Onesimus Workbook

A PPENDIX • 47

A PPENDIX 4 Church Internships Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Perhaps the most effective method of training leaders to serve in the church is practical internships. This is not unique to church life; dozens of guilds and industries employ internships and apprenticeships as the chosen way of producing their new generation of workers and leaders. Combining the rigors of hard intellectual study, practical experience, and supervised feedback, internships are a powerful and effective way to multiply leaders capable of producing tangible results in diverse study programs. In the same way as is used in such fields as medicine, law, and industry, we can powerfully equip qualified emerging leaders who once were incarcerated to become godly, effective servants of Christ serving in a particular role in the local church. By emphasizing good selection, careful and capable supervision, meaningful assignments, and regular feedback, we can help budding Christian workers to gain invaluable training in a variety of positions, tasks, and roles needed in the life of the church. Definition of Ministry Internships Ministry internships are pre-defined terms of service and learning sponsored in the context of a supportive church/ministry, overseen by capable supervision which is designed to equip the intern in some specific task of church ministry and mission. Look at these elements: • “Pre-defined terms of service and learning.” Church internships should be limited to a specific term of service, with specific rules and guidelines for its length and work. We strongly suggest that some kind of specific, written contract of service be created, spelling out precisely the bounds, privileges, and responsibilities of the internship, including its length, any remuneration offered, terms of service, and all other matters related to the intern’s work and duties. • “. . . in the context of a supportive church/ministry.” Church internships should be connected to a particular church or ministry which has formally agreed to oversee the intern, providing specific training and exposure to an important element of its outreach and service. • “. . . overseen by capable supervision.” Church internships should be connected to specific mentors, supervisors, or leaders who supervise and oversee the intern’s assignment and work.