Church Internships

Product Details

Internships don’t have to be exclusive to the business world. Discover ways you can develop an internship program in your ministry.

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Guest: Rev. Jeff Cloeter is an author and a parish pastor in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a sixth-generation pastor whose ministry has also included camps, youth ministry, and church planting.

Introduction: Internships don’t have to be exclusive to the business world. Discover ways you can develop an internship program in your ministry.

Summary:

• An established internship program—intentional leadership development—is appropriate for churches and ministries of any size
• One picture of a church internship program
  • Individuals who report to a different staff person or mentor
    • Youth ministry
    • Children and family ministry
    • African ministry (2 interns here)
    • City-campus ministry
  • Interns meet with pastor monthly
  • Church pays them a stipend
  • Church wants to foster a culture of replication and empowerment
    • Value the individual
    • Invest in each one as a person
  • Goals for the program
    • Grow each intern as a person, not simply to create a future employee
    • Have a “farm-league” in place; a chance to do ministry
    • “Send” them—to be significant parts of a church wherever they go
    • Give them a picture of ministry, possibly to be in ministry full-time
  • Age range is arbitrary—could even be a younger child or an adult—less about age than interest in the role
  • How to get started, pilot a program
    • Use established “institutional” interns
    • Try summer youth interns, get help with specific events
    • Start with one position and grow into more positions
  • Tips and cautions
    • Start simply
    • Identify the right people
    • Be clear on expectations and then follow up
    • Communicate regularly
    • Include specific tasks AND spiritual growth
    • Watch for God to work: what will you learn from the interns?
    • Begin now—don’t wait!

Resources:

• The Bible, especially the gospels, the epistles
• Look for churches in your area who might have resources
• Younglife
• InterVarsity