Our
is designed to train and cultivate ambitious young leaders into gospel-driven servants who help lead the church. In May of this year, we'll welcome the third class of Residents to the office to learn, grow, and be challenged in their new roles with our church. So we thought we'd take the time to introduce them to our church family
(As a side note: let this be a fair warning to the Residents that if there is a ridiculous photo of you on Facebook, we will use it against you).
Our new residents:
Stone Pinckney
What area are you serving in? Teaching & Preaching Why did you want to do the Residency? I wanted stay in Columbia in order to serve meaningfully in the ministry of my local church, grow in compassion and love for others, pursue theological training, all while being a part of an amazing church family. My plan is to be a teaching pastor of a local church, and my plan is to make this my training ground before seminary and a lifetime of preaching the gospel. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I was a theater major, on an improv team, and played football at Northwestern University. Find out more about Stone at his fundraising page.
Melissa Fennell
What area are you serving in? LifeGroups Why did you want to do the Residency?I absolutely adore Columbia and feel blessed to call this place my home. Because of this, I've come to have a huge heart for this city and I want to see the gospel of Jesus furthered here.What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I love all things Batman. My parents adopted a sloth in my name once for Christmas and I cried. I'm not even embarassed about it.Find out more about Melissa at her fundraising page.
Eric Freemon
What area are you serving in?Gatherings & LifeGroups Why did you want to do the Residency? I wanted to serve the church and the community in a new way. I also wanted to find a way to gain applicable ministry training outside of just a classroom. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I know the vast majority of songs from Disney movies since Lion King. Find out more about Eric at his fundraising page.
Carly Tucker
What area are you serving in? Business & Finance Why did you want to do the Residency? I wanted to do the residency because within the past year, I have fallen in love with serving on the administrative side of the church, but I didn't know if it was something God was calling me to for the future. The residency will give me an opportunity to use my time and resources to serve the city of Columbia, while also growing and learning so much more about Jesus and myself. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? My favorite song is "Juicy" by Notorious B.I.G.Find out more about Carly at her fundraising page.
William Bitterman
What area are you serving in?Student Groups & Kidtown Why did you want to do the Residency? I wanted to grow through experience in being involved with ministry and leadership. I have wanted to become involved with ministry within the church for a while and God providing me with the residency program seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to do so. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I'm a large person but i'm alarmingly flexible. believe me when i say it is frightening.
Vicki Hansen
What area are you serving in?Mill City ChurchWhy did you want to do the Residency? I want to grow in Jesus! I want to be equipped and ready to be a missionary in my city and job where ever I go. There's people with Midtown already doing that, so where better to learn then Midtown Residency?What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I'm the youngest of 9 children but being in a crowd makes me nervous. Find out more about Vicki at her fundraising page.
Todd Mullis
What area are you serving in? Kidtown & Student Groups Why did you want to do the Residency? I want to see how the local church works on an everyday basis to equip the church as a whole to actually be family. Also I am interested in church planting after I graduate and the experience I gain in the program will be crucial for future church planting. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I am a raging introvert with a tendency to be unbelievably awkward when it come to surprise encounters with friends. Find out more about Todd at his fundraising page.
Rachel Strang
What area are you serving in? Student Groups Why did you want to do the Residency? I want to be a middle school Bible teacher one day and the residency program seemed like a great way to be trained for that! What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? My sister and I get way too much laughter from making fun of our dog PJ.
Hayden Antal
What area are you serving in? Video Why did you want to do the Residency? I love the work Jesus is doing in Columbia and in the Midtown family. I also love videography and the stories you can tell through it. Using the medium of video to further the reach of the Gospel in Columbia is something I want to give my life to. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I used to get my hair highlighted. No shame. Find out more about Hayden at his fundraising page.
Autumn Baldwin
What area are you serving in?Gatherings &Worship Leading Why did you want to do the Residency? I wanted to do the residency to grow in serving my family and leading people well toward Jesus. It's also a growth process of me learning how to listen and go where Jesus leads me without always following my plans or even knowing the full plan. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I can't think of anything...I know that's lame. (Editor's note: we can only assume this means it's too embarrassing to tell) Find out more about Autumn at her fundraising page.
Nick Johnston
What area are you serving in?Video & Production Why did you want to do the Residency? The residency seemed like a great way for me to serve my church family via the gifts Jesus has given me and as a way to mature those gifts. I hope that Jesus will grow me a ton and prepare me for whatever He has for me after. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I once read the entire Twilight saga then a second and third time. Such shame. Find out more about Nick at his fundraising page.
Sara Zwolensky
What area are you serving in? LifeGroups Why did you want to do the Residency? I want to do the Residency because I love how the Lord uses LifeGroups to grow His Church and I enjoy intentional relationships and helping people work towards that. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? Between ages 10-14 I used to train horses to jump.
Will Hodges
What area are you serving in?Recovery & LifeGroups Why did you want to do the Residency? I want to do this because I want to do all I can to add to the kingdom of God. I'm want to learn more for Jesus! I want to finally learn the ins and outs and application of ministry. What is the most random/surprising/unexpected thing about you? I use to be in a couple death core bands in high school. I was the screamer. No shame (I still practice in my car when going places, usually alone).
We're always looking for more highly-driven individuals to apply for our Residency Program. If you're interested in giving a year to serve the church, find out more here. The applications for the January 2015 class are due by April 30.