The Shades Institute bei SHADES MOUNTAIN BAPTIST CHURCH

The Shades Institute

At Shades, we believe that the future of the church depends on raising up the next generation of faithful leaders who will serve, shepherd, and advance the gospel. That is why we created the Shades Institute — an intentional, hands-on learning community designed to equip you not only with biblical knowledge but also with practical ministry experience. Through guided mentorship, theological training, and immersive opportunities to serve, the Shades Institute exists to prepare you to leverage your life for the sake of the gospel- wherever God takes you! 

Apply by April 1, 2026

Which program is right for you? 

Shades Residency
The Shades Residency is a 12-month program with the possibility of a one year extension designed to equip next generation leaders for lifelong faithful service in the church. It is designed for those young adults who have a clear call to ministry, recently graduated college and are ready to be trained for ministry. If you are ready to take the next step in leveraging your life for the sake for the gospel, the Shades Residency is designed for you! 

Summer Internship
The Shades Summer Internship is a 9-week program for those young adults 18-21 who have at least completed their first year of college. This program is designed for those who have a clear call to vocational ministry or who are still discerning that call. It will provide theological training, hands on ministry experience that will help you gain a deeper understanding of ministry in the local church context. 

Urban Ministry Fellowship 
The Urban Ministry Fellowship is a 12-month program with the possibility of a one-year extension designed to equip and develop leaders who can serve and sustain gospel ministry in urban contexts. This program is designed for those who have a clear call to ministry in an urban context and have completed at least a high school diploma. 

Developing Next-In-Line Leaders for Future Vocational Ministry

How We Commit to Invest

• 1:1 Ministry Coach Development
• Discipleship Meetings
• Hands on experience and ministry opportunities
• Practical and helpful weekly trainings
• Potential seminary credit for applicable courses: Seminary Credit available through Southeastern Theological Seminary, Equip Network. 
• Residency Cohort Friendships

Available Ministry Tracks 

• Care Ministry
• Church Planting
• College Ministry
• Communications
• Guest Experience
• Kids Ministry
• Missions
• Missions IMB Journeyman Preparation
• Preschool Ministry
• Special Needs Ministry
• Student Ministry
• Urban Ministry
• Worship Ministry

FAQs

Who are we looking for?

• Sense a strong call to vocational ministry
• Teachable and seeking to grow in areas such as self-awareness and leading others
• Willing to serve with high availability, flexibility, and in unexpected changes
• Seeking for ways to grow throughout residency while serving alongside staff
• Willing to invest in the community and mission of Shades
• Graduated college student and enrolled in seminary

What are the responsibilities and commitments?

• 28 hrs./week
• Regularly attend and invest in coaching relationship with ministry coach
• Attend all training sessions and discipleship meetings
• Additionally, each resident has a specific "Personal Development Plan" (PDP) to guide their residency experience and will complete a ministry project and present it at the end of each semester.

What if I am still deciding between being a marketplace leader and a vocational ministry? Can I still apply?
Yes. We would love to talk to you as you discern your calling and to see whether our residency is your best next step.

Do I have to be enrolled in seminary to be a resident?
You do not have to be in seminary to be a resident. However, we require you to complete basic theological training through one of our approved seminary partners.

Is this a paid residency?
Shades leadership residency is paid.

Can I have another job and do the residency?
Residents can work another job and participate in the program. However, Shades' residency takes priority over outside employment, and residents must ensure that no scheduling conflicts interfere with Shades' work.

I have a different ministry interest; can I still apply?
Of course! We are happy to work with you where we can provide helpful experience here at Shades.

SHADES MISSION
Leveraging who we are and what we have been given for the sake of the gospel wherever we are and wherever God takes us.
Please click here to learn more about us.

SHADES TEAM VALUES

• We lift high the name of Jesus
• We serve with joy
• We take new ground
• We grow together
• We stand shield to shield

WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe the doctrines found in The Baptist Faith & Message.  Please click here to read The Baptist Faith & Message in its entirety.