HDC NEXT REGistrations Will Open in Early 2027

What is HDC Next?

HDC Next exists to develop the next generation of missional ministry leaders.

This program is designed to help young adults grow spiritually, personally, and professionally. HDC Next is a 12-month internship program that will help you discover God’s calling on your life, equip you with the skills and tools to do the work of the ministry and create hands on experiences that prepare you for ministry.

Who is it for?

The HDC Next Internship is for people who are ready to take a deeper step into ministry. Whether you are exploring a potential call to full-time vocational ministry or looking to grow in your current ministry involvement at HDC, this program offers intentional training, mentorship, hands-on ministry experience, and increasing responsibility.

Along the way, interns will grow in character, strengthen their ministry skills, and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to serve, lead, and shepherd people faithfully.

Testimonials

HDC NEXT TESTIMONIAL | Masyn Long
HDC NEXT TESTIMONIAL | Mike Moore
HDC NEXT TESTIMONIAL |  Anthony Alvarado
HDC NEXT TESTIMONIAL | Heather Nelson

How we do it

Theology Module

Theology Module

Throughout the program, interns and residents will attend classes designed to teach the foundational tenets of the Christian faith. We use Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology as the primary guide for our discussions. By the end of the program, each intern and resident should be able to clearly articulate major theological concepts and feel confident in their beliefs.

Church Leadership Module

Church Leadership Module

Interns and residents will participate in classes and experiences that provide a comprehensive understanding of full-time vocational ministry. Topics will include calling, marriage and ministry, church budgeting, counseling, hospital visitation, team collaboration, networking with other ministries, and personal spiritual development.

Ministry Cohort Module

Ministry Cohort Module

Interns and residents will be part of a ministry cohort that offers hands-on, practical ministry opportunities. Each cohort will focus on specific areas of ministry leadership, such as student ministry, kids ministry, worship, young adults, operations, etc, providing specialized training and experience.

Mentorship Module

Mentorship Module

Throughout the program, interns will be matched with a mentor outside of their ministry cohort to offer intentional support for their spiritual formation and personal growth. Ministry can be demanding, and it is important to have opportunities to process personal well-being alongside ministry development. Mentors create an environment for honest conversations, helping interns navigate their experiences, grow in emotional and spiritual maturity, and allow for honest feedback regarding their ministry cohort.

FAQS

The internship runs for approximately 12 months, starting each August and concluding the following July.

Not at all. You’ll be surrounded by staff, mentors, leaders, and fellow interns who are committed to teaching, guiding, supporting, and encouraging you every step of the way.

You must be a high school graduate and turning 18 within a few months of graduation. There’s no upper age limit if you’re ready to grow and serve, you’re eligible.

Absolutely! We love having married individuals in the program and have had many thrive in this environment.

Plan on committing around 20 hours per week. This includes class time, meetings, ministry involvement, and events most of which take place during weekend services and midweek programming.

  • Tuesdays: Theology and Church Leadership modules from 1:00–4:00 PM
  • Wednesdays: Staff meeting begins at 8:30 AM, followed by your cohort gathering until lunchtime
  • Other hours vary based on the cohort and ministry area you’re serving in, so each week will look a little different.

You’ll have a workstation in our church office alongside fellow interns and residents. You will be given key card access to all our buildings, a church email and limited access to our church management system.

Your fee covers special events, a yearly retreat, and some curriculum materials. You’ll be responsible for purchasing core books and any cohort-specific resources recommended during the year.