An intern will read and write on a total of 1,200 pages, 100 pages from each of 12 books, with a focus on connecting biblical theology to leadership in the local church. As a few examples, how the nature of the church shapes our corporate gatherings, how the mission of the church shapes our global missions efforts, and how the nature of the church’s growth in maturity shapes our practice of membership.
Ministry requires the study, but it doesn’t end in the study. Interns will benefit from exposure to a variety of teams and leaders. Minimally, an intern will meet with Trent weekly, join as a guest in twice-monthly elders meeting, and shadow various leaders on Sunday morning. In addition, they are invited to participate in a variety of staff meetings.
In most cases, an intern already has an active ministry of the Word within the church, whether in children’s ministry, youth ministry, elective teaching, and in some cases preaching on Sunday. We add a bit of structure to these opportunities, including opportunities for evaluation from laypeople and leaders.
The apostles led in the ministry of the Word and prayer, and for this reason prayer is the other part of how our interns will lead. This will involve leadership in one of several venues, and usually the design and leadership of several Evening Prayer services throughout the internship.