THE
RESIDENCY
2027-28 Application Coming December 2026
Are you a college graduate looking for more ministry experience, a master’s degree, and leadership training in a ministry context of your choice? Consider applying for The Residency at Hidden Acres!
WHAT IS
THE RESIDENCY?
The Residency at Hidden Acres is a one-year integrated master’s degree program designed to educate, equip, and empower the next generation of servant leaders for a lifetime of Christian ministry.
EDUCATE FOR A LIFETIME OF MINISTRY
Residents earn a Master of Arts degree in either Christian Leadership (Anchor Christian University) or Organizational Leadership (Southwest Baptist University). Residents are scheduled for 10 hours per week to work on their coursework.
Academic enrollment is made possible through our partnership with Eleven:6, an organization that designs and launches custom university-grade leadership and discipleship training programs with a growing network of churches, Christian camps, mission agencies, and other faith-driven organizations.
EQUIP TO LEAD
Residents work approximately 20 hours per week in a personalized ministry setting - either at Hidden Acres or in a local Evangelical Free church.
Residents are equipped to lead in a setting that fits their gifts, passions, and future career goals. Placements may include youth, children’s, pastoral, worship, or camp ministry. Email Matt for current placement options.
Interested in Becoming a Placement Option for Residents? Complete this form.
EMPOWER TO SERVE
Residents spend approximately 15 hours per week serving at Hidden Acres. This includes both weekday and weekend responsibilities, serving in every area of camp, including kitchen, programming, office, hospitality, maintenance, and grounds.
DETAILS
Dates: The program runs from August through August each year. Residents complete their coursework and ministry placement during the school year and then serve in a leadership position on summer staff at Hidden Acres.
Finances: A primary goal of The Residency is to launch residents who are not only equipped for ministry but also debt free. Residents will receive room and board, a work stipend of $800 a month, and a ministry scholarship of $500 a month. This will cover the program cost and tuition from Anchor Christian; it will come close to covering the program cost and tuition from Southwest Baptist University.
APPLY
Applicants need to complete an application, four references, and interview for The Residency. They also need to apply to one of the two partner universities.
See “Application Process” for more information.
Email Matt Candlish with any questions about The Residency.
