Residency & Practicum
We believe in leadership development at Park Uptown and we want to invest in the next generation of leaders and develop disciples of Jesus. Starting in the Fall of 2026 we will be hiring a part-time resident as well as starting a ministry practicum for those who want to grow as followers of Jesus or as ministry leaders.
PARK RESIDENCY
The Park Residency at Park Uptown is a one year paid ministry role (20 hours a week) in Uptown.
Residency Vision & Purpose:
Vision: To equip emerging ministry leaders for pastoral ministry through a comprehensive
residency that combines theological training, practical pastoral experience, and
mission-focused leadership development.
Purpose: The purpose of the Park Pastoral Residency is to immerse emerging leaders in
real ministry, preparing them for urban vocational pastoral leadership. Inevitably, this
program will strengthen Park’s leadership pipeline across its family of churches while
supporting our commitment to serve the city of Chicago and beyond. The residency also
serves as a clear pathway for developing future Park pastors and church planters by
combining deep local church experience with collaborative, Park-wide formation.
Resident Application & Qualifications:
Currently, we are hiring one resident at Park Uptown with the intention to start in September 2026. All prospective residents must complete a formal
application process to be considered for the program. This ensures that the residency
remains focused on developing individuals who are already discerning and committed to
pastoral ministry.
Qualified candidates must:
● Be currently enrolled in or have completed an approved ministry-based
undergraduate degree or seminary-level theological education (preference will be
given to graduate students over undergraduate)
● Demonstrate a clear sense of calling toward pastoral ministry
● Align with Park Community Church’s doctrinal statement and theological
commitments
● Be 21+ years of age
● Pastoral reference letter
This process is designed to ensure that residents enter the program with the necessary
theological foundation, vocational clarity, and maturity, allowing the residency to focus on
pastoral formation rather than initial discernment into pastoral ministry.
To learn more and fill out an application go here
THE PARK PRACTICUM
An urban church training practicum for those (men or women) who want to learn and practice the way of Jesus in an urban and local church setting. This can also be a PCM for those who are Moody Students.
CALENDAR YEAR: Fall 2026-Spring 2027 (with breaks built in for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring break)
LOCATION: Park Uptown: 935 W Wilson at the 3rd floor office
RHTYHMS:
* Six Sundays for training with local pastors over lunch on specific topics related to urban ministry (Six Sunday's 12-2pm)
* Six Sundays for mentorship with a local pastor/leader (Six Sunday's 12-2pm)
* Weekly involvement with a local church ministry (with some off weeks built in)
Time Commitment: around 3 hours a week
To learn more email Sam at Ssmith@parkcommunitychurch.org or Jason at Jlalonde@parkcommunitychurch.org
PARK RESIDENCY
The Park Residency at Park Uptown is a one year paid ministry role (20 hours a week) in Uptown.
Residency Vision & Purpose:
Vision: To equip emerging ministry leaders for pastoral ministry through a comprehensive
residency that combines theological training, practical pastoral experience, and
mission-focused leadership development.
Purpose: The purpose of the Park Pastoral Residency is to immerse emerging leaders in
real ministry, preparing them for urban vocational pastoral leadership. Inevitably, this
program will strengthen Park’s leadership pipeline across its family of churches while
supporting our commitment to serve the city of Chicago and beyond. The residency also
serves as a clear pathway for developing future Park pastors and church planters by
combining deep local church experience with collaborative, Park-wide formation.
Resident Application & Qualifications:
Currently, we are hiring one resident at Park Uptown with the intention to start in September 2026. All prospective residents must complete a formal
application process to be considered for the program. This ensures that the residency
remains focused on developing individuals who are already discerning and committed to
pastoral ministry.
Qualified candidates must:
● Be currently enrolled in or have completed an approved ministry-based
undergraduate degree or seminary-level theological education (preference will be
given to graduate students over undergraduate)
● Demonstrate a clear sense of calling toward pastoral ministry
● Align with Park Community Church’s doctrinal statement and theological
commitments
● Be 21+ years of age
● Pastoral reference letter
This process is designed to ensure that residents enter the program with the necessary
theological foundation, vocational clarity, and maturity, allowing the residency to focus on
pastoral formation rather than initial discernment into pastoral ministry.
To learn more and fill out an application go here
THE PARK PRACTICUM
An urban church training practicum for those (men or women) who want to learn and practice the way of Jesus in an urban and local church setting. This can also be a PCM for those who are Moody Students.
CALENDAR YEAR: Fall 2026-Spring 2027 (with breaks built in for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring break)
LOCATION: Park Uptown: 935 W Wilson at the 3rd floor office
RHTYHMS:
* Six Sundays for training with local pastors over lunch on specific topics related to urban ministry (Six Sunday's 12-2pm)
* Six Sundays for mentorship with a local pastor/leader (Six Sunday's 12-2pm)
* Weekly involvement with a local church ministry (with some off weeks built in)
Time Commitment: around 3 hours a week
To learn more email Sam at Ssmith@parkcommunitychurch.org or Jason at Jlalonde@parkcommunitychurch.org