Pastoral Residency
Looking across the span of many decades in the life of Hespeler Baptist Church reveals that the church has long had a willingness to invest in younger men heading towards pastoral ministry. This legacy continues to the present day, as our present Lead Pastor, Sean Sheeran, and one of our associate Pastors, Caleb Hall can attest to. Both of these men began their vocational ministry as pastoral interns at HBC.
As such, along with the entire congregation, our desire is to see this legacy continue for as long as the Lord would allow, in obedience to Paul’s instructions in 2 Timothy 2:2: what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Paul had a multi-generation view of pastoral discipleship, which involved himself, Timothy, those Timothy would teach, and those who would teach others what Timothy taught them. We want to have the same long view until Christ comes.
Along with this DNA of Hespeler, we take seriously where God in His providence has placed us: in the backyard of Heritage College and Seminary. Our church building is literally a few minutes drive from the campus, meaning our pastors are often on campus, and faculty, staff, and students are often connected to our church. We love our relationship with Heritage, consider our geographical proximity a blessing, and because of this, want to ensure that our church provides as much opportunity for men and women to use their gifts and education in real-life ministry while studying and heading towards vocational ministry.
What does Residency at HBC look like?
Pastoral residency at HBC is designed and intended for men heading towards pastoral ministry, who have either completed or are working towards the completion of a seminary degree, and who are confident of God’s call to serve our Lord and His church in this way.
Over the course of two years, pastoral residents will experience the different seasons of life and ministry in a local church context. What does this look like?
Participating in Sunday services
Praying, reading Scripture, preaching, baptizing and leading Lords’ Supper
Pastoral Staff Meetings
Participating in weekly meetings where godly encouragement and sharpening is given and received.
Reading and reflecting on assigned books
One on one time with pastoral staff & attending elders’ meetings
Learning our local church’s people and culture
Teaching in various settings
(Adult classes, youth groups, small groups, etc)
Shadowing Pastors & Elders
Including visitations, counselling, and wedding/funeral planning with families where appropriate.
Exposure to an elder led congregation
How to prepare & present budgets, receive believers into membership, make decisions, etc.
Our goal is to provide an experience of ministry exposure and equipping where, from a guided pastoral experience, men can be deployed into their search for full-time pastoral positions. We hope and pray that our contribution to the great commission through our pastoral residencies would reflect these comments from a former pastor of our church:
“A place to grow, godly modelling of ministry, instruction and mentoring in it, a willingness to try new things, personal support: all of these are ways that young men can be shaped to become effective leaders. These are things that Hespeler Baptist Church did for me. May the next generation of leaders find Hespeler Baptist Church to be the supportive congregation that it was for me so that new generations will rise up to call you blessed.” - Byron Wheaton (Assistant/intern pastor from 1978-1981; Lead Pastor from 1981-1989).
How to Apply:
If you are interested in participating in a pastoral residency, we accept applications from September to March each year. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada at time of application. Please fill out the form below to get started.