Protégé Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCC Protégé Program?
The Protégé Program is a year-long intensive spiritual growth, leadership development, and ministry immersion experience at National Community Church. As an NCC Protégé, you will be given the opportunity to learn from some of the most innovative thinkers and creators in ministry, participate in the day to day activities of church staff culture, stretch yourself as a leader, and lay a firm foundation for a life-long pursuit of the passion and vision that God has placed on your life.
What experience will I gain as an NCC Protégé?
As an NCC Protégé, all Proteges will gain valuable experience in three primary areas: spiritual formation, leadership development, and practical ministry experience. NCC Proteges will gain experience in the following areas:
- Attend Learning Labs- make new discoveries in leadership development, spiritual growth, and ministry methods from members of the NCC teaching team.
- Develop a Spiritual Growth Plan
- Develop a Leadership Development Plan
- Serve on the Alpha Team
- Lead small groups and ministries
- Participate in an NCC missions experience
- Serve at weekend worship gatherings, outreach projects and leadership development events
- Build community with fellow members of your Protégé class through weekly study, prayer, and reflection groups
- Be mentored by your ministry-focus department leader
- Attend leadership development conferences with the NCC team
What ministry areas can a Protégé participate in?
Each Protégé will focus in one of the following ministry areas: Discipleship, Worship, Media, Missions/Outreach, Children/Youth, Church-Planter-in-Residence, and Ebenezers Coffeehouse Management. During the application process, you will rank your top three ministry focus choices.
What does a typical week of a Protégé look like?
There is no typical week at NCC! Every week will look different depending on the specific upcoming ministry needs. Each Tuesday, Proteges will participate in NCC staff gathering, Big Idea (creative team meeting for designing the weekend worship experiences), departmental meetings, and Protégé growth group. The Protégé growth group will consist of on-going discipleship training and leadership development for the Proteges in a small group setting for accountability, prayer, and encouragement. Proteges will also attend learning labs with the teaching team of NCC for further spiritual and leadership development and training in topics such as cultural exegesis, dreaming God-sized dreams, discovering your soulprint, and free market missions and discipleship.
Proteges will also lead weekly small group and ministry gatherings and participate in weekend worship gatherings, outreach projects and leadership development events. Proteges will also be responsible for taking the lead on various projects within their ministry-focus area.
What NCC staff members do a Protégé interact with?
The Protégé Program will be administered by Joel Schmidgall (Executive Pastor and Ballston Campus Pastor) and Heather Zempel (Discipleship Pastor). They will serve as the primary leaders for the Protégé experience. Proteges will also work directly with and be mentored by a department leader in their ministry focus area and the campus pastor at the location(s) where they serve on weekends. Finally, protégés will interact with Mark Batterson (lead pastor) and other staff pastors during the learning labs.
What is the primary goal of the Protégé Program?
The Protégé Program is a training and proving ground for emerging church leaders. During your Protégé year, you will accumulate valuable experience, mentors, and knowledge that will prepare you for stepping into the next phase of your God-given calling. Our desire that your Protégé year will give you the experience you need to find a full-time staff position in a local church or para-church ministry.
What qualifications are you looking for in Proteges?
Previous ministry and leadership experience is preferred and specific experience in the desired ministry focus area is certainly favored. We also look for people who have a clear sense of calling and dare to dream big dreams for the Kingdom of God. However, we are also big believers in attitude, flexibility, sense of humor, ability to work within a team environment, so we weigh those kinds of personality traits heavily.
When are the dates for the program?
The 2010-2011 Protégé Program will run from September 2010 through August 2011.
What is the admission process?
Complete the application and submit to National Community Church, 205 F Street NE, Washington, DC. Attention: Heather Zempel. For priority consideration, submit your application by May 15, 2010. Three references are also required. One should be from a current pastor or ministry leader, one should be from a current or former pastor or ministry leader, and one can be of a personal nature.
What is the cost to attend the NCC Protégé Program?
There is no cost to attend the NCC Protégé Program, but you will need the finances to support you and your family for one year in Washington, DC. You may accomplish this through fundraising, working a second job, or some combination of the two. To live in Washington, DC, you should expect to need approximately $1500/month to cover rent, food, and other necessities.
Can I get college credit?
Currently, the Protégé Program is not designed to be a seminary or Bible college experience; therefore, we are not currently offering any college or seminary credit. However, if you believe your current Bible college or seminary would be willing to offer independent study or internship credit for your involvement, then we are willing to work with you and your academic institution to provide them with the necessary documentation.
Does NCC provide housing for Proteges?
NCC does not currently have housing available for Proteges. However, our staff will be available to give guidance on areas of the city that might provide affordable housing.
Is the Protégé part-time or full-time?
You can do either, depending on your financial needs. Part-time Proteges are expected to work 25-30 hours per week. Full-time Proteges are expected to work at least 40 hours per week.
Can I seek part-time employment?
Absolutely! It is our expectation that most, if not all, protégés will secure secondary outside employment. We ask, however, that ministry expectations and time requirements take precedent over outside work schedules.
Do I need to have a car?
A car is always helpful for errands and day trips, but you can easily live and navigate DC without a car. We have a fantastic public transportation system that includes metro rail, bus, and circulator, and many people have actually found it to be easier to live in DC without a car than with a car.
How can I find out more information?
Contact Heather Zempel (heather.zempel@theaterchurch.com).