In 2014, High Street Church launched an internship program. The idea was to give emerging leaders an opportunity to serve in the local church and grow spiritually. Since the launch of their internship program, they have had over 240 interns serve in various capacities. Of those interns, 51 now serve in vocational ministry. The church staff noticed that many of the interns had received Christ as Savior while attending local public universities and were eager to grow spiritually. The interns realized how much they loved ministry and began exploring what it could look like to go into vocational ministry. These interns realized they wanted further knowledge in theology and other Bible courses. The High Street staff felt burdened to equip these students with Biblical and ministerial training, and the High Street Institute was born.
The High Street Institute consists of an internship program and a new residency program. The residency is an 11-month program for individuals who want to pursue ministry, grow in their knowledge of the Bible, and desire experience serving in the local church. Residents study topics such as theology, Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical worldview, apologetics, and various other practical ministry topics. One of the Institute directors, Coco Lyons, states, “While we realize that this program cannot possibly cover all topics, it can give a broad overview of how to do ministry along with a deeper understanding of God’s Word.” There are a variety of tracks for the student to choose from, including assimilation and hospitality, creative, children’s ministry, youth ministry, missions, women’s ministry, and worship ministry.
Courtney Reger, a current student, reflected, “As I began the residency, I was excited and nervous. I have experienced more growth throughout the program than I could have ever imagined. I have had to rely on God because working with people and in ministry can be challenging. This program has strengthened my walk with the Lord and has prepared me to do ministry in the local church for the rest of my life.”
Each resident in the program is assigned a mentor on the church staff. Along with their mentor, the residents have access to the entire High Street staff team.
Haley Swanigan, a current student, shared, “As one of my responsibilities, I have had the opportunity to disciple a younger woman in the church and watch her spiritually mature. She is now excited to be a part of the High Street Institute program. The residency program has equipped and empowered me to do the work of ministry.”
On June 24th, High Street Church will graduate its first class of residency students. Registration is now open for the class of 2022-2023 residents. Eddie Lyons, the pastor of High Street Church, stated, “It is our hope that God uses the High Street Institute graduates to benefit churches all over the world and impact the next generation.”
If you are interested in learning more about the High Street Institute, you may do so by clicking here.
