Telos Residency
Telos Residency (Knoxville, TN) is an accredited, immersive 10-month residency program for recent college graduates who sense that God is calling them into church or non-profit leadership. The residency includes a paid employment placement in a church, non-profit ministry, or kingdom-minded business plus a complete master's degree in strategic ministry! Learn more at telosresidency.com.
Our Mission
Telos Residency trains and equips the next generation to lead the way to a more innovative Church that resonates with our changing world and seeks the good of our community.
Cohort Experience
Telos Residency cohorts are comprised of 8-12 student residents engaged in a 10-month communal experience of living, learning, missional training, ministry employment, advanced biblical and theological education, mentoring, and retreats.
Urban Living
Residents live rent-free in host homes in the urban core of Knoxville, TN. Not only do residents get to experience living in the unique and rapidly growing city of Knoxville, but they get exposure to real life needs and ministry in the city. Our host families are hand selected by our director as people who embody the vision and values of Telos Residency. Many of the residents will develop meaningful and lasting relationships with their hosts that will support and bless them during the residency program and beyond. https://www.telosresidency.com/housing
Ministry Employment
Through our network of local churches and non-profit ministry partners, we match each Thrive Resident with a 32 hr/wk ministry job that aligns with their vocational calling and passion. Residents receive $1,200 per month for their ministry employment. And many Residents are offered a full-time ministry position from their employer (or other TR partners) at the conclusion of the 10-month program.
Master's Degree
One of the unique benefits to the Telos Residency is access to an affordable and practical master’s degree. For $11,500, you will receive focused instruction from top professors, interactive learning alongside the other residents, and a master's degree from a respected Christian university. This degree consists of in-person classes catered specifically for Telos Residents, online coursework, independent study, and internship credits.
Salary & Benefits
* $1,200/mo plus FREE rent, utilities, & internet (equivalent of over $2,000/mo!)
* Earn a complete master's degree at an affordable rate.
* Ministry job placement that matches your calling and passion.
* 1-on-1 and group mentoring and instruction from local ministry leaders and missional practitioners.
* Connections with some of the most effective ministry and non-profit leaders in Knoxville.
* A short-term residency with long-term results!
Apply Today!
Now accepting applications for the 2025-26 cohort
Program dates: August 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026