The Grace Residency Program: Impacting the Kingdom, One Priest at a Time

Fr. Daniel, Fr. Jonathan and Rev. Caroline

When The Rev. Jonathan French of Grace Episcopal Church, Ocala, envisioned what would become the Grace Residency Program, he had no idea it would grow into what it is today. God has exceeded his expectations and given it a kingdom reach. French, program leader and Grace’s rector, said, “It may sound cheesy, but it’s true. I believe if I can help develop excellent priests, the program can transform churches and communities and inevitably change the world.”

Now more than ever, the church worldwide has a need to equip strong, dynamic leaders, and with its residency program, which took almost four years to develop, Grace is leading the way. Just as fledgling doctors complete residencies for hands-on experience after medical school, new priests attend the church’s residency program to extend their leadership skills. They participate for two to three years before Grace sends them out to lead and serve the church and the kingdom. Residents in the program receive robust training that involves thorough mentorship, book studies and debriefing. In addition, they have the opportunity to observe and participate in decision-making – a vital leadership skill.

NOT YOUR FATHER’S CURACY

French created the residency program at Grace because he recognized key elements most curacy programs lack. Unlike a residency, a curacy is considered a position for a “junior priest.” Often, the curate receives trivial tasks to perform. Although some learning occurs, most aspiring clergy view a curacy as a steppingstone to future ministry. In contrast, Grace’s residency program focuses on the learning of the resident rather than the convenience of the clergy. Residents receive increasing responsibility designed to empower them and help them grow into true kingdom servants. The residency program also aims for a more handson approach than a curacy, in which a curate receives mentorship through a course and regular meetings. Most of the responsibility for learning falls on the curate. But Grace’s residency program invests in participants in a more practical way.

THAT PERSONAL TOUCH

Since launching the residency in 2019, French has worked with two residents. The first, The Rev. Caroline Osborne, completed the program earlier this year, and The Rev. Daniel Pinell is a current resident. “It’s been a genuine privilege to get to do life with the future of our church,” French said. “It brings me great joy to see folks so hungry to see the kingdom of God grow. It’s been a blast!”

As program leader, French witnessed each resident’s growth firsthand. “The way Caroline has grown the most is through her confidence,” he said. “It’s not that she didn’t have confidence coming into the program. I was just able to see her truly live it out in a healthy and fun way as she took on greater responsibilities at the church. I’m so proud of her.” French also loved seeing how Osborne interacted with the parishioners, he said. His most memorable moment with her came when a

Emphasizing Kingdom Work with Kingdom Values

parishioner asked them both to preach at the funeral for her husband, a huge supporter of equal rights. Osborne spoke fondly of her experience in the Grace residency and agreed that her confidence as a parish leader grew significantly through that time. She faced unexpected challenges, from managing the church during French’s sabbatical to the departure of fellow staff members. “Although it was challenging, it gave me the confidence to know I can tackle anything, and I can figure things out,” she said. Her favorite aspect of the residency was the thoroughness and intentionality of the learning process, Osborne said. She now has practical knowledge and is able to manage various tasks, from running a vestry meeting to leading a funeral service, with true confidence. Osborne also said she felt blessed to have an excellent mentor in French, who genuinely cared about her growth. She will soon begin serving in a church in Nashville, Tenn.

THREE FOCAL POINTS

Few residency programs are as comprehensive as the one at Grace, which has three focal points: preaching, parish care and developing each resident’s unique gifts. “Preaching may not be what gets people to stay at a church, but it can bring them to the church,” French said. Residents not only practice the art of preaching but receive feedback via a rubric he developed. This model aims to equip them to preach with both excellence and clarity. Grace’s residency program also teaches residents the business and administration aspects of successfully leading a parish. This includes everything from day-to-day operations to analyzing profit and loss statements. Residents gain experience in administering the sacraments and performing weddings and funerals. One of the most unique features of the Grace Residency Program is its tailored design for each student. Along with teaching the foundational parts of a ministry position, French assigns other tasks designed to call forth residents’ strengths and opportunities for growth. He has a deep desire to help them move forward in their unique God-given gifts. For example, Osborne wanted to explore her studies in counseling, and she received the space and encouragement to do so.

GROWTH AND GRACE

Pinell began the program earlier this year, not long before COVID-19 struck. Despite the pandemic’s impact, he appreciates the lessons this season has taught him about the importance of adaptation. “I’ve loved seeing Daniel’s wide-eyedness,” French said. Pinell loves the immersive aspect of the residency program, he said. One of his most memorable experiences occurred when he had to serve as chaplain at a manufacturing plant, a new and unfamiliar role. Although some situations still feel uncomfortable, he appreciates the opportunities they provide for professional and personal growth, he said. He recognizes that these experiences will help him more easily adapt to future clergy responsibilities and environments. As a book-lover, another of Pinell’s favorite parts of the program has been the required reading, which covers a variety of topics, including real-world issues such as anti-racism.

Beyond the impact of COVID-19, learning how to receive feedback, especially when it comes to sermons, has proven one of the most challenging parts of the residency program for Pinell. Since sermons come from the heart, it’s difficult to have them picked apart, he said. But he also recognizes these critiques will make him a stronger and more effective preacher. The Grace Residency Program has already had a significant impact on its first residents and on the church. Soon, the program will acquire its third resident, coming all the way from Amsterdam. Excited to continue leading this vital aspect of Grace, French has great hope for the future of his church, of the residency program and of its continuing emphasis on kingdom work with kingdom values. “I only wish I could have been doing this sooner,” he said.