write a 3–5 page self-assessment paper bi-annually and discuss it with the elders
  • Give a bi-annual testimony to the church
  • Fulfill assigned reading assignments (normally given during seminary breaks)
  • Participate in the Deacon-in-Training program for one year

Ministry Opportunities

At some point during the program, we aim to have each student participate in the following leadership opportunities. While the frequency, timing, and availability of these opportunities will vary, our goal is for student pastors to grow through experience and the constructive evaluation and encouragement of the elders.

  • Plan, organize, and lead a ministry activity (teen or young adult)
  • Work with deacons or elders to assist with the oversight of a particular ministry
  • Lead several Wednesday evening prayer meetings
  • Officiate several times at the the Lord’s Supper
  • Lead a home group meeting
  • Lead several calls to worship, Scripture readings, and pastoral prayers on a Sunday morning
  • Plan a Sunday morning service and lead it
  • Teach a Sunday morning Bible Class (youth or adult)
  • Preach several sermons at a Sunday evening service

Scholarship

Our current scholarship policy includes up to a total of $19,000 over the course of four years.