General Internship Information & Process
A win-win relationship
Since 1974, Ambrose University College's undergraduate theology school has provided students with an extended in-depth ministry experience under the guidance of a pastor or ministry leader. Internship allows the student to experience hands-on ministry and to learn from the example, insight, and feedback of a more experienced Christian worker.
In most cases, undergraduate theology students complete an internship before starting the last year of their program (please check Academic Calendar for pre–requisites). In the old curriculum, internships lasted from three months to a year and were worth 3 or 6 credits. Now, the new academic requirement for internships is 5 months and worth 12 credits. We match students with churches or ministries to accommodate the needs of both. The Field Education Department makes the final appointment.
Reap the Benefits
The mentor and host church or ministry receive:
- enthusiasm and fresh perspective of a college student
- intern's unique ministry contribution to the church
- satisfaction of helping to shape the life of a future pastor, missionary, or Christian worker
- benefit of an excellent mentor training seminar
The intern receives:
- the field experience needed to translate theory into practice
- insight into the joys, struggles, and lessons of ministry
- the opportunity to grow spiritually and to develop ministry skills
- healthy models for relationships with God, family, and friends in conjunction with full-time ministry
How much time is involved?
Internships are fulltime and last from three to five months to a year. We match students with churches or ministries to accommodate the needs of both.
The Process
- Students are interviewed during the fall semester. Interested churches are sent assesment tools in the fall semester.
- Host churches or ministries are selected by the Director of Field Education and matched with an intern.
- Hosts are notified that they will be getting an intern in February — March time period.
- Mentors and students attend the Internship seminar held on campus in late April.
Ready to take part?
If you want to be a part of this exciting ministry experience for a college student, please fill out and return the form below. If you have any questions contact: Dr. Arch Wong-Director of Field Education/Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies.
| Internship Documents | |
| Internship Manual 2008 - All Sections | Download |
| Internship Evaluation Forms 2008 - Section F | Download |
| Internship Assessments for North America 2008 - Section J | Download |
For more information contact:
Arch Wong
Phone 1.403.410.2000
Fax 1.403.571.2556
awong@ambrose.edu
Role of the Mentor
The mentor:
- attends an internship seminar prior to the internship
- prepares the congregation for the intern's arrival
- meets weekly with the intern to engage in reflection, evaluation, and encouragement
- appoints a lay consultant to work with the intern from a layperson’s point of view
- completes and returns a mid and final evaluation of the intern
Resources for the Mentor
- Internship Seminar
At the Internship Seminar, held in Calgary in late April each year, mentors and interns meet and establish the groundwork for their relationship. The three day workshop features dynamic group interaction, guided in-depth discussion, and fellowship with other pastors, Christian workers, interns and college personnel. Thus, the overall purposes of the internship seminar are: 1) Build healthy relationship between the mentor, intern, and the school; 2) Emphasize the importance of soul nurture in the internship; and 3) Build skills and reflect on ministry practice. - Internship Manual
Ambrose's school of undergraduate theology provides a detailed manual outlining objectives and guidelines for the program. It contains training models, suggestions for weekly conferences, and a wealth of resources including relational exercises and administrative/time management tools. - Assessment Tools
During the internship, periodic assessments are used to assess the intern's progress. These assesments are then used to guide intern's in crafting future ministry and to help them in their final year of studies.
Financial Responsibility
The church or ministry provides:
- Transportation costs for their representative(s) to attend the Internship Seminar in Calgary. (Materials, food and lodging are supplied by Ambrose)
- Room and board travel, and other ministry-related expenses for the intern including extra funds for travel and social times associated with their ministry. There should be as much privacy as possible (e.g. a room of one's own for a single student and a suite or other private accommodation for a couple).
- Monthly allowance to cover the intern's personal needs. Single interns currently receive a minimum of $300 and married interns a minimum of $500 per month.
- Love offering on behalf of the student at the completion of the internship. Interns are not paid a salary and the love offering is often the only source of funds enabling them to complete their training.