The Philosophy of Internship

Internship is an integral part of preparation for ministry. It provides the intern with an extended, in–depth practice of ministry for the purpose of integrating classroom input with field experience. In addition, internship seeks to provide our interns with a working relationship with another person in ministry, rather than just a place to carry out practical Christian service. We hope to expose the intern to all forms and facets of ministry but our primary focus in this experience is on the intern as a disciple in development and on the pastor–mentor as a teacher–leader. The intern is on the road to discovery and needs to be directed by the mentor to new points of maturity through the practice of ministry.

Internship, therefore, can be understood in three ways:

1. As an opportunity for application of theological truth to the practice of ministry;
2. As a means of acquiring (discovering) and developing ministerial skills;
3. As an aspect of education for ministry, which fosters theological awareness, and analysis of the contemporary church.

Although a particular geographical location or the ministry emphasis of a mentor may cause one aspect to be stressed more than the others, all three should be developed. By mutual agreement between intern and mentor, certain areas may need special attention, depending on the intern’s background and experience in ministry.

The Learning Objectives of Internship

1. Explore and evaluate their personal identity as a ministering part of the Body of Christ;
2. Discover the areas of their greatest personal effectiveness within the ministry of the church;
3. Evaluate lifestyle issues and ways of relating to others as they affect personal growth and ministry;
4. Assess the attitudes and values they hold vis–à–vis people, ministry, culture, and life in general;
5. Measure their ability to relate to their fellow workers and to the programs of the church;
6. Analyse a ministry situation and set realistic goals and strategies to meet the needs discovered in the analysis;
7. Evaluate ministry involvement in terms of personal growth, progress toward goals, effectiveness of methods, strengths and weakness;
8. Integrate more fully their theological and doctrinal points of view with practical experience.

Internship Requirements

An internship approved by the Field Education department is required for the Master of Divinity programs, the Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministries, and the Master of Arts in Leadership and Ministry program. The Director of Field Education assists in locating and approves appropriate internships.

For students who already have extensive ministry experience, an alternative ministry coaching requirement is available. The ministry coaching experience is an accountability relationship with a colleague in ministry and provides another way of enhancing theological reflection in the context of ministry with a ministry peer. For more information, please contact the Director of Field Education.

The following prerequisites must be successfully completed by the end of the Winter semester before an internship or coaching can be considered:

The minimum amount of time for a ministry internship is 3 months on a full–time basis in a ministry context, usually in a church setting. Part–time ministry internships are permitted with the approval of the Director of Field Education. Full and part–time ministry internships usually start in May or September. To prepare for ministry internship, students must apply to the internship program the September prior to starting an internship. All potential ministry interns are given an assessment packet (a small fee is charged for this) to assess readiness for internship. The appointment of an internship field site will be approved usually in February. This is followed by a 3–day compulsory Internship Seminar in late April for all ministry interns and mentors.

The goal of the Internship Seminar is to prepare the intern and mentor for an effective internship. The goals of the Internship Seminar are:

1. To build healthy relationships between the mentor, intern and the seminary;
2. To help the intern and mentor understand the importance of soul nurture;
3. To address ministry practice and theological reflection issues.

In order to make the most of the internship experience, student interns meet weekly with their mentor for evaluation and feedback sessions. To ensure that the student is actively involved in ministry, an internship contract, which specifies types and frequency of an intern’s ministry involvement, is signed by both the intern and supervising mentor before internship begins. Moreover, field advisors will visit the internship site to give formative assessments.

The intern receives a monthly allowance, room and board, travel allowance while ministering, and a love offering at the end of internship from the assigned church. Churches from various denominations participate in the Ambrose internship program. The Seminary reserves the right to place students in participating churches.

Intercultural Internship

The Intercultural Internship is done concurrently with the course WM 705 Mentoring for Intercultural Effectiveness and can be done on a full or part–time basis. Because of the nature of the intercultural internship, the 3–day internship seminar is not required. Instead, the following process is followed for intercultural interns:

1. The student secures the field site, which is approved by the Chair of Intercultural Ministries Department and Director of Field Education;
2. The student fulfils course requirements for WM 705 and the assessments and learning contract from the Field Education Department;
3. The student arranges the financial and living arrangements with the field site.

Ready to take part?

If you want to be a part of this exciting ministry experience for a seminary 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.

For more information contact:

Arch Wong
Phone 1.403.410.2000
Fax 1.403.571.2556
awong@ambrose.edu