RESIDENCY LABS » MINISTRY DISCERNMENT LABThe Ministry
Discernment Lab
Find your role in the Kingdom
Our collaborative, experiential 9-month training (September to May) focuses on aspects of spiritual life, personal leadership, and gifting, all through the lens of mission and calling.
This Course Is For You If…
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You are trying to figure out your role in God’s mission and how your gifts fit into ministry.
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You’ve learned a lot, but you’re looking for practical ways to apply it in real ministry settings.
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You want to grow in ministry, but it’s hard to fit training into your already full life.
Many leaders feel uncertain about their calling and how to effectively serve in ministry. You’re trying to figure out your role in God’s mission and how your gifts fit into His work. You’ve gained knowledge, but you're seeking practical ways to apply it in real ministry settings. You want to grow, but finding training that fits into your already full life is a challenge.
But… what could happen if things were different?
What if ministry didn’t feel overwhelming, but instead felt purposeful, life-giving, and deeply fulfilling? Imagine walking into any church or ministry setting equipped with real-world experience, strong leadership skills, and a deep spiritual foundation to guide you. No more second-guessing—just boldness, wisdom, and a supportive community to walk alongside you. After completing this course, you won’t just hope you’re ready for ministry—you’ll know you are.
Step Boldly
into Your Calling
Take the next step with confidence.
When you complete this residency, you won’t just gain knowledge—you’ll be fully equipped for real ministry. With guidance and hands-on experience, you’ll have the confidence and tools to take your next step in faith and leadership.
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Spiritual Growth and Formation
• Deepened personal faith through prayer and reflection.
• Opportunities for spiritual renewal and discernment
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Ministry Training & Hands-On Experience
• A local church residency (3-4 hours/week of practical ministry)
• Exposure to different areas of church leadership (preaching, discipleship, pastoral care, etc.)
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Lifelong Resources
• Strengthened leadership and communication skills
• A ministry action plan outlining next steps for service
• Lifelong connections with mentors, trainers, and peers
• Greater confidence, spiritual depth, and readiness for ministry
The Ministry
Discernment Lab
6 monthly
payments of $450* USD
*$4,050
Total
That Includes
✓ Online and print materials
✓ Administrative and coaching costs
✓ Lab expenses (food, trainers, activities, etc.)
Additional Costs
-Travel costs to Lab Weeks (covered by residents/churches)
- Local church internship expenses (covered by residents/churches)
- Assessment costs (varies per sending organization)
Notes:
As part of the training, we encourage students to raise 100% of tuition and costs, and scholarships may be available
Resident stipends/salaries vary per sending church, and are worked out between a resident and church. We are happy to discuss funding and support options. Contact Us.
“I initially joined the Discernment Residency for a few different reasons: I felt called to plant a church at some point in the future, but I wanted to make sure that my wife felt the same so that we could be “all in” together in this journey. We also knew that it would be extremely hard to do this alone, so being able to understand our strengths and weaknesses encouraged us to equip and develop our core team according to how the Lord designed each member. ”
CARL YOUNG
Pastor, Garden City Church
Hey, I’m Ben—your
coach for this lab.
Ben is a pastor, author, and equipper who serves disciples, ministry leaders, and church planters through The Equipping Group, Salt+Light Community, and Plant Fort Worth. He has contributed to numerous publications, led church planting efforts, taught at universities and seminaries, and, alongside his wife Jess, raises their three children while occasionally hosting foster kids.
Here’s what you’ll learn.
Class 1: Ministry Foundations
SEPT - NOV (Lab Week: During the week of Oct. 14) We get to know each other and lay the right foundations for any ministry/mission: no matter your role/vocation, all we do starts with gospel-centrality and kingdom-focus.
Class 2: Ministry Leadership
DEC - JAN (Lab Week: During the Week of Dec. 9) Each child of God is gifted to lead in unique ways; no one’s gifted in every way. We'll celebrate gifts and discuss needs.
Class 3: Ministry Relationships
FEB - MAR (Lab Week: During the Week of Feb. 10) We consider and navigate the vitality of relationships with God and self, and relationships in ministry and on mission.
Class 4: Ministry on Mission
APRIL - MID-MAY (Lab Week: During the Week of Apr. 7) Ministries vary depending on your mission field and people groups. We’ll discuss angles of engaging yours well.
Wrap Up
MID-MAY-MID JUNE
Personalized Next Steps.
The Process
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Training
Engage in 6-8 hours per week of guided learning, including readings, videos, coaching, and hands-on ministry practice.
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Practical Assignments
Participate in bi-monthly on-site Lab Weeks, where you apply what you've learned through real-world ministry experiences.
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Monthly Gatherings
Attend 2-3 day immersive sessions per class, featuring discussions, prayer, hands-on exercises, and expert-led training—all with lodging and meals covered.
What is a lab week?
Each class includes a 2-3 day gathering where you engage in discussions, prayer, hands-on exercises, and training from experienced leaders. Lodging, food, and costs are fully covered.
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DAY 1
9:30am
You arrive for intentional coffee & catch-up. Then you spend time in scripture & prayer together, before discussing your prep work.
Noon
Lunch included.
Afternoon
A regional or national expert in that class’s topics leads an afternoon training, which includes Q&A and exercises.
4pm
Then we leave for dinner, a little fun, & hanging out together. -
DAY 2
9:30am
Today begins with a resident’s sermon & peer feedback, then a morning of experiential learning.
Noon
Lunch included.
Afternoon
The afternoon involves more discussion, training, & exercises.
4pm
Then you’re sent out with prayer and assignments.Day 2 begins with a resident’s sermon & peer feedback, then a morning of experiential learning & lunch.
Schedule
Still have questions?
Here are some answers.
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The Ministry Discernment Lab is not general leader training; it’s for group leaders, lay leaders, and ministry staff who feel compelled toward a further vocation in gospel-centered, Spirit-led, missional ministry. Your “raw materials” must be affirmed by your wife and by ministry leaders; you want help discerning your calling and fit on a ministry team. The process is designed for the “working man/woman,” to fit within ~6-8 hrs/wk, plus Lab Weeks.
Applicants should be at least 22 years-old, with confirmed leadership experience, who is looking to lead/serve within a ministry organization the future.
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We are working on academic credit through Western Seminary (Portland, OR), which would transfer variably by institution. We are also coordinating with Grimké Seminary (Richmond, VA) on receiving course credit for your Lab work. Email hi@equippinggroup.com for more info. Academic credit incurs institutional charges.
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The Ministry Discernment Lab costs $4050 ($450/mo, Sept - May). Tuition covers online and print materials, administrative and coaching costs, and all Lab expenses (incl. food, trainers, trainers, activities, etc.). Residents/churches cover travel costs to Lab Weeks, and any expenses for your local church internship. As part of the training, we encourage you to raise 100% of tuition and costs, and scholarships may be available
Assessment costs exist separate from the Lab process, and vary per sending organization. And resident stipends/salaries vary per sending church, and are worked out between a resident and church. We are happy to discuss funding and support options with you.
Ready to Start?
We are here to help you
find your fit for mission and ministry.