Residency Labs >
Ministry Discernment Lab
Find your role
in the Kingdom.
Our collaborative, 9-month training focuses on aspects of spiritual life,
personal leadership, and gifting, all through the lens of mission and calling.
Can you relate?
This Lab Is For You If…
You’re trying to figure out your role in God’s mission and how your gifts fit into His work. You’ve gained knowledge, but you're seeking practical ways to apply it in real ministry settings. You want to grow, but finding training that fits into your already full life is a challenge.
Many leaders feel uncertain about their calling and how to effectively serve in ministry.
What if ministry
didn’t feel overwhelming …
… but instead felt purposeful, life-giving, and deeply fulfilling? Imagine walking into any church or ministry setting equipped with real-world experience, strong leadership skills, and a deep spiritual foundation to guide you. No more second-guessing—just boldness, wisdom, and a supportive community to walk alongside you. After completing this course, you won’t just hope you’re ready for ministry—you’ll know you are.
Overview
Step Boldly
into Your Calling
When you complete this residency, you won’t just gain knowledge—you’ll be fully equipped for real ministry. With guidance and hands-on experience, you’ll have the confidence and tools to take your next step in faith and leadership.
01
Prep Work & Assignments
Engage in 3-4 hours per week of guided learning, including readings, videos, coaching, and put the learning into practice with real-world ministry experiences and written reflections.
02
Lab Weeks
Attend 2-3 day Lab Weeks per class, featuring discussions, prayer, hands-on exercises, and expert-led training—all with lodging and meals covered.
03
Personal Development
Work with your host church leaders for 3-4 hours per week of coaching and development, contextualized to your specific giftings and needs.
What is a Lab Week?
Each class includes a 2-3 day gathering where you engage in discussions, prayer, hands-on exercises, and training from experienced leaders. Lodging, food, and costs are fully covered.
DAY 1
9:30am
You arrive for intentional coffee & catch-up. Then you spend time in scripture & prayer together, before discussing your prep work.
Noon
Lunch included.
Afternoon
A regional or national expert in that class’s topics leads an afternoon training, which includes Q&A and exercises.
4pm
Then we leave for dinner, a little fun, & hanging out together.
DAY 2
9:30am
Today begins with a resident’s sermon & peer feedback, then a morning of experiential learning.
Noon
Lunch included.
Afternoon
The afternoon involves more discussion, training, & exercises.
4pm
Then you’re sent out with prayer and assignments.
Day 2 begins with a resident’s sermon & peer feedback, then a morning of experiential learning & lunch.
Included Things
Get a taste of the topics covered.
This yearlong training journey equips you for gospel-centered ministry and mission through four core classes focused on foundations, leadership, relationships, and contextual engagement. Along the way, hands-on Lab Weeks and a personalized wrap-up help you apply your learning to your unique calling.
- Ministry Foundations
- Ministry Leadership
- Ministry Relationships
- Ministry on Mission
Pricing
Participants are also asked to invest in monthly mentoring of someone a few steps behind you in their process, such as a current resident or someone earlier in planting: simply answer questions, share your experience, pray, etc.
Additional Costs
Travel costs to Lab Weeks (covered by residents/churches. Local church internship expenses (covered by residents/churches). Assessment costs (varies per sending organization)
Support
As part of the training, we encourage students to raise 100% of tuition and costs, and scholarships may be available
Resident stipends/salaries vary per sending church, and are worked out between a resident and church. We are happy to discuss funding and support options.
Pay-What-You-Can
We adopt a "pay-what-you-can" approach to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to our gospel-infused training and resources. This policy is rooted in our commitment to accessibility over exclusivity, following the Apostle Paul's example of raising financial support to remove barriers to gospel work.
Church Planting Lab
$4,050
One-time payment or split the total into three separate payments
That Includes
✓ Online and print materials
✓ Administrative and coaching costs
✓ Lab expenses (food, trainers, activities, etc.)
Still have questions?
Here are some answers.
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We usually have 4-7 lab participants.
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Yes, each class within the Ministry Discernment Lab has designated timeframes and a specific Lab Week for practical application. These Lab Weeks are integral to the program's structure, providing opportunities for hands-on experience and reflection. Adhering to the schedule ensures participants gain the full benefit of the training.
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The Ministry Discernment Lab is not general leader training; it’s for group leaders, lay leaders, and ministry staff who feel compelled toward a further vocation in gospel-centered, Spirit-led, missional ministry. Your “raw materials” must be affirmed by your wife and by ministry leaders; you want help discerning your calling and fit on a ministry team. The process is designed for the “working man/woman,” to fit within ~6-8 hrs/wk, plus Lab Weeks.
Applicants should be at least 22 years-old, with confirmed leadership experience, who is looking to lead/serve within a ministry organization the future.
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Item descriptionWe are working on academic credit through Western Seminary (Portland, OR), which would transfer variably by institution. We are also coordinating with Grimké Seminary (Richmond, VA) on receiving course credit for your Lab work. Email hi@equippinggroup.com for more info. Academic credit incurs institutional charges.
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The collaborative and experiential nature of the lab, along with the involvement of trainers and peers, ensures that feedback is provided by both facilitators and fellow participants during discussions and Lab Weeks.
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The Ministry Discernment Lab costs $4050 ($450/mo, Sept - May). Tuition covers online and print materials, administrative and coaching costs, and all Lab expenses (incl. food, trainers, trainers, activities, etc.). Residents/churches cover travel costs to Lab Weeks, and any expenses for your local church internship. As part of the training, we encourage you to raise 100% of tuition and costs, and scholarships may be available