Application is currently closed.

 

WHAT IS GRACECITY ABOUT? →

We are a gospel-centred church with a heart for the city. We believe Jesus changes everything. You’ll hear us preach it, sing it, discuss it and live it. We have seen people come to Christ, de-churched people come back to church, apathetic Christians grow, and both Japanese and expats find renewed joy in their faith. Over the next ten years, we want to help plant other gospel- centred churches in Japanese cities.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERNCE BETWEEN AN INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY? →

An intern’s main role is to learn how a gospel-centred theological vision drives ministry by:

  • observing and helping existing ministries

A resident’s main role is to learn how to apply these lessons by:

  • serving and leading ministries
  • learning how to craft gospel-centred sermons

Both interns and residents will be involved in:

  • staff meetings
  • theological and ministry development meetings
  • coaching/training

WHAT WILL A INTERNSHIP OR RESIDENCY LOOK LIKE? →

  • the typical pattern is a six month internship, followed by a residency
  • weekly staff meetings
  • access to and engagement with Resound group calls
  • training and gatherings associated with City to City Japan
  • monthly developmental meetings
  • one-to-one coaching/training

WHAT TYPES OF TOPICS WILL THIS ADDRESS? →

  • what is gospel-centred ministry?
  • what is a healthy church?
  • how do you allow the gospel to transform lives and not use guilt, fear, shame, or emotionalism?
  • how do you prepare and preach robust Christ-centred and relevant sermons?
  • how can you be an effective leader without being domineering?

IDEAL CANDIDATES →

  • ascribe to gospel-centred theology
  • passionate about discipleship and authentic communities
  • teachable and self-motivated
  • interested in church planting
  • fluency in either English or Japanese is required, and fluency in both languages is preferred (but not required)

STIPENDS AND BENEFITS →

  • interns: ¥60,000 per month for four days per week (tue-fri), plus Sundays
  • residency: ¥120,000 per month for four days per week (tue-fri), plus Sundays
  • three weeks of annual paid vacation (for both interns and residents)
  • two weeks of annual paid ministry leave for ministry engagements or education (for residents only)

*we remain open to negotiating these terms should an applicant wish to combine their residency with part time theological training

HOW DO I APPLY? →

  1. complete the online application form, which can be accessed by clicking here
  2. send a good quality digital photo to the Lead Pastors Personal Assistant (noyuri@gracecitynagoya.jp)
  3. have two people who have known you for a substancial period of time and who operate within ministrial roles complete separate reference forms, which can be accessed by clicking here

EXPECTATIONS →

The following expectations related to interns and residents are critical to serving well and perpetuating GraceCity’s values:

  • Deacon qualified

This person should live in such a manner required of church deacons as described in 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12-13 and 1 Peter 3:1-6.

  • Theologically sound

This person should affirm GraceCity’s statement of faith, mission, vision and values.

  • Personal worship lifestyle

They will cultivate a personal worship lifestyle (Romans 12:1-2) and a daily devotional life through bible reading and prayer.

  • Submitted to direction

This person is willing to accept that final decisions regarding the life, ministries, and direction of the church are made by the Elders, and not the congregation or staff (whilst this person has a lot of autonomy in their work, they remain accountable to the Elders and are required to serve under the leadership and direction of the Lead Pastor).

  • Support and confidentiality

Attends important church meetings and gatherings, serves at Sunday gatherings, and ministers to others outside of the church as time allows. Exercises confidentiality when it comes to sensitive content such as people’s personal issues, church discipline, and staff wages.

SHARED CHARACTERISTICS →

GraceCity seeks to value relationships between Elders, staff, interns and residents by openly exhibiting repentance and faith, and by sharing the following characteristics:

  • you know how the gospel is shaping you (you are far more sinful than you ever dared face, and far more loved and secure than you ever dared hope).
  • you accept responsibility for your piece of the mess and manage your personal vulnerabilities (self-leadership).
  • you embrace a willingness to distribute power and knowledge, and generously share resources.
  • you pursue a catholicity of spirit and collaboration between denominations and organizations (rather than being tribal and believing your way is always right).
  • you understand how healthy collaboration inevitably leads to conflict, which when worked out in a healthy manner often produces growth.
  • you allow for change, and the inevitable messiness that comes from new processes, whilst recognizing the need for accountability and organization.