Weekly
Full-time church engagement (Sunday–Thursday)
“Don’t Miss Tuesdays” cohort and mentor meetings
Reading & writing assignments
Pastoral Residency
Raising Up the Next Generation of Pastors
The GCC Pastoral Residency is a 10-month, immersive program designed to prepare men for pastoral ministry in the local church through mentorship, ministry experience, and personal growth.
What To Expect
The GCC Pastoral Residency is designed to immerse you in the life and leadership of the local church. Over ten months, you'll gain firsthand ministry experience across multiple departments, receive weekly mentorship from seasoned pastors, and engage in thoughtful cohort discussions. With intentional rhythms of study, service, and reflection, this residency equips you to lead, love, and shepherd God's people with wisdom, humility, and Gospel-centered clarity. Whether you're discerning your call or preparing for pastoral leadership, you'll be challenged and encouraged every step of the way.
Hands-on Ministry
Rotate through every GCC ministry including children, youth, worship, tech, and more.
Weekly Mentorship
One-on-one mentoring with our Associate Pastor and leadership team every Tuesday.
Cohort learning
Grow alongside the other residents through discussions, reflection, and prayer.
Housing & Stipend
Free housing and a $2,000/month stipend are provided for the duration of the residency.
Credential Path
Option to pursue EC credentialing through the Pastoral Assessment Center.
Weekly And Monthly Rhythm
Who should Apply?
This program is designed for men who are discerning a call to pastoral ministry and are committed to serving the local church. Applicants should:
- Affirm GCC’s Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct
- Hold or be completing an undergraduate degree
- Be willing to relocate to Lancaster, PA
- Embrace team-based ministry and spiritual growth
FAQs
Have questions about the residency? We’ve gathered some of the most common ones to help you understand what life in the program looks like and whether it’s the right next step for you. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to connect!
Can I be married and do the residency?
Yes. Housing is available for singles and some married residents. Family housing is limited.Is this program full-time?
Yes. Residents should not plan to work another job during the program.Is the residency open to women?
The Pastoral Residency is designed for men pursuing pastoral ministry. However, internships are open to men and women.Is there a path to ordination?
Yes. Participants can pursue EC credentialing through the Pastoral Assessment Center (PAC).
Pastoral Preview weekend
Join us for an immersive 3-day weekend to experience GCC, meet the team, and explore your calling.
2026
November 12–14
2027
February 25–27
&
November 11–13
Ready to take the next step?
Apply today or contact our team to learn more about whether the GCC Pastoral Residency is the right fit for you.
Our Pastoral Residents
Brendan Young
Pastoral Resident
about Brendan
Brendan serves as one of our Pastoral Residents here at GCC. After feeling a call to ministry several years ago, Brendan chose to pursue the Pastoral Residency Program to follow where he believes the Lord is leading him and make an impact for the sake of the Gospel. He values the opportunity to serve alongside experienced leaders, learn from them, and grow in ministry. Brendan looks forward to building relationships and getting to know more people at GCC and throughout the community.
In his free time, Brendan enjoys all things baseball, reading nonfiction, listening to history podcasts, and spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their bulldog, Betsy. He’s also on a mission to visit every Major League Baseball stadium and has made it to 14 of 30 so far!
JonaH Barwinski
PASTORAL RESIDENT
about Jonah
Jonah serves as one of our Pastoral Residents here at GCC. Jonah chose the residency program because he feels it offers the opportunity to grow in his relationship with Christ and the church as he gets an idea of what practical ministry looks like in different departments of a church. He appreciates that he is able to work with like minded believers who hope to see the Gospel and love of Jesus be known everywhere whether that is through the means of GCC or elsewhere. Jonah appreciates getting to see how the church works to be intentional and loving to the community.
Jonah has his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies with minors in Biblical Hebrew and Intercultural Studies from Lancaster Bible College. One fun fact about Jonah is that he can read Biblical Hebrew! Jonah enjoys occasionally playing some video games and hanging out with his friends and family.
Ernie Perez
PASTORAL RESIDENT
about Ernie
Ernie serves as one of our Pastoral Residents here at GCC. Over the years, God has continued to grow Ernie’s desire to serve and care for others. He chose the Pastoral Residency Program for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of pastoral ministry while learning from and serving alongside experienced pastors and leaders. Through the residency, Ernie looks forward to growing in his faith, developing as a leader, gaining hands-on ministry experience, and continuing to seek God’s direction for where He is calling him next.
Ernie values the opportunity to serve others and build meaningful relationships within the church and community. He enjoys encouraging those around him, stepping in wherever he is needed, and being part of what God is doing through GCC. Outside of work, Ernie enjoys camping, spending time outdoors, woodworking and other hands-on projects, traveling, and spending time with his family.