Programs
A Better Path Into Ministry
Sensing a call into ministry is exciting - but figuring out how to get there can feel overwhelming.
Many aspiring church leaders face the same challenges: gaining real ministry experience, receiving strong theological education, and avoiding the burden of student debt.
Trellis exists to provide
a better path.
Through the Trellis Training Program, students are placed in local churches for hands-on ministry experience while completing accredited, affordable education through our academic partners. All tuition, books, and university fees are covered, allowing students to graduate completely debt-free.
The result is a generation of leaders who graduate prepared for ministry, connected to the church, and equipped for long-term leadership.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or continuing your preparation for ministry, Trellis provides two pathways for formation and training.
Internship >>>
For Undergraduate Students
If you sense God calling you into ministry, the path forward can feel unclear.
Many aspiring leaders face a difficult choice: gain ministry experience or pursue a degree. Often, traditional paths mean years in a classroom, student debt, and little real ministry training.
The Trellis Internship was created to change that.
Through this three-year program, you will gain real ministry experience while earning your bachelor’s degree through one of our accredited university partners. Because your academic coursework is intentionally integrated with your church placement, you can complete a four-year degree in just three years.
And through Trellis, your tuition, books, and university fees are fully covered - allowing you to graduate debt-free.
As a Trellis Intern, you are placed in a local church where you serve alongside experienced pastors and ministry leaders who mentor and invest in your growth. While studying and serving, you’ll develop the theological foundation, leadership skills, and real-world ministry experience needed for a lifetime of faithful ministry.
Through the Trellis Internship, you will:
This isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about becoming the kind of leader the Church needs for the future.
Interested in the Internship Program?
Residency >>>
For Graduate Students and Second-Career Leaders
The Trellis Residency is designed for those pursuing graduate-level theological education or seeking deeper ministry preparation.
Residents serve in a local church context while completing a master’s degree through one of our academic partners. This pathway is ideal for students who desire deeper theological training while continuing to grow in real ministry leadership.
Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and academic formation, residents grow both spiritually and practically as they prepare for their next season of ministry.
Interested in the Residency Program?
How It Works:
1.
Placement in a Local Church
Students are placed in a Trellis Hub Church, where they serve alongside experienced leaders and gain real ministry experience.
2.
Accredited Academic Education
Students Earn a degree from a Christ-centered university with tuition, books, and fees fully covered.
3.
Mentorship and Formation
Throughout the program, students receive intentional mentoring, leadership development, and spiritual formation.
Academic Partners
Trellis partners with a growing network of Christ-centered universities who share our commitment to preparing the next generation of church leaders.
These partnerships allow students to pursue accredited degrees online while participating fully in the Trellis training experience.
Our academic partners include universities offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, allowing students to pursue the path that best fits their calling and stage of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Trellis program designed for?
Trellis is designed for individuals who sense a call into vocational ministry and want to be equipped through both theological education and real ministry experience. Our programs serve undergraduate students, graduate students, and even second-career leaders who are preparing for long-term ministry leadership.
Do I need to already be in ministry to apply?
No. Many students begin the Trellis program at the very start of their ministry journey. The program is designed to help students grow through mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on ministry experience within a local church.
What is a Trellis Hub Church?
Hub Churches are local churches that partner with Trellis to mentor and develop students. These churches are committed to raising up the next generation of ministry leaders and provide the context where students serve, learn, and grow throughout the program.
What degrees can students pursue?
Students complete their education online through Trellis academic partner universities, which offer both bachelor’s and master’s level degrees related to ministry, theology, and leadership.
Can I stay at my current church?
In many cases, yes. If your church is aligned with the Trellis vision and able to provide mentoring and leadership development, it may be possible for them to become a Trellis Hub Church.
What makes Trellis different from a traditional Bible college or seminary?
Trellis integrates real ministry experience, mentorship, and accredited education into one pathway. Instead of preparing for ministry only in the classroom, students grow while actively serving in a local church environment.
How do I begin the application process?
The first step is filling out our interest form which allows our team to connect with you, learn about your calling, and help guide you through the next steps of the process.