Equip
This page features the various means that the Holston Baptist Association offers to help equip and support our churches and church leaders
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Pastoral Ministry Cohort
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Annual Summer Internship
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Holston Baptist Bible Institute
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Monday Manna Monthly Pastors Fellowship
Pastoral Ministry Cohort
Across Tennessee, nearly 400 Baptist churches are without pastors. The Holston Baptist Association (HBA) is responding with a ministry pipeline option, in our Pastoral Ministry Cohort.
This free Cohort meets monthly, with each meeting designed to equip and disciple men who sense a call to pastoral ministry. Led by Dr. Troy Rust, HBA’s Associational Mission Strategist with over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, Christian education, and associational leadership, the cohort provides intentional training and mentorship for the work of ministry.
Meeting on the final Tuesday evening of each month from August through May, each gathering includes a shared meal, guided discussion of assigned readings (with all books provided at no cost), and focused teaching. The cohort emphasizes areas often underdeveloped in formal training, including calling and character, preaching, counseling, spiritual disciplines, leadership, people skills, and the dynamics of the local church.
Participants will also gain hands-on preaching experience through regular “reps” within the cohort, along with opportunities to preach in live ministry settings. Beyond the classroom, the cohort fosters meaningful relationships with fellow participants and local pastors, providing encouragement, accountability, and long-term ministry connections.
If you sense a call to pastoral ministry and desire to grow in both conviction and competency, we invite you to take the next step and apply to join the cohort.
Annual Summer Internship
The Summer Ministry Internship is an eight-week program designed to equip and develop young men and women working through a call to ministry. Open to individuals ages 18–25, this internship provides a focused season of hands-on ministry experience, intentional leadership development, and regular discipleship within the context of the local church and associational ministry.
Running annually for eight weeks in June and July, interns serve approximately 20–25 hours per week in a variety of ministry settings across Holston Baptist Association churches and ministries. Rather than being placed in a single role, interns rotate through different ministry assignments based on the needs of our churches, gaining broad exposure to real ministry environments while actively serving in meaningful ways.
This internship is structured, not simply to fill ministry needs, but to invest in and develop those preparing for a lifetime of service. Interns will be equipped through real ministry experience, guided leadership opportunities, and intentional spiritual formation, while also receiving ongoing mentorship and encouragement throughout the summer.
Additionally, interns will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced ministry leaders, including Dr. Troy Rust, our Associational Mission Strategist, and other seasoned leaders within the association.
Interns receive a weekly stipend of $250, along with opportunities to grow in both conviction and competency as they explore and pursue their calling.
If you sense a call to ministry and are looking for a summer that will challenge, equip, and invest in you, we invite you to apply for the Summer Ministry Internship.
Applications for the 2027 Summer Internship will open February 1, 2027
Holston Baptist Bible Institute
Interested in gaining seminary education at an accessible level without moving away? The Holston Baptist Bible Institute features excellent course offerings from Seminary Extension taught by local ministry educators at a cost-effective price point.
Students may audit courses or pursue a variety of Certificate and Diploma degree options for a variety of ministry contexts. Course categories include Biblical, Ethics, History, Theology, and Practical Ministry Studies.
Cost: $50 per course
Location: HBA Offices, 207 University Pkwy, Johnson City, TN 37604
Fall Semester consists of one 16-week term, while Spring Semesters include two 8-week terms.
Upcoming Courses:
Fall Semester 2026
Course Coming Soon
September - December (16 Weeks)
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Description Coming Soon
Textbook: Coming Soon
Spring Term A 2027
Course Coming Soon
January - March (8 Weeks)
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Description Coming Soon
Textbook: Coming Soon
For Further Information: Dr. Troy Rust is the director of the Holston Baptist Bible Institute. He can be contacted at (423) 929-1196 or at troy@holstonba.org .
* Disclosure of Transferability of Credit
Credits earned at Seminary Extension may not transfer to another educational institution. Credits earned at another educational institution may not be accepted by Seminary Extension. You should obtain confirmation that Seminary Extension will accept any credits you have earned at another educational institution before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement. You should also contact any educational institutions that you may want to transfer credits earned at Seminary Extension to determine if such institutions will accept credits earned at Seminary Extension prior to executing an enrollment contract or agreement. The ability to transfer credits from Seminary Extension to another educational institution may be very limited. Your credits may not transfer and you may have to repeat courses previously taken at Seminary Extension if you enroll in another educational institution. You should never assume that credits will transfer to or from any educational institution. It is highly recommended and you are advised to make certain that you know the transfer of credit policy of Seminary Extension and of any other educational institutions you may in the future want to transfer the credits earned at Seminary Extension before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement.
* Credit Transfer
Any student desiring to take Seminary Extension courses in order to transfer them to another school should contact the receiving institution of choice before enrolling with Seminary Extension. Students must meet all the enrollment qualifications and take a monitored final examination provided by Seminary Extension in order for a class to qualify for transfer credit.
Monday Manna
Monthly Pastors Fellowship
On the final Monday of each month, we host a Pastors Fellowship at the Holston Baptist Association. This gathering is open to all pastors in the association.
Each month, we will provide free lunch, and will have a prepared topic for conversation to discuss in the group, for the sake of mutual encouragement and the building up of our pastors in gospel ministry.
Contact the HBA Office at 423-929-1196 or hba@holstonba.org for more information.