Queer Pastoral Residency

The Queer Pastoral Residency is a pilot initiative, which started in 2022 and which provides a “first call” opportunity for LGBTQIA+ (queer) people at the beginning of their pastoral ministry. The two-year residency provides the pastoral resident with experience in worship leadership, preaching, faith formation, and transformative community engagement in an affirming church at First Church Somerville.

Many queer candidates struggle to obtain a first call due to their identity. “This residency program grew out of watching talented, brilliant, and called queer seminary graduates who didn’t fit the ‘traditional mold’ struggle to get their first call in the local church,” said Rev. Jenn Macy.  “The church needs these ministers we’ve sent to the margins. We need these pastors to have rich opportunities to hone their pastoral identity in spaces that accept all of who they are. We will not be the church that exists in the dreams of God without embracing all the people God has called to service.”

With this program, First Church is trying to provide this space. For the 2024-2026 residency there will be two pathways:

Path A: Full time ministry for those who have completed their MDIV and are in the ordination process, or who are ordained pending call (exceptions apply, see profile for full information).
Path B: ½ time ministry for 3rd year seminary students (who have already completed one year of field Ed and are an active MID in the UCC) until they complete their MDIV, which will then transition into a full time, ordainable, call for the reminder of their residency.

If you are interested in applying for the Queer Pastoral Residency please email QPR@FirstChurchSomerville.org for more information. Applications are due on September 19th, 2024. The application form is available online.