Telos Residency is a 10-month leadership formation program for recent college graduates who are discerning how God wants to use their gifts, passion, and story to do good in the world around them. Our residents spend the year learning and growing in community with other like-minded people in their season of life.
- Work for 30 hrs/wk in a paid position with one of our employer partners. These are local nonprofits and ministries who are creatively engaging needs and injustices in the community.
- Learn from devoted mentors and intentional conversations over 60 local leaders.
- Live rent-free alongside other residents in the rapidly growing city of Knoxville, TN, with one of our host families.
- Have the opportunity to earn an affordable and practical Master’s degree in Strategic Ministry from Johnson University.
- Deepen your faith and spiritual formation through personalized mentorship, spiritual direction, group discussions, and intentional retreats.
- Discover your calling! Our program is uniquely designed for you to learn, experiment, and discern what you were created to do.
Learn more at telosresidency.com.
Our Mission
Telos Residency equips the next generation to find their place in the mission of God and lead the way to a more innovative and engaged Church.
Cohort Experience
Telos Residency cohorts are comprised of 6-8 residents who have recently graduated from college. Our cohorts become a community of like-minded young people who spend 10-months learning and growing together.
Urban Living
Residents live rent-free in host homes near the urban core of Knoxville, TN. Not only do residents get to experience living in the unique and rapidly growing city of Knoxville, but they get exposure to real life needs and ministry in the city. Our host families are hand selected by our director as people who embody the vision and values of Telos Residency. Many of the residents will develop meaningful and lasting relationships with their hosts that will support and bless them during the residency program and beyond. https://www.telosresidency.com/housing
Ministry Employment
We match each Telos Resident with a 30 hr/wk job that aligns with their interests and passions. Residents receive $1,200/month for their employment. And many Residents are offered a full-time ministry position from their employer (or other TR partners) at the conclusion of the 10-month program.
Master’s Degree
One of the unique benefits to the Telos Residency is access to an affordable and practical master’s degree. For $11,500, you will receive focused instruction from top professors, interactive learning alongside the other residents, and a master’s degree from a respected Christian university. This degree consists of in-person classes catered specifically for Telos Residents, online coursework, independent study, and internship credits.
Salary & Benefits
* $1,200/mo plus FREE rent, utilities, & internet (equivalent of over $2,000/mo!)
* Earn a complete master’s degree at an affordable rate.
* Ministry job placement that matches your calling and passion.
* 1-on-1 and group mentoring and instruction from local ministry leaders and missional practitioners.
* Connections with some of the most effective ministry and non-profit leaders in Knoxville.
* A short-term residency with long-term results!
Apply Today!
Now accepting applications for the 2025-26 cohort
Program dates: August 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026
