Start by answering a series of foundational questions. What is the purpose of the internship? Will the internship be structured around a particular person? Or will the structure and purpose of the internship be established before hiring a suitable intern? How often will the intern meet with a supervising pastor? How will they structure their time together? Do the intern, pastor, and congregation share the same expectations? Have specific goals and objectives been agreed upon and clearly stated? How will the intern know if her or she is meeting expectations? Will the pastor and congregation be open to feedback from the intern? How might this feedback be offered most effectively and in a positive, life-giving way?
Getting the structural questions answered before engaging in hands-on ministry will enable both pastor and intern to enjoy the process of working together toward common, agreed-upon goals before any conflict arises. Not doing so opens up the potential for misunderstanding, miscommunication, and missed opportunities for mutual admiration and growth.
Match as closely as possible the intern’s passion or sense of calling with one of the congregation’s greatest needs. For example, if the intern senses a call to teach and is passionate about developing this gift, look for specific ways the intern might lead studies or teach classes in accordance with the congregation’s greatest area of need or weakness. Is the congregation biblically illiterate in their knowledge of the Old Testament? Commission the intern to develop a series of introductory or survey studies of major themes in the Old Testament. This offers both intern and congregation the potential for ‘productive conflict’ and the opportunity for mutual learning and respect.
Surround the pastor and the intern with a council of advice or support committee. Ministry is difficult enough without placing the additional burden of caring for another soul squarely on the shoulders of a busy pastor. Likewise, there will be times over the course of the internship when an intern will need someone other than the pastor to help process his or her experience. A small group of carefully selected advisors for both the pastor and the intern will aid in keeping everyone pulling in the same direction.
