Frequently Asked Questions
- What opportunities can I expect during the program?
- What is unique about this program?
- What are the admission requirements?
- When is the application deadline?
- What is the Application Process?
- When does the program start?
- Is the entire year spent in one ministry area?
- What Ministry Tracks are available?
- How do I choose a Ministry Track?
- What will I do during the program?
- Who will supervise me in ministry?
- Am I allowed to work outside the program?
- Are there any job guarantees after the program?
- Further Questions
Q. What opportunities can I expect during the program?
A. Hands-on ministry equipping; Weekly leadership development training; One-on-one discipleship; Exposure to senior ministry leadership; Attendance to all conferences in which we are involved; Weekly small group experience.
Q. What is unique about this program?
A. The focus of this leadership program is to develop and equip young leaders in both ministry and leadership skills, while developing healthy rhythms and patterns of living, so that they may enjoy a vocation in ministry that sustains them for a lifetime. If you are a recent graduate of college or seminary, have significant ministry experience, and wish to continue in full-time ministry, this program will jump-start your ability to lead other staff and volunteers to impact greater numbers of people in your chosen ministry area. In addition, because people from all 50 states and every country live in the Washington DC area, impacting Washington DC truly impacts the world.
Q. What are the admission requirements?
A. We require, at a minimum, completion of college or seminary, a confirmed call to full-time ministry, and ministry experience. We are most attentive to those applicants who demonstrate exceptional character and leadership potential.
Q. When is the application deadline?
A. The deadline is February 25, 2012 for the Class of 2013. Please check back in the fall for the application deadline for the Class of 2014.
Q. What is the Application Process?
A. See the “Application Process” page. After submitting your application you will receive an email confirming your placement in the process. Once the applications have been reviewed, we will select applicants for phone interviews and prayerfully consider candidates for the program. At this stage we will contact all applicants with our decision whether they have been selected to continue in the process. Candidates selected to continue in the process will receive further instructions on filling out detailed profiles related to your gifting and talents. Additionally, selected candidates will be invited to an in-person interview with senior ministry staff. The dates for the preview weekend for the Class of 2012 are March 25-27, 2011. Each candidate will be notified of our final decisions in mid-April.
Q. When does the program start?
A. The start date for the Class of 2013 will be July 1, 2012.
Q. Is the entire year spent in one ministry area?
A. You will spend about 80 percent of your time in hands-on training in a particular Ministry Track of McLean Bible Church. In addition to your training in a particular Ministry Track, the remaining 20 percent of your time will consist of the following: familiarization with the core values and culture of Frontline and McLean Bible Church, development of leadership skills with other future leaders through a comprehensive curriculum, exposure to other ministries of Frontline and McLean Bible Church, and practical application of the fundamental principles of ministry from a shared learning perspective.
Q. What Ministry Tracks are available?
A. We have many different Ministry Tracks available. Example Ministry Tracks include: Worship, Video & Graphic Design, Sound & Lighting, Ministry Teams, Small Groups, Missions, College, Youth, Children, Special Needs, Communications, Administration, Finance, and more.
Q. How do I choose a Ministry Track?
A. Based on your self-assessment, application, and references, we will set up interviews with a number of ministry areas most likely to be the best match with your gifting, passion and vision. After your interviews, the ministry assignment is made with input from three sources: your preferences, the Ministry Leader, and the staff team that oversees the Future Leaders Program.
Q. What will I do during the program?
A. Each area of ministry will have its own opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities. You will be trained and supervised both to implement the ministry and shepherd staff and volunteers at a senior coaching level. For more information, visit The Experience page.
Q. Who will supervise me in ministry?
A. The ministry supervisors are all senior-level staff members or Pastors of McLean Bible Church.
Q. Am I allowed to work outside the program?
A. The Future Leaders Program is a rigorous, demanding, and challenging leadership development program. We operate in a highly active ministry environment in a fast-paced city. In general, you should expect to work 40-50 hours per work week. Because we expect you to devote your energies to your development as a leader and our ministry, you should have sufficient funds so that you will not be required to obtain outside work during the length of the program. Therefore, we do not permit you to seek or obtain outside employment during the length of the program.
Q. Are there any job guarantees after the program?
A. We cannot guarantee employment after your completion of the program, but we are confident that the skills, connections, and experience you gain from your time in ministry at Frontline and McLean Bible Church will open many doors.
Further Questions:
Should you have further need of assistance please contact Rachel Thomas at rachel.thomas@mcleanbible.org or (703) 770-3856.