Cadre Ministry Apprenticeship.

Closing the gap between the classroom and the local church.

Do You Feel Called to The Local Church?

Cadre is a ministry apprenticeship designed to come alongside Bible colleges, offering intentional formation, hands-on experience, and relational mentorship within the life of a local church.

Why Does
Cadre Exist?

Ministry often begins with a dream, a sense of calling, and the hope of seeing lives transformed. And while that’s beautiful and true, the reality is more complex. Ministry asks more of your heart, your character, and your resilience than you expect. Cadre is built to provide what the classroom alone cannot: an intentional lived experience of ministry alongside theological study, rooted in spiritual depth and pastoral wisdom.

We long to see pastors who are not only equipped to lead but deeply formed, rooted in Christ, shaped by the Spirit, resilient in character, and able to love and serve the Church with wisdom, humility, and depth.
Areas of Formation

Cadre is anchored around four areas of formation, each one essential for long-term health and fruitfulness in pastoral ministry.

Character
Becoming someone who can carry the weight of ministry with integrity.
In the long haul, character matters more than competency. Skills might open doors, but it’s character that keeps those doors from crushing you. At Cadre, we believe character is formed through humility, honesty, and the slow work of the Spirit. It’s about becoming the same person in private as you are in public. We’re looking for pastors who embody the fruit of the Spirit: kindness, self-control, gentleness, faithfulness. Not perfection, but a life increasingly shaped by Jesus.
Calling
Discerning the divine invitation to vocational ministry.
Calling isn’t something we invent, it’s something we receive. It’s the intersection of God’s voice, our wiring, and the needs of the Church. Through reflection, community, and practice, Cadre helps apprentices discern what kind of pastor they’re becoming, and where they might be called to serve. We believe calling is confirmed in community, and clarified through experience. You don’t have to have it all figured out, but you do need to be listening.
Craft
Developing the skills to serve with clarity, care, and competence.
Pastoral ministry is both art and skill. From preaching and leading teams to counseling and casting vision, there are practical tools every pastor needs. Cadre creates space to learn and refine these skills through hands-on ministry, mentorship, and feedback. Growth won’t happen by accident - it takes time, humility, and practice. But over time, you’ll begin to feel the difference between surviving ministry and serving with confidence.
Contending
Living with a holy hunger for renewal.
Pastors are called to contend for their people, their place, and the presence of God. This means cultivating a life of prayer, fasting, and dependence on the Spirit. It means longing for revival while remaining faithful in the ordinary. Cadre apprentices learn to carry both urgency and patience; to pray boldly, lead humbly, and trust that God is at work even when it seems slow. Contending is not about striving it’s about surrender and faithful obedieance.

Program Overview

Cadre runs from September to April, alongside your theological studies. Connected into the life of our local church, you’ll serve weekly, meet monthly with a mentoring pastor, and participate in cohort gatherings focused on spiritual and leadership formation.

Guided By Mentorship

Each Apprentice is paired with a seasoned pastor from our team for one-on-one mentorship throughout the program. Over six intentional meetings (October through March), mentors help students reflect on their journey, ask meaningful questions, and receive insight from the lived experiences of our pastors.

Cadre FAQ'S

Is there a cost to participate?
Cadre is currently a free apprenticeship program offered by CLA. Although there is no cost, students are required to apply.
Do I need to be in Bible college to apply?
Yes. Cadre is built to run alongside your theological education, offering practical ministry experience and spiritual formation that complements your academic learning. Being apart of Cadre covers your credited ministry hours at Summit Pacific College.
What’s the time commitment?
Cadre runs from September to April. Weekly time commitment is dependant on the desired ministry link. On average Apprentices commit to:
- 5-10 hours per week of ministry involvement both on Sundays at mid-week.
- Monthly learning cohort gatherings
- Six 1:1 mentorship meetings with a pastoral mentor, three per semester.
What are the expectations for apprentices?
We ask apprentices to bring:
Teachability – A posture of humility and openness to growth
Presence – A willingness to show up fully in ministry, mentorship, and community
Consistency – Faithfulness in spiritual practices, church involvement, and cohort rhythms
Honesty – A commitment to vulnerability and reflection in the journey of formation

Ready to Step into Your Future?

Applications for our Fall intake are now open.