“I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.” – Acts 2:17 (NIV)
 
 
 
 
Why Hope University? 
Hope University is about unleashing the leadership potential of the Holy Spirit with the purpose of Christ’s mission in the lives of His disciples today.  

 

Hope has a calling to encourage people to become leaders for the local congregation. We see the need for excellent pastors, worship leaders, HopeCare Chaplains, youth ministers, and the list could go on!  
 
What is Hope University?
 Hope University has three distinct tracks:  
 
First, some people are trying to figure out where is a good place for me to serve? These folks are diving deeper into the Holy Spirit’s calling to serve. We encourage people to take the spiritual gifts inventory, learn about where their gifting is best, and serving like Jesus did.  
 
Second, Hope offers Internships. Internships are volunteer positions with a commitment level of 8-10 hours per week. Interns will be trained to do meaningful ministry as Hope’s staff invests in their education and discernment process. 
 
Currently, Hope offers two types of internships: Youth Ministry and HopeCare Chaplains. 
 
Third, Hope is committed to raising up new pastors not only for our congregation, but the Church as a whole. Hope is committed to encouraging people to discern a call to ordained ministry. Through conversations with our pastoral staff we can help you find the right seminary and walk with you through the ordination process. 
 
When Hope has an appropriate employment opportunity and when a candidate would fit, a Pastoral Residency will be extended. Pastoral   
Residents are employed at Hope while studying online at an approved seminary. 
 
   
May 2026 Master of Divinity Graduation Ceremony for Pastoral Resident, Andria Messelt
 
Vision 
Pastor in Residence 
There is great need for pastoral leadership across the church for congregations. Hope recognizes this need for its own leadership as well as the broader church. Our goal is to develop pastors that are theologically and culturally aligned with Hope and equipped for mission across the church. We have been blessed to offer Pastoral Residencies.  
Youth Internship 
The purpose of this position is to provide the intern with the opportunity to gain practical ministry training, test their gifts and call to vocational ministry, and develop them as ministers and theologians. Interns live and present the gospel to young people in our church community and the community at large, encouraging all people to know the love of Christ.    
Care Chaplaincy 
Each intern will be given a time of discernment for ministry, acquire basic listening and relational skills, build biblical framework for chaplaincy, and have a one-on-one conversation with the Pastoral Advisor to discern where God is calling them. 
 
 
Hope’s 2026 Inaugural Class of Chaplains
(Left to Right): Nolan Carlson, Misty Dietz, Michele Lovehaug, John Bedore
 

How do I get Involved?

Take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment from Spiritual Gifts Plus here:
 
If you want to become a Hope Intern apply here:  
 
If God’s calling you to be a pastor, let’s talk!