We aim for our apprenticeships to combine the theological training of seminary and the practice of church internships into a comprehensive whole. Because we want to send leaders prepared for a lifetime of service we prioritize a slow and deliberate apprenticeship. You don’t learn to be a carpenter or chef in the classroom, but over time in the woodshop or kitchen under the watchful eye of an experienced mentor.

Our Bonhoeffer Haus Apprenticeships are built around a 3-year model that we hope will develop the character, competencies and comprehension of our apprentices over time and in a safe, high-feedback environment.

Anatomy of the Haus Apprenticeship 

Regionally and Local Church Based
The goal of our apprenticeship is to locate training among a regionally connected family of local churches. This will allow apprentices to be connected to various churches, be exposed to a broad range of teachers and mentors, as well as experience a sense of the interconnectedness of the Body of Christ on mission. You will be assigned to serve a ministry of a local church in a way that is practical and helpful. This could be, but not limited to, leading a small group, starting a new ministry, serving in student ministry, etc. The nature of your apprenticeship will be determined between you and your local church assignment.

Mentor and Cohort Assignments
Each apprentice will be assigned a mentor to guide them through the duration of their training. The mentor may be your pastor or a competent church leader and will be an advocate to provide counsel, friendship, and accountability as they guide you through your work and development. We will also connect you with a cohort of fellow apprentices to provide a place of friendship for processing your apprenticeship experience.

Cohort Huddles and Feast Nights
Each cohort will gather weekly for an hour of soul care and Bible study with their cohort director and other regional leaders. They will also come together for feast nights once every 6-8 weeks.

Seminary Courses (Theological Training) 
See course offerings for a list of what classes we offer through our Bonhoeffer Haus EQUIP centers.

Modular Training
Over the course of your apprenticeship, you will develop various competencies through a combination of your seminary courses, side-by-side time with your ministry mentor, and working through our modular training. These modules will help you build a body of work that will be beneficial to your growth and development as a church leader.

These modules will be structured in three main areas: head, heart, and hands. They are administered through a once/monthly 3 hour meeting with some members of the cohort lead team. Because they are not meant to replace but to complement your seminary training the pre and/or post work will not be as intense and will be centered on Scripture, fiction/poetry, and devotional/practical books.

Details

Local Church
The Bonhoeffer Haus partners with local churches to offer unique apprenticeship opportunities. Each Bonhoeffer Haus Apprentice will receive a job description, stipend for classes, and ministry mentor through their local church. Some churches will have paid positions available for apprentices, while others will be volunteer (or support-raised) positions.

Regional Cohort 
The Bonhoeffer Haus has 3 regional cohorts in Virginia–Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Richmond. Each cohort is made up of at least two partnering churches and one “class” of apprentices. While most of the ministry apprenticeship takes place in the local church, much of the theological training and life together happen within the broader regional cohort. 

National Sending Partners
Upon completion of our Haus Apprenticeship, we plan for our apprentices to move into a residency or to be sent into their church planting or revitalizing work supported by one or both of our Sending Partners. Our partners provide accountability and resourcing for church planters, revitalizers, and their teams. 

 Harbor Network
“For Pastors and Leaders, Harbor Network offers safety and support to launch, lead, and multiply thriving churches. Together, we’re committed to the renewal of all things through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that when healthy leaders partner together, they find the safety and support they need to launch, lead, and multiply thriving churches.”

SEND Network
“Send Network is a family of churches seeking to plant healthy, multiplying churches in every community across North America. We believe that healthy, multiplying churches discover, develop and deploy, church planting teams from within, and we believe every Send Network church is a multiplying church in the making.”