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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.

Ready to explore your next step?

Apply to the Trellis Program

Talk with our team

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:

Serve and grow in a local church for three years

Receive intentional mentorship from experienced ministry leaders

Earn an accredited four-year bachelor’s degree in three years

Graduate debt-free with real ministry experience

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?

START YOUR APPLICATION

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.

Many residents are preparing for roles such as:

Pastoral ministry

Church planting

Specialized ministry leadership

Long-term church leadership development

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?

START YOUR APPLICATION

How It Works:

Placement in a Local Church

Students are placed in a Trellis Hub Church, where they serve alongside experienced leaders and gain real ministry experience.

Accredited Academic Education

Students Earn a degree from a Christ-centered university with tuition, books, and fees fully covered.

Mentorship and Formation

Throughout the program, students receive intentional mentoring, leadership development, and spiritual formation.