ENJOY SCHOOL OF MINISTRY

APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 OPEN NOVEMBER 1ST

The Enjoy School of Ministry is a  leadership program built around three core areas: Theology, Leadership, and Character. ESM is for those who are ready to grow in leadership, deepen their understanding of Scripture and theology, grow their character, and engage in practical ministry experience.

Scroll down to learn more.

SCHEDULE & COMMITMENTS

Semester 1 runs from January 26 through May 4, with Semester 2 following August 24 through December 7, 2027.

Weekly & Monthly Commitments:
  • Tuesdays 6-8pm: Group cohort meeting for spiritual formation and leadership training  
  • Monthly One-on-Ones: One personal leadership development session with a pastor
  • Weekly Homework (~3-5 hours/week):  Students will engage in weekly homework that may include books, podcasts, YouTube videos, writing assignments, or other projects focused on the areas of theology, leadership, and character.
Practical Ministry Requirements:
  • Faithfully serve on one of our ministry teams
  • Be an active member of a house church and attend all gatherings
  • Attend all Sunday services during each semester. 
    • Of course there will be weeks you genuinely can’t make it to Sunday service or house church, but the default rhythm should be showing up.
Summer Break (May 5-August 23):
  • Required weekly summer homework (3-5 hours/week) to prepare for Semester 2

Q & A

What will I learn in ESM?
A lot. But the core areas you'll grow in are Theology, Leadership, and Character (TLC):
THEOLOGY
ESM will help you:
Read and interpret the Bible responsibly
Understand the overarching story of Scripture more fully
Explore key doctrines
Study the purpose and mission of the church
See how theology shapes everyday life
Engage culture and mission through a biblical lens
LEADERSHIP
You’ll learn:
Foundations of healthy, biblical leadership
How to lead house churches and teams
Communication and teaching skills
How to mentor and disciple others
Navigating conflict and difficult conversations
Understanding your strengths and areas for growth
How to plan, organize, and execute ministry with excellence
CHARACTER
The most important part of ministry is who you’re becoming.
Formation areas include:
Spiritual disciplines and rhythms of life
Integrity, humility, and emotional maturity
Sustainable ministry habits
Self-awareness and self-leadership
Discerning calling and living with purpose
What do the weekly cohort sessions look like?
Tuesdays 6-8pm are where all three core areas of TLC come together. A typical session will include:
- Q&A and processing as a group
- Teaching around the week’s theology or leadership theme
- Time for reflection
Are both semesters required?
Yes. ESM is designed for two semesters (January-May and August-December). The full year allows you to get the most out of the program!
Is this only for people who feel called to vocational ministry?
You don’t need to feel called to full-time vocational ministry as a job, but you do need to feel called to ministry in the local church. This could look a lot of different ways: house church leadership, kid's ministry, worship, eldership, and more. ESM is designed specifically for those who see themselves doing ministry in a local church context.
What are some signs ESM is great fit for me?
You’re eager to grow and you welcome being stretched.
You want to deepen your understanding of Scripture, sharpen your theology, and develop as a disciple of Jesus. You’re open to being challenged and letting Scripture shape your beliefs.
You’re genuinely teachable and willing to learn.
You’re okay with being wrong sometimes. You value feedback. You want to learn from pastors, leaders, resources, and peers. If your theology or church traditions are stretched, you’re willing to engage that process humbly.
You sense a calling to ministry in some form.
This doesn’t have to mean full-time church employment. Whether it's missions, teaching, preaching, worship, youth, discipleship, church planting, evangelism, or something else God has been stirring in you.
You value community and honest conversations.
You want to walk with others who are also hungry for spiritual formation and discipleship.
You’re committed and reliable.
You show up and you keep your word. You understand that formation happens through consistency. You’re willing to give your best to both the required gatherings and the optional (but deeply rewarding) half-day blocks.
You’re ready for both skill development and character formation.
You want to grow in competence (teaching, leading, discipling), but you also care about integrity, humility, emotional health.
What are some signs ESM might not be the best fit right now?
You want something casual or low-commitment.
ESM is intentional, relational, and hands-on. If you’re looking for something more drop-in style, this won’t match what you’re hoping for. The weekly meetings, one-on-one coaching, serving on a team, being part of a house church, and completing assignments are all core to the experience. If your schedule or season of life doesn’t allow for that level of consistency, you may feel pulled in too many directions.
You’re not ready to be teachable or humble in your learning.
Throughout the program, your theology and your assumptions about leadership will be challenged in healthy and biblical ways. If you’re not open to examining your beliefs, receiving feedback, or being shaped by Scripture and community, ESM will feel uncomfortable.
You don’t see yourself doing any form of ministry in the future.
ESM is for those who sense some kind of ministry calling, whether that’s missions, worship, teaching, pastoral ministry, house church leadership, youth ministry, evangelism, discipleship, church planting, eldership, or another ministry expression. If you don’t feel drawn toward ministry in any capacity, this program likely won’t align with your passions or goals.

How much does ESM cost?
$0. We believe leaders are worth investing in, so the Enjoy School of Ministry is completely free to participate in. The only cost to students is purchasing a few required books throughout the year. We'll provide a full list in advance so you can plan ahead.
If I apply, does that automatically mean I'll be accepted?
Not automatically. Applying is just the first step. We'll review applications and do interviews to make sure the program is a good fit for you. We want to make sure students can fully engage and contribute, so acceptance is based on your fit for the program, your willingness to learn, and some sense of calling to a form of ministry. We're looking for FAT students (Faithful, Available, Teachable)! :)
Have a question we didn't answer? Email summer@enjoychurchgj.com.