The leadership of our church saw a need in the body that was all too common, people wanting to serve and commit themselves deeply to the Lord but not knowing what their gifts and skills are, much less how to apply them to ministry. It was out of this perception, and the desire of a few men in our body to get a hands-on feel for being pastors, that the Intern Program was born. It is our hope to provide the answers here.

What Exactly Is The Intern Program?

It is basically a training program for people who want to know more about in depth service to the Lord. It will help you discover your talents and gifts and then give you an opportunity to put them to use in many areas of ministry so that you find which area or areas are most suited to your desire to serve and to your capabilities. The purpose of the program is summed up in Ephesians 4:11-15, "It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ...." Pastor Chik writes, "We understand that we cannot dictate the call on one's life; however, we can confirm, equip and give support to those seeking to grow in service and faith. It is our desire to provide as much information and training as we can, so the person wanting to grow 'into ministry' will do so profitably."

Is It Just For People Who Want To Be Pastors?

Absolutely not. The program is designed to reveal to you the area of ministry you would be most apt to fill, from Children's Ministry to Deaconship, from Worship to Evangelism. Chik states, "In the ministry there are many calls and diverse timings involved. No two people travel the same path at the same time, nor are they called to fill the same function in the body of Christ. Everyone has his own unique gift mix to serve Christ with. Each one has a timetable set by God to move into their various ministries. In understanding that, we have set up a program that combines a general format and an individual one as well."

Is It For Men Only?

No. The Intern Program is not gender-specific. Women are encouraged to participate, especially if they have ever considered leading a Home Fellowship, being a Deaconess, or even just desire a deeper walk in service to our Lord. The intent of the program is that it will "provide you with the tools necessary to: (1) Discover your gifts; (2) Discover if there is a calling on your life for ministry; (3) Equip you for that call; (4) Prepare you for some of the 'pitfalls' of ministry; and (5) Give you an opportunity to grow in the knowledge of the Lord." Certainly these provisions are equally granted to men and women.

How Long Does The Program Last?

The design of the program is that it can be completed in a year; however, we have tailored in flexibility if the student needs extra time. We realize that ministry is not accomplished or moved into by a person's fulfilling a set pattern. Instead God prepares each individual at his own rate. In other words, He is not as concerned with how fast you grow, as with how well you grow. For some that means extra time.

What Does It Entail?

Reading required books, attending classes (1st Monday of each month), regular participation in a ministry and the general life of the body, following and observing the pastor's duties, and putting some time in at the church doing whatever will develop your area of ministry. Each person in the program is under the covering of a pastor who meets regularly with his interns and discusses their devotional life, theology, and teaches them the way of managing God's people as well as performing the "necessary elements of ministry".

How Do I Get Started?

Entrance into the program is open to everyone each April and October. All incoming interns will be required to attend an introductory "kick-off" meeting. That meeting will cover commitment and expectations for the length of the intern program.