Preparing leaders for life, ministry, & global Gospel advancement


We will begin accepting applications for 2024-2025 on Monday, November 6th

Our Mission

The Cross Church School of Ministry is a one-year ministry residency experience preparing leaders for life, ministry, and global Gospel advancement.

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Ministry Tracks

You will have hands-on ministry experience with a Cross Church staff member in one of the following areas.

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Church Planter

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Missions

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Pastoral Care

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Media

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Mens

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Womens

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Singles

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Adults

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Young Adults

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College

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Student

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Childrens

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Preschool

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Worship

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Discipleship

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Pastoral

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Español

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Compassion & Benevolence

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Church Administration

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Christian School Administration

Hear From our Endorsements

R. Albert Mohler, Jr

R. Albert Mohler, Jr

President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"The most important context for the training of ministers is in the local church, and I am so glad that Cross Church and Dr. Ronnie Floyd are establishing this new program for the training of ministers within the life and ministry of one of the world’s most dynamic and faithful churches. Southern Seminary is proud to be in partnership with this new program and we expect great things from those who will be trained by it and sent out into the world."
Daniel L. Akin

Daniel L. Akin

President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"The Cross Church School of Ministry is exactly the kind of partnership between local churches and seminaries that is changing the landscape of theological education and ministry training. D.A. Carson, the outstanding New Testament scholar, called such a vision 'utopian.' Well utopian has arrived! This method of equipping ministers of the gospel makes the future for the expansion of the Kingdom of King Jesus bright indeed."
Nick Floyd

Nick Floyd

Senior Pastor, Cross Church

“The Cross Church School of Ministry is a training center for men and women who have a burning desire to fulfill the Great Commission. The Cross Church staff will invest their lives in you so that one day you will turn around and invest yours for the sake of the Gospel.”
Dale Hudson

Dale Hudson

Founder & Director, Building Children's Ministry

"The time I spent gleaning from Dr. Ronnie Floyd and the staff team at Cross Church was invaluable for my ministry. The investment they made in my life was a game-changer for me. Spend time under their leadership and you will be infused with passion, vision, and practical ministry tools. If you're serious about preparing for ministry, then connect with leaders who don't just talk about ministry, but live it in the context of a thriving local church. Be a part of the Cross Church School of Ministry!"

See What Our Residents are Saying

Hear from 2020-21 Graduates

When Dr. Crawford approached me about the Cross Church School of Ministry I knew that this school was unlike any other educational training program. The opportunity to learn from ministers at such an established church was something that drew me in quickly. Combining Dr. Crawford’s natural ability to teach and lead with a Cross Church staff member’s ability to execute is something that will benefit me for the rest of my career in ministry.

Looking ahead, I am expecting to be challenged both academically and professionally as I work with various staff members in various ministry settings. I expect to enhance my understanding of church ministry, as well as my understanding of leadership. Most importantly, I expect to be used by Cross Church and the School of Ministry in order to advance the kingdom of God.

Dave Kinney

College Ministry Alumnus

When God called me into the ministry at 18-years-old, I never imagined that I would be a part of the Cross Church School of Ministry. I thought that upon the completion of my Master’s degree I would be working in a church. God had other plans. I took a step of faith and moved to Northwest Arkansas shortly after I completed my education. I lived here for 8 months unemployed. I was downright angry and frustrated with God. “Why not me, Lord?” “Why are you holding me back?” This was a daily prayer of mine. I came into contact with Keith Harmon, student pastor of Cross Church Springdale, and soon thereafter became an intern in the Cross Church student ministry. While I was content with where I was, I kept pursuing full time ministry jobs. With no opportunities on the horizon, soon my frustration came back. I honestly had given up hope for a ministry job. Soon thereafter Pastor Ronnie Floyd cast the vision for the Cross Church School of Ministry. I began to immediately pray about if this was where God was leading me. In the following months, I met with Dr. Jeff Crawford and I was sold on joining the first cohort of students. Yes, I am out of seminary, but I believe that this experience will better prepare me for ministry. As a resident minister, I do ministry not from behind a desk but on the frontlines. The Cross Church School of Ministry helps me apply what I learned in seminary. Mordecai tells Esther in Esther 4:14, “who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” The Sovereign Lord brought me here, to the Cross Church School of Ministry, for such a time as this to study under great men of God and prepare myself for real world ministry experience. I am excited about what God is going to do in this next year in my life. Glory to God!

Eric Michalls

Pastoral Care Ministry Alumnus