A Teaching Church
“being a teaching church means that you are investing in people who then you launch to new places and new roles…Not easy. But, we decided as a faith Congregation that we do have what it takes. That we are a healthy, thriving, growing, intergenerational faith community.”
— Wendy Christian, Personnel Chair
voices of our teaching church
"Growing into your ministerial calling out of Divinity school in a healthy church environment is no given - just call a few ministers and you'll find that out! Green's Farms Church is an ideal setting to grow into a job where you have enough responsibilities to make a difference and a supportive crew of staff and lay members who will ensure that your learning experiences are speed bumps, not unrestrained crashes. The program is the perfect launching pad for any young minister discerning their next steps."
- Zak Carroll
Pastoral Resident, 2022-2024
“The Pastoral Residency has provided me with space to step fully into my call as an ordained minister with the kind of confidence that can only be gained from first-hand experience in this field. I am grateful to this community for both empowering me to lead and entrusting me to learn alongside them throughout this experience.”
- Sophie Beal
Pastoral Resident, 2024-2026
“Interning at GFC has deepened my love for the local church and given me the eyes to see the ways God is moving among us. I am beyond grateful for the way I was welcomed into the Green’s Farms family. Living alongside them for the summer has given me fresh energy and orientation as I return to my seminary studies.”
- Chase Lucas
Pastoral Intern, Summer 2025
Hear more about Zak Carroll’s Pastoral Residency Experience Below!
Pastoral Residency &
INternship Programs
Have You Considered pastoral Residency?
mdiv students…
Are you interested in pursuing parish ministry in a welcoming and supportive faith community? Green’s Farms Church is a vibrant, intergenerational UCC congregation, located in the coastal town of Westport, Connecticut, one hour north of New York City.
Since 2022, our two-year Pastoral Residency Program has helped to incubate new church leaders by providing comprehensive mentorship and pastoral work experiences.
Our goal is to partner together with recent graduates, so that our congregation can benefit from your unique ministerial gifts, while you learn from seasoned clergy and grow into your vocational calling.
As a Green’s Farms Church Pastoral Resident, you will have the opportunity to:
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You will gain experience in preaching, faith formation, community outreach and pastoral care.
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From worship planning to staff leadership and budgeting, you will learn the fundamentals of church management under the supervision of GFC Senior Minister Jeff Rider, Consulting Theologian Allen Hilton, and lay leaders.
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Design and implement services and activities that reflect your passion and bring your vision to our church community.
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You will participate in weekly group supervision meetings with clergy and professional staff members
Residency Term and Compensation: The Pastoral Resident’s term will begin the summer of 2026 and end the summer of 2028. The position is an ordainable call in the United Church of Christ, with a salary, housing allowance and a full benefits package.
Are you a good fit? We are looking for a candidate who will thrive in a growing congregation with diverse social, political and theological backgrounds and identities.
Duke Divinity School & GReen’s Farms Church
Summer Internship Program
For the past 15 years, Green’s Farms Church has partnered with Duke Divinity School to host summer interns, giving students the opportunity to meet their field education requirements while serving in an active congregation. Through preaching, teaching, youth ministry, mission work, and community engagement, interns gain hands-on experience that helps them grow in their calling and leadership.
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During the summer months, Green’s Farms Church hosts an internship program for students of Duke Divinity School to help achieve their field education requirements and grow their practical education within an active congregation.
The Summer Internship at Green’s Farms Church meets all the Duke Divinity School field experience learning requirements, including regular supervisory conferences with theological reflection and a final joint review of learning attained and to be attained.
Through contextual learning in churches and organizations across the country and world, students practice the skills of ministry, discern God’s call on their life and vocation, and reflect theologically with an experienced supervisor.
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Ideal candidates will have completed their second year at Duke School of Divinity and could potentially be considered for our two-year Pastoral Residency program, (full-time with benefits), post-graduation. The successful intern candidate will be a flexible, creative self-starter with a heart for pastoral ministry.
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Throughout the 10 week program, the Summer Intern will fully participate in the regular worship life of the church, including Sunday morning teaching (adult Bible Study), praying, preaching, and helping to lead summer beach services.
The intern will spend the month of June interacting with our Youth Leaders, High School students and their families in preparation for our annual mission trip and will be expected to participate in that trip (Travel expenses will be covered). During the months of July and August, the Summer Intern will work with our Pastoral Residents to meet with local nonprofit leaders and develop a GFC service opportunity strategy for the upcoming year. There will also be the opportunity for the intern to creatively explore their own interests and spiritual calling.