STAFF-ALAKA’I

The Staff-Alaka’i Residency is a volunteer program (a missionary role) intended for those who have progressed beyond the 3-month residency and are ready to lead with our staff.

Come spend one full year (3 sessions) with us as a leader activating younger leaders, pouring into the mission of HLR. You yourself will be trained— by Makanalani, Genesis Collective, our staff— for your own future adventures of ministry and calling.

This role is an incredible opportunity for those who want a taste of vocational ministry and thrive in a dynamic setting— one moment you’re leading residents in Bible study and worship, the next your hands are in the dirt farming, the next you’re baking sourdough bread, and the next you’re diving into the logistics of a nonprofit… Here, there’s never a dull moment and plenty of opportunity to grow in God’s calling over your life.

This program is free-of-cost with in-kind provisions mentioned below. We will have 2-6 Staff-Alaka’i in residence at any given time— thus, this is a very selective role compared to the regular residency.

What is an “Alaka’i?”

Alaka’i is a Hawaiian word meaning “leader” or “guide,” with an emphasis on service and living out taught principles. Staff-Alaka’i main functions are:

• Mentor/Teacher: leading residents to Jesus (through small groups, teaching, 1-on-1)

• Service Site Supervisor: overseeing functions of farm, production, markets, and kids house

• House Shepherd: providing care and authority to our communal living

• Assistance to Directors / Coordinators: programming and hospitality support

How does a Staff-Alaka’i live?

Schedule: We provide a less-than full-time schedule (30 hrs per week) based on residency programming.

Provisions: We make in-kind provisions, including:

• Lodging: a large bedroom (single or shared), and a private bathroom

  • on a 5 acre property in North Shore Kaua’i, 7 minutes from the nearest beach and surf

• Food: 3 meals per day and snacks, regular access to farm-fresh fruit and our leftover organic products

Outside employment: A Staff-Alaka’i gets connected with Makanalani Group local businesses for paid employment opportunities—at Jojo’s Shaved Ice or Chicken in a Barrel. They can schedule paid shifts in their remaining hours (10-15 hours per week) of a “full” week.

Support-raising: A Staff-Alaka’i has access to missionary-style support-raising resources through HLR and Genesis Collective. This—plus the opportunity to pick up shifts— provides pocket-money for remaining expenses: car/gas money, flights home, recreation and rest activities.

Cars: HLR does not provide personal cars to staff/volunteers— we recommend they ship theirs or get one locally. Staff-Alaka’i do have access to resident cars, with the same gas/mileage price and driving limits.

In-between sessions: A Staff Alaka’i is encouraged to stay for at least half of the “in-between" period (when sessions aren’t running), primarily the two weeks before a session to help prepare. Staff-Alaka’i will have the same lodging and food while helping help with production, citrus, markets, and sheep during this time. These weeks host short days, lighter responsibilities, and a quiet house. This is a time to recharge socially and spiritually before the next session.

Travel & Missions: A Staff-Alaka’i may be asked to lead the California tripp—in this scenario, their travel (flights) and food would be covered by HLR. A Staff-Alaka’i may be invited to help us lead an international missions trip, in which their expenses would need to be support-raised.

Specific Tracks:

Each Staff-Alaka’i chooses an available track. All share common ministry responsibilities (high in character, leading small groups and prayer, etc.), house leadership, and help out at least one service site— but these tracks drive their specific focus. Below, the tracks are listed:

• Farm & Land Track (1 Spot Available, male preferably)

  • Focused on leading farm service, progressing land-related projects like an on-property garden

  • Great for someone that thrives in the outdoors, is interested in farming and sustainability, enjoys working with their hands

• Production & Baking Track (1 Spot Available, female preferably)

  • Focused on leading production of farm-to-table products

  • Great for someone interested in production/baking and starting their own small business one day

• General Ministry Track (1 Spot Available)

  • Focused on the culture of the program and spiritual development of residents. Opportunities to: lead Bible study, teach, mentor, lead prayer and worship

  • Great for someone called into further leadership in the Body of Christ

• Administrative Track (1 Spot Available)

  • Focused on growing communication, organization, programming, and scheduling of our nonprofit. Will work closely with coordinators.

  • Great for anyone with a call to administrative ministry, media, or nonprofit work.

  • Looking for someone who is highly organized, structured, and an excellent communicator.

Who are we looking for?

This is a leadership role for those who are ready and have graduated past the main residency in age and maturity. If you’re looking simply for equipping as a leader, you should check out our main program. What are some markers we look for?

• Ideally, ex-residents/interns!

  • & can show up 2 weeks prior to their start session for training and prep

• We are open to outsiders too!***

  • ***but they must come during the session prior* to get trained on service sites— minimum 1 month

  • includes emerging Genesis Collective leaders, other exceptional candidates

• Leadership qualities

  • Loves God, His Spirit, and His Scriptures

  • Demonstrates humility and obedience before the Lord

  • Trustworthy, honest, teachable, adaptable

  • Exceptional communication

  • Has a heart for Gen Z/ young adults

  • Strong work ethic, stewardship

  • hospitable, organizational, and clean

  • Bold to jump in and learn: we are not perfect, but we are proactive

• Ideally, 23-28 years old

  • Has experience/authority to deposit to residents (average resident age= 21).

  • We are open to candidates outside this range if qualified/exceptional.

• Relevant experiences (appreciated, but not required) :

  • Leadership in church or other ministry (esp. young adults)

  • Experience or interest in in: sustainability/farming/landscaping/gardening, baking & food, camp ministry

  • Related degree or career experience

***This role is not compensated employment***

WE ARE ACTIVELY TAKING STAFF-ALAKA’I APPLICATIONS, LOOKING TO FILL 3 SPOTS ASAP