Discovery Ministry School (DMS) logo dark

Bridge the gap between your now and your next.

STRONG CHURCHES NEED STRONG LEADERS.

Our Mission is to equip and deploy leaders called to grow Word and Spirit, disciple-making churches.

2 Timothy 2:2

APPLY NOW

12 Month Orlando-Based Multi-site Ministry School

PERSONALIZED JOB PLACEMENT

Customized ministry career plan and connections.

PAID RESIDENCY

Real ministry. Real responsibility. Real support.

Powered by Word and Spirit

Instructed by Scripture, empowered by the Spirit.
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You don’t have to start your ministry journey alone. Join a team that equips, mentors, and empowers you for a life of Kingdom impact.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Brittany Thorp
Brittany Thorp
Young Adults
Jessica Owens
Jessica Owens
Young Adults
Brittany Thorp
Brittany Thorp
Young Adults
Jessica Owens
Jessica Owens
Young Adults

EQUIPPING YOU TO LIVE IN YOUR GOD-GIVEN CALLING.

THEOLOGICAL TRAINING

Learn how to think and lead biblically in today’s culture through structured reading and cohort learning.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Develop sustainable spiritual disciples and coaching relationships that last beyond the residency.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Multiply your impact by building systems, apprenticing others, and leading teams effectively.

Personalized Coaching

Weekly one-on-one coaching with a seasoned ministry leader using an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to drive your growth and impact.

MINISTRY SKILLS

Lead volunteers, plan events, and execute ministry initiatives with excellence and confidence.

VIEW OUR MINISTRY TRACKS

LEAD PASTOR

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Forming Lead Pastors who cast vision, lead teams, and steward the health and mission of the local church.

TEACHING PASTOR

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Equipping communicators to faithfully steward Scripture and lead people through clear, compelling biblical teaching.

DISCIPLESHIP

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Understand how to facilitate pathways of spiritual growth that help disciples take their next step.

WORSHIP ARTS

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Lead God’s people into the worship of the Lord through music and the arts.

Young Adults

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Discipling and equipping young adults to live out their faith in community and mission.

STUDENTS

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Invest in students to disciple them toward a deeper relationship with Christ and to live a life that reflects biblical truth.

KIDS

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Equipping leaders to create safe, joyful environments where children grow in faith and experience God alongside their families.
VIEW PROGRAM OVERVIEW

OUR RESIDENTS

Resident Name
Veronica Ragsdale
Students
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Amanda Teagle
Missions
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Andes Giraldo
Associate Pastor
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Bella Martinez
Kids
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Brandon Golding
Sports
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Danielle Cador
Renewal
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Debbie Soni
Young Adults
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Spencer Barrios
Lead Pastor/Young Audlts
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Nate Cloutier
Students
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Micah Norwood
Students
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Kristen Bassett
Young Adults
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Kevin Epifano
Discipleship
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Elaina Hewitt
Students
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DeRay Williams
Teaching Pastor
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FAQs

Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

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The DMS Residency is for individuals who are called to full-time vocational ministry, and enrolled or graduated from college, Bible college, seminary, or another training program.

Who is Discovery Church?

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Our Mission

To make disciples of Jesus (who make disciples of Jesus)

Discovery Church is…

  • Word and Spirit
  • Well Led and Managed
  • Unity Amongst Beautiful Diversity

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When can I start?

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Our residency officially launches in August each year. However, we understand that not everyone’s timeline is the same, so we’re able to accommodate alternative start dates for select candidates.

What is the compensation for the Residency?

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We offer both part-time and full-time paid roles. Compensation depends on your experience, and the specific ministry track you pursue.

Can I work a part-time job during the Residency?

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Yes! Many residents hold a part-time job as long as it fits around their ministry schedule and responsibilities.

Do I need an undergraduate degree?

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Residents must have completed or be in the final year of an undergraduate program. Seminary training is preferred for certain ministry tracks but not required for all.

WHO WILL I BE LEARNING FROM?

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You’ll be coached and mentored by our Pastors and Ministry Directors. You’ll also get to learn alongside other residents as you grow together in leadership, ministry skills, and spiritual development.

IS HOUSING PROVIDED?

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If you’re moving to Orlando for the residency, we’ll help you explore housing options, including potential guest host homes or other local solutions.

WHERE IS THE MINISTRY SCHOOL LOCATED?

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Discovery Church
881 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32809

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM OVERVIEW?

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VIEW PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Host Family Info

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Host homes provide a safe, welcoming environment for residents while they pursue ministry training.

LEARN MORE

Marcus Bieschke

MARCUS BIESCHKE

Executive Director

Marcus has invested nearly 30 years helping people discover and live out their calling in Christ. As a pastor and leadership coach, he has served churches around the world, equipping leaders and strengthening local churches to become disciple-making movements. He holds a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Strategic Leadership from Regent University’s School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School with emphases in Launching New Ventures, Innovation, Negotiation, and Leadership Development. His training blends deep theological conviction with practical leadership development. Marcus currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Discovery Church’s Sand Lake Campus and as the Executive Director of the Discovery Ministry School. Marcus and his wife, Annie, have been married 29 years and have four children. At the core of Marcus’s life is a simple but driving belief: the Church truly is the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) and when leaders are formed well, churches flourish. He is passionate about investing in multiple generations of ministry leaders who want not just to do ministry, but to build healthy, multiplying, Word-and-Spirit churches that bring the hope of Jesus to a spiritually hungry world.

Cody Stanley

CODY STANLEY

Director of Program and Training

Cody Stanley loves helping people experience the joy of following Jesus. He has a broad pastoral experience, including roles as a Pastor of Students, Associate Campus Pastor, and Discipleship Pastor. This pastoral experience is combined with a robust background in teaching, digital media education, curriculum design, writing, and television production. Cody currently serves as the Director of Discipleship at Discovery Church and the Director of Program and Training at the Discovery Ministry School. He holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Judaic Studies from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary.

Rocky Barra

ROCKY BARRA

Director of Recruitment and Coaching

Rocky Barra brings over 20 years of strategic ministry and leadership development experience. He has served at Discovery Church since 2001, developing leaders across roles spanning Worship Arts, and currently serves as Director of Recruitment and Coaching for the Discovery Ministry School. With training in ministry, management, and human resources, Rocky has helped churches and organizations identify and develop leaders with clarity and purpose. He combines multi-site ministry experience with proven recruiting and coaching expertise to build healthy teams and develop leaders for lasting Kingdom impact.

WAYS TO GIVE

Give Now
  1. ONLINE | discoverychurch.org/GIVEONLINE
  2. APP | Church Center App
  3. TEXT | text GIVE [Amount] to 833.548.6548
  4. CHECK | mail to 881 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809
  5. OFFERING BOXES | located around our facilities