THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL BUT THE LABORERS ARE FEW

WILL YOU JOIN US IN LABORING IN CENTRAL PA?

SPRING TRAINING

CREATING A PIPELINE OF FUTURE PASTORS AND LEADERS

We believe God has called Sunbury City Church to be a spring training complex for central Pennsylvania.  Just like spring training in baseball is used to allow a lot of players to test their skills, receive feedback, and grow, we want to be a place where men who are discerning their call to ministry, can test their ministry skills, receive encouraging feedback, and grow into what God has for them in the future.  Our end goal is to see a gospel centered church in every school district in central Pennsylvania.  To accomplish this vision, we provide various kinds of training and support.

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SHORT TERM INTERNSHIP
Consisting of 8-12 weeks, we provide an opportunity for you to orient yourself and have a sneak peak into everyday ministry.  The internship will contain reading and practical application of ministry related tasks.
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PASTORAL FINISHING SCHOOL
Bible colleges and seminaries are great, but there is nothing like hands on training.  We provide opportunities for each future pastor to learn how to preach, lead, equip, disciple, evangelize, and minister in a local church.
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CHURCH PLANTING/REVITALIZING TRAINING
The book of Acts shows the main method of seeing the gospel spread is through church planting.  Through our 3-year training, we focus on leadership development, disciple-making, evangelism, and church structure.   
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
  • Focused training based upon 9 Marks books and resources
  • Investment from the staff and Pastors of Sunbury City Church
  • Opportunities to grow, learn, and even fail under the leadership of Sunbury City Church
  • Developed as an elder within the membership of Sunbury City Church (for those in the church planting / revitalizing track)
  • Ongoing coaching and care after candidate is placed in their future role post Sunbury City Church.
  • Connection with other pastors and church leaders from central Pennsylvania and the Southern Baptist Covention.
PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS

All potential candidates should be maturing into elder qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  We realize that maturity is a process and do not expect every candidate to already possess these qualities, but are growing towards this goal.  Additionally the ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:

  • A vibrant walk with Jesus Christ
  • Solid theological foundations in accordance with our statement of faith 
  • A strong commitment to the training program
  • A teachable spirit willing to learn and grow as a leader
  • A faith-filled man who is willing to go beyond what is comfortable
  • A self-starter who is determined to accomplish tasks despite difficulties
  • An ability to equip and train others in order to ensure healthy team environments
  • A willingness to do whatever is needed in order to accomplish the mission and vision

Church planters and potential Pastors will need to join the membership of Sunbury City Church. Pastoral Interns, who will not join the membership of Sunbury City Church, must be willing to submit to the membership and eldership of Sunbury City Church.  

COMMITMENT & COST

For our short term internship:

  • Interns will work 45-50 hours per week for 8-12 weeks determined based upon availability.
  • The work will consist of personal study and writing, development meetings with a trainer, and hands on ministry opportunities in the local church.
  • Interns are expected to raise their own financial support so they can be fully devoted to the program, unless otherwise agreed upon by the eldership of the church.

For our finishing or church planting programs:

  • Trainees will be required to work 50-60 hours per week for 3 years.
  • The work will consist of a series of online training modules, reports, book reading and reviews, development meetings with a trainer, and hands on ministry experience in a local church.
  • Church planters, once approved, will be given the ability to begin to gather and form a core group while finishing the training program.  
  • Trainees are expected to raise financial support so they can focus fully on the training program.

If you would like to know more about our training program, fill out our contact form and we will get in touch as soon as we can.