The Ministry School At Ankeny Free Church

The Ministry School at Ankeny Free

The Ministry School at Ankeny Free is a three-year journey designed to equip, disciple, and prepare young men who sense God’s call into vocational ministry. This program is built on the conviction that shepherds are first called to be servants (Mark 10:45) and that ministry is both a privilege and a responsibility entrusted to “faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Year 1: Internship (15–20 hours/week)
The first year focuses on laying a foundation of spiritual growth, character, and ministry exposure. Interns will be discipled, mentored, and given opportunities to serve and observe ministry in action. The emphasis is on learning by walking alongside experienced leaders, echoing Paul’s charge: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

At the end of this first year, there is space for both the individual and the church to prayerfully evaluate whether continuing in The Ministry School at Ankeny Free is the right next step. This provides a natural transition point for either moving forward into pastoral residency or stepping away if God is leading in a different direction.

Years 2–3: Pastoral Residency (30+ hours/week)
The second and third years are a deeper immersion into ministry. As pastoral residents, participants will take on greater leadership responsibility in various areas of the church—kids, middle school, high school, young adults, and other ministry contexts. This hands-on experience is paired with intentional training in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and leadership. The goal is to raise up men who, like Timothy, are “a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Vision and Heart
The Ministry School at Ankeny Free is not merely about gaining ministry skills, but about being formed into Christlike leaders who love God, love people, and are committed to building up His church. We believe that leadership in Christ’s kingdom flows from humility, integrity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Through discipleship, mentorship, and real-life ministry, participants will be equipped to serve the body of Christ and sent out to advance the gospel wherever God calls them.

Compensation
We believe that those who labor in ministry should be supported with dignity (1 Timothy 5:18). Participants in The Ministry School at Ankeny Free will receive financial compensation that reflects both their stage of training and their ministry involvement.

· Interns (Year 1) receive a stipend of $800 per month while serving 15–20 hours per week. This provides support as they grow, learn, and explore God’s call on their life.

· Pastoral Residents (Years 2–3) transition into a full-time role of 30+ hours per week and receive a significantly higher annual salary, reflecting their increased responsibility and leadership within the church.

Our aim is to ensure that participants are not only trained and discipled, but also cared for in a way that allows them to give themselves fully to the work of ministry during this season of preparation.

If interested and wanting to learn more, please reach out to Pastor J.D. Abell - jd@ankenyfree.church - Thank you!