What is Telos?

We all are becoming somebody. We all have a telos, which is a Greek word that means goal or purpose. Finding and pursuing our God-given telos is essential to following in the way of Jesus. In other words, Jesus calls us to become who we were made to be as unique image-bearers of God. 

The Telos Residency is a 10-month wholistic leadership formation program that helps young people find their place within God’s mission. We train and equip the next generation of leaders to understand how they are uniquely wired, how to assess and engage the needs and injustices in their community, and how to reimagine the local church. We believe that helping young leaders find and pursue their telos is essential to building a healthy and vibrant church for this generation.

Our Why 

Gen Z is the least religiously affiliated generation in American history. Many Christian leaders are talking about how to get young people back to church.

Amidst the panic, few are considering how the unique gifts and passions of this generation could enable them to lead innovative expressions of Jesus’ Church that resonate with our changing world. Few are talking about the fact that while Gen Z is less religiously affiliated, they are more open to Jesus. Few are talking about how members of Gen Z are deeply concerned with the needs of their communities, long to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and are more likely to give up secure careers to do something with a greater purpose.

We believe that there are young leaders who are uniquely equipped and called to lead the way to a more wholistic and missional church. We want to give them the permission and the tools to imagine and innovate fresh expressions of Jesus' Church that speaks to the heart of their generation.

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10 Reasons to Enroll in Telos Residency

  • 1) Ten months to listen deeply, experiment vocationally, and process your next steps in life and vocation.

    You just graduated - or perhaps you're about to graduate. A full-time job or graduate school seems like the next best move. Our 10-month residency not only provides a job and advanced degree, but also gives you the time and space you need to discern and refine the unique calling God has placed on you.

  • 2) A year of shared life and learning with other aspiring church, non-profit, and kingdom leaders.

    We don't just talk about community, we practice it! Telos Residents share meals, study, and serve together. We share deeply, ask the hard questions about life and ministry, and push one another to greater intimacy and devotion to Jesus.

  • 3) Knoxville, Tennessee... Entertainment, art, food, the Urban Wilderness, and so much more!

    It's hard to find a better location for a residency experience! Knoxville is the best kept secret in the South - a diverse and friendly college town (Go Vols!), with top-notch restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, museums, theaters, and endless sports and outdoor entertainment. Not to mention, we are less than one hour from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park!

  • 4) A paid internship with a local non-profit, church, or kingdom-minded business.

    Telos Residency partners with local ministries and businesses to provide each resident with a paid internship (30hrs/wk) related to their calling. Residents will receive a $1,200 monthly stipend from their employer.

  • 5) Free housing in the inner-city of Knoxville.

    Residents are placed in safe, hospitable host homes in the inner-city neighborhoods of Knoxville for the duration of the program (August-May). While accommodations vary from home to home, each resident will have a private room and will have the opportunity to share meals with their host family.

  • 6) A practical graduate degree at an affordable cost.

    Telos Residents are enrolled in the MA of Strategic Ministry program at Johnson University during the 10-month residency. This program consists of in-person learning with Johnson professors, interactive on-line learning, and hands-on field experience through the paid internship. We are able to provide this degree at an extremely affordable cost (about $11,000).

  • 7) Dedicated time and interaction with catalytic kingdom leaders & teachers.

    We connect residents with the best and brightest missional practitioners in Knoxville and beyond. We seek answers to the important questions of life and ministry from church, non-profit, and business leaders of diverse backgrounds and theological traditions.

  • 8) One-on-one mentoring, and honest and confidential peer-group experiences.

    We pair each resident with a mature Christian leader for ongoing support and mentoring throughout the program. Residents also meet regularly to share and process openly about life and vocation in an environment of grace, trust, and vulnerability.

  • 9) A healthy and sustainable pace of work and rest, service and study, action and reflection.

    Jesus had a rhythm of life that is so rare in our world today. He knew when to work hard and when to rest well. We aim for balance of work and rest in our program. We engage deeply and fully, but then step away for regular times of sabbath, spiritual formation, and retreat.

  • 10) A short-term residency with long-term results.

    These next 10-months of your life will leave a lasting impact on the rest of your life. The experiences and relationships you cultivate at Telos Residency will deeply enhance your personal, spiritual, leadership, and vocational development. You will boost your resume with job experience and an advanced degree. And you will network with leaders and practitioners who will be immensely helpful to you in your future endeavors. Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity!