The First Castroville Residency Program is a 24-month program designed to equip and prepare young adults who have recently completed their schooling and are ready to be trained in ministry. If you are ready to step into your calling, passionately pursue Jesus, and be inspired and challenged by other leaders, then the First Castroville Residency is for you.
You feel called to ministry—but where do you start? You don’t want to just learn about ministry; you want to experience it. You want mentorship, hands-on training, and spiritual growth that will equip you to lead with confidence.
At First Castroville, we understand that stepping into ministry can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the First Castroville Residency Program—a two-year immersive experience designed to develop your leadership, deepen your faith, and prepare you for full-time ministry.
You’ll be fully immersed in the life of the church, gaining practical experience while receiving training and mentorship that prepares you for the future.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN.
The Residency is a two-year, immersive ministry leadership experience. It equips emerging leaders with hands-on church ministry, mentorship, theological training, and spiritual formation to prepare them for long-term service in the local church and beyond.
Churches need well-formed leaders who are not only theologically sound but also relationally wise and practically prepared. The Residency helps raise up these kinds of leaders—who will plant churches, disciple others, and serve faithfully in ministry for years to come.
Residents raise support from friends, family, and ministry partners to cover their living expenses while they serve full-time. This allows them to focus fully on ministry, growth, and training, without needing a second job.
Yes, the church and other generous donors cover the cost of curriculum, resources, coaching, and much of the infrastructure. In addition, members of the church often provide meals, housing, mentorship, and spiritual care—making this a true community-supported initiative.
Gifts made to support a resident go directly toward their living and program-related expenses—things like rent, transportation, meals, and ministry supplies. 100% of your donation supports the resident’s ability to participate in full-time ministry.
Absolutely. Gifts to the general Residency Fund help sustain the program for future participants by covering shared training costs, guest speakers, retreat expenses, and long-term development initiatives. You’re investing in leaders who may one day serve your church or community.
While seminary focuses on academic training, the Residency blends theology with day-to-day church leadership experience. Residents don’t just study ministry—they live it. That’s what makes this program so effective in forming resilient, humble, Spirit-led leaders.
Participants are college graduates who feel called to ministry. They are teachable, hungry to grow, and passionate about serving the church. We walk alongside them as they discern their long-term calling and develop the character to sustain it.
Your support multiplies. You’re not just helping one leader—you’re equipping someone who will disciple others, build teams, strengthen churches, and change lives for years to come.
You can support a resident financially, become a prayer partner, offer housing or meals, or give to the general Residency Fund. Most importantly, you can become part of someone’s ministry story—by believing in them before the world sees what God will do through them.