The Internship Program

The Philosophy of Internship

Internship is a critical part of preparation for Christian ministry and the completion of a student’s professional degree. This is accomplished when students are given an opportunity to experience new opportunities in a safe learning environment while under the guidance of a mature mentor-supervisor. In the field experience, the student-intern is given the occasion to apply biblical knowledge, theological understanding, develop gifts and abilities, and discern vocational readiness. Key to the learning experience is an opportunity for reflective practice with their mentor-supervisor. The internship experience focuses on three core learning outcomes: vocational discernment and readiness, spiritual formation in Jesus Christ, and the integration of theology and practice in ministry.

Therefore, the internship orientation, learning contract, learning modules and assignments, peer-to-peer discussion groups, assessments, and final internship debrief all focus towards providing the student-intern a quality learning experience under the guidance of a mature, mentor-supervisor in the field and in partnership with the Field Education team.

The internship occurs in a ministry context: a church setting, a missions agency, a Christian non-profit organization or camp. The internship is normally a two semester (fall and winter, 8-10 hours/week,) experience, with the possibility of alternative internships for those who prefer a more extensive ministry experience.

The Objectives of Internship

By the end of the internship the student should be able to:

• Discern vocational readiness as they discover areas of personal and professional gifting, ability, and effectiveness in the church or Christian organization, receive feedback, and reflect on their calling and preparation for ministry.
• Grow deeper in formation in Christ as they explore their personal identity within the body of Christ and evaluate their character, behavior, and values as they relate to Christian ministry, the church, culture, and relationships with others.
• Integrate theology and practice in ministry as they analyze ministry situations, set realistic goals and strategies, learn to implement those goals in a ministry context, and continue to reflect on their ministry experiences.

Internship Prerequisites and Requirements

Before the internship can begin in the fall semester, you must meet with the Coordinator of Field Education to ensure the following prerequisites are met:

1. Maintain a minimum Grade Point average (GPA) of 2.7.
2. Complete all necessary prerequisite courses listed in the Seminary Calendar for your degree.                                                                                 
3. Attend Pre-Internship Orientation in the preceeding April before the internship begins.
4. Receive approval from the Dean of Theology and the Coordinator of Field Education.

Master of Divinity (Pastoral Ministries Focus)

• ED 506 Discipleship Practices for the Church
• LE 503 Leadership and Leadership Formation
• MI 502 Intercultural Competence
• NT 502 Synoptic Gospels or OT 502 Pentateuch
• PR 510 Introduction to Preaching and Communication
• PT 501 Personal Formation and Development
• PT 601 Theology and Practice of Worship
• PT 610 Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care or SPC 501 Foundations of Spiritual Care
• THEO 501 The Christian Confession
   

Master of Divinity (Intercultural Ministries Focus)

• MI 502 Intercultural Competence
• MI 503 Mission in Global Perspective
• NT 502 Synoptic Gospels or OT 502 Pentateuch
• PT 501 Personal Formation and Development
• THEO 501 The Christian Confession

Master in Leadership and Ministry

Orientation and Placement

Internship is a two-semester field education experience, spread out over the fall and winter semesters. To prepare for Internship, you must attend the Pre-Internship Orientation in the preceding April before the internship begins. There you will learn about the internship experience, including an overview of the prerequisites, placement process, learning outcomes, and requirements to complete the course.

For the Internship to begin in the fall semester, you must ensure the following been completed/confirmed:

• Attend the Internship Orientation & Preparation online classes in September.
• Complete the Field Education Waiver, Police Check, Ministry Insight Inventory, and Resume. 
• Identify and confirm field placement and supervisor and receive approval from the Dean of Theology and Coordinator of Field Education. 

MDiv Intercultural Internships

Intercultural Ministries students must complete all internship prerequisites before the end of the Winter semester. You’ll complete Intercultural Internship alongside the course MI 705, Mentoring for Intercultural Effectiveness, and you can do so on a full-time (minimum of three months) or part-time basis. Because of the nature of Intercultural Internship, you will follow this process to complete your internship:

1. Secure a field site and write a proposal for Internship, which must be approved by the Professor of Intercultural Ministries and the Coordinator of Field Education.
2. Fulfill course requirements for MI 705 and the assessments and learning contract from the Field Education Department for MI 712 (the Professor of Intercultural Ministries and Coordinator of Field Education will each meet with you to go over course requirements and the syllabus for MI 705 and MI 712 before Internship begins).
3. Make your financial and living arrangements with the field site.
4. Debrief with the Coordinator of Field Education and the Professor of the Intercultural Ministries after you’ve completed the internship.