Difference Maker Institute
Make your Life Count.
Be a Difference Maker!
Program will be limited to 10 residents for 2024-2025. Applications open August 1, 2023.
Difference Maker Institute
Difference Maker Institute is a 12-month residency program (Aug–July) committed to equipping the Next Generation of Church Leaders. DMI is designed to give you world-class ministry practice, leadership coaching, quality academic training, and real-life community.
What is a Difference Maker?
Being a Difference Maker is a natural expression of having an abiding relationship with Jesus. It is an overflow of the difference God has made in your life. And, being a Difference Maker is about being intentional in what you do and how you live your life. Not content to sit on the sidelines, Difference Makers are ready and willing to go in His name and play their part in changing the world. Capturing the spirit of being a Difference Maker is the Difference Maker Declaration. This short, memorable statement written by Pastor Gregg reminds us of our calling as followers of Jesus Christ, and it asks God to continue using us to make a difference in His name.
Difference Maker Declaration
I was made for more than watching.
I have a history-changing, difference-making, life-giving, Spirit-empowered legacy to leave.
Jesus, I ask You to work deeply in me and clearly through me as I pray, give, and go in Your love.
I am a Difference Maker.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Ministry Coaching
Serving alongside experienced ministry coaches as you get real-life experience.
Leadership Training
Learn insights from dynamic Christian leaders regarding what "they don't teach you in seminary.”
Academic Training
Receive cooperation and assistance as you complete the academic requirements for the graduate program of your choice.
Community
Experience genuine community as you worship, pray, and grow in your walk with Jesus.
What to Expect
- Sense a call to ministry and ability to communicate that call.
- Completed Bachelor’s (4-year) degree or in last year of degree.
- Must be 20–28 years of age at the time you begin the residency.
- Acceptance into an approved graduate level degree program at a Christian college or seminary.
- Commitment to humility, teamwork, collaboration and growth.
Each resident is paid $25,000 for the program year. There will be time in the program week for you to pick up a few more hours of PT work, if needed somewhere like Starbucks or Chick-Fil-A.
Housing is not provided and we understand that housing can be an issue in Houston. So, we will do everything we can to assist those accepted into the program in finding quality, safe and affordable housing.
All residents are required to be working toward or to have completed a graduate degree in ministry. During the residency year, residents will need to take a minimum of 12 hours through an approved Christian college or seminary (unless they have already graduated). Residents may choose to participate in our partnership with Southwestern Seminary. Those residents will receive a significant discount in tuition for being part of the DMI program.
- Sunday — Ministry Coaching
- Monday–Tuesday — Time for academic coursework and Leadership Training.
- Wednesday — Ministry Coaching
- Thursday–Saturday — Schoolwork, work part-time job, and rest.
Program will be limited to 10 residents for 2024-2025. Applications open August 1, 2023.
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