Redeemer Apprenticeship for Ministry Program

A certificate program for emerging Christian leaders seeking practical ministry leadership training in NYC

The Redeemer Apprenticeship for Ministry Program (RAMP) is a two-year, part-time apprenticeship for active members of Gospel-Centered Churches in New York City who want to discern if a career in full-time ministry is right for them.

RAMP is a collaboration between Redeemer Downtown and Redeemer Lincoln Square, in partnership with Redeemer City to City, which consists of coursework, character and spiritual formation, Gospel application, and first-hand ministry experience, all within an urban context.

Want to discern if a career in full-time ministry is right for you?

Training Areas

RAMP opportunities are available in the following ministry areas:

  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Administration, Operations, and Hospitality
  • Community Groups and Discipleship
  • Mercy Ministry
  • Mission and Evangelism
  • Family Ministry, including youth and children’s ministry
  • Worship Arts
  • Communications, Production, and Media

Candidate Qualifications

A candidate must meet the following criteria to qualify for RAMP:

  • Be willing to regularly attend the RAMP church within the Redeemer Network to which he/she has been assigned an apprenticeship
  • Complete or have completed an undergraduate degree program from an accredited college or university prior to the start of RAMP
  • Be an active member of a Gospel-Centered Church and recommended by his/her church for RAMP
  • Demonstrate a clear motivation and strong desire to participate in this program “not for yourself”, but for the benefit of others and to the Glory of God

Program Outcomes

RAMP participants may experience any of the following outcomes:

  • Discern their vocational calling
  • Be exposed to a variety of ministry settings and be given opportunities to participate in the ministry of a local church.
  • Receive 1:1 coaching by a staff member in a local church who will help them process, discern, integrate and apply their learning
  • Develop in 9 biblical character areas
  • Understand the Redeemer DNA and philosophy of ministry
  • Develop skills in discipleship, leadership, evangelism, exegesis, and teaching
  • Be exposed to additional ministry settings, including one international church setting

Weekly Schedule (20 hrs/week)

RAMP is a two-year commitment, September through May of each year. Each week, apprentices are required to complete 6 hours of unpaid, subsidized coursework, 10 hours of paid ministry experience, and 4 hours of paid cohort participation. During the summer between year 1 and year 2, apprentices spend 1-2 weeks overseas.

Education (6 hours)

Weekly coursework through Redeemer City To City’s City Ministry Program (CMP)

Ministry Experience (10 hours)

Weekly ministry apprenticing at Redeemer Downtown

Character Development, Spiritual Growth, and Gospel Coaching (4 hours)

Weekly cohorts to process CMP coursework and receive training the following areas of character formation:

  • A Person of Integrity 
  • A Faithful Leader
  • Discerning
  • A Good Steward
  • Hospitable
  • Apt to Teach and Teachable 
  • Humble
  • Generous 
  • A Peacemaker (Not Quarrelsome)

Summer Trip (1-2 weeks)

Short-term visit with a local church to experience how ministry and the Gospel is contextualized

Semester Dates (Year 1)

Fall Semester

9/3/24 - 12/4/24

Spring Semester

1/26/25 - 4/30/25

Read our FAQs and fill out an inquiry form to learn more or to request an application.