What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pastoral Resident position at Ada Bible Church?
Ada Bible Church is seeking a Campus Resident to join the Bella Vista Campus team for the 2026–2027 ministry season. This residency is designed to provide hands-on ministry experience, leadership development, and practical training in hospitality ministry, volunteer leadership, and campus operations.
As a Campus Resident, you will work closely with the hospitality team to prepare for weekend services, lead volunteers, support ministry initiatives, and engage with staff and weekend attenders. Residents will also participate in structured leadership development experiences alongside other ministry residents at Ada Bible Church.
Position Type: Part-time, temporary residency position
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Residency Term: August 2026 – May 2027
Extension Opportunity: Potential second ministry season (August 2027 – May 2028)
Required Availability
Weekends
- Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings
(Residents will not necessarily serve at these times every weekend; however, key leadership environments may occur during these times.)
Weekdays
- Primary in-office days: Tuesday and Thursday
Leadership Development
- Beginning in September through the first week of May, residents will participate in weekly leadership development sessions:
- Tuesdays | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
- Residency Leadership Development Program with other ministry residents
Holiday Ministry Participation
This resident is expected to serve during major ministry events and holiday environments, including:
- Weekend holidays
- Christmas season (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
- Good Friday
- Easter
Key Responsibilities
Hospitality Leadership
- Serve as Hospitality Lead for Bella Vista weekend services
- Lead and support hospitality team leads and volunteers
- Help cultivate a warm, welcoming environment for attenders and guests
- Communicate regularly with hospitality volunteers and teams
Ministry Operations & Service Preparation
- Prepare facilities and supplies for weekend services
- Assist with administrative and hospitality-related responsibilities
- Support service execution and campus events
- Participate in planning and implementation of hospitality initiatives
Volunteer Development
- Support the recruitment, care, development, and training of volunteers and volunteer leaders
- Invest relationally in volunteers and help build healthy team culture
- Assist in volunteer leadership development efforts
Campus Collaboration
- Meet regularly with the Campus Director, hospitality team, and campus staff
- Contribute creative ideas and insights related to hospitality and guest experience
- Participate in all-campus initiatives including Easter, Christmas, and major church events
Desired Qualifications & Characteristics
- Committed follower of Christ living a life aligned with biblical values
- Demonstrates humility, teachability, and openness to feedback
- Passionate about investing in people and building community
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Relationally oriented and team-minded
- Demonstrates initiative, self-awareness, and personal responsibility
- Able to think critically and troubleshoot challenges effectively
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience leading teams or volunteers preferred
- Reliable transportation required
- Available Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and holidays
- Eager to grow in leadership capacity, ministry skills, and practical experience
- Interested in vocational ministry and long-term ministry development
Leadership Development Components
Residents will participate in intentional ministry and leadership formation opportunities, including:
- Regular meetings with the Campus Director for coaching, feedback, and ministry development
- Participation in the Residency Leadership Development Program
Residency Outcome
The Campus Residency is designed to equip emerging ministry leaders through meaningful ministry experience, intentional mentoring, leadership formation, and practical service within the life of the local church.
Residents should expect to grow spiritually, relationally, and professionally while gaining real-world ministry experience.
Ready to apply?
If this all sounds good to you and you would like to join us, we want to learn more about you!
To apply, click the “Apply” button at the bottom of this page. Be sure to submit your cover letter and resume along with your employment application.
About Ada Bible Church
Ada Bible Church is a thriving and growing multi-site church serving greater Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each weekend, more than 8,000 people worship with us at our five campus and one satellite locations throughout the community. To learn more about us or to view a weekend service, visit our website at: www.adabible.org.