Lockerman Leadership Institute

First Baptist Cleveland has a passion for developing leaders for the greater Church. 

Residency Program

The First Cleveland Residency is designed to equip the next generation of Church leaders through hands-on training, theological education and intentional discipleship. This program will provide young adults with valuable ministry experience in one of the most vibrant churches in the country.
Each area of ministry (Students, Children, College, Worship, Media) will have a given number of residents during each session (Fall, Spring, Summer). Residents will each be placed in a ministry area by LLI resident lead.  Once placed in ministry daily responsibility will be led by the ministry’s pastor.  

Start Dates

Spring: January 14, 2024 – May 5, 2024
Summer: May 12, 2024 – August 11, 2024
Fall: August 18, 2024 – December 8, 2024
Apply Now
LLI-Summer-Calendar.pdf

The Components

The Lockerman Leadership Institute Residency Program includes three components: 

Theological Framework

For the student who has gone through track one and is now able to get the whole LLI resident experience in a full-time capacity. Stipend and potential housing available. 

Ministry Experience

Each resident will be placed and work directly in a ministry department at the church, as well as working together on multiple church-wide events, to get a full exposure of pastoral ministry. 

Biblical Community

In addition to classroom and ministry experience, the residency will also feature both formal mentoring and groups, as well as informal events to explore the city of Cleveland. 
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

FAQ

What can I expect out of this Residency Program?

This residency will provide you with a chance to learn and apply ministry in the context of the local church. Each resident will work within a specific department, attend residency classes and experience Christian community. The advantage of this approach is that it requires students to apply what they learn in real time.

When is the Residency Program?

We have fall, spring, and summer programs. 

Are these paid positions?

Yes! Residents will receive a stipend of $225 per week to offset living expenses such as gas and food. 

I'm not from Cleveland, TN- where will I stay?

If you’re not from Cleveland, your department will place you at a host home for the semester. 

Which departments are hiring this summer?

  • Children’s Ministry
  • Communications/Media
  • Worship
  • First Students
  • First College

Who is eligible?

The residency program is open to young adults ages 20-25.

Can I have a second job?

Due to the nature of the residency program, we ask that applicants not work an additional job while in the program. The program requires many late hours and sometimes last minute requests that may conflict with your ability to work a second job. 

What if I still have questions?

Contact Michael Delbonis with any further questions about the program.