A year ago, I was asked to be an intern in youth ministry. The pay was only $100 a month, but still I jumped at the chance. Most of the senior staff here started out as interns.
I’m twenty-one years old and a junior in college, preparing for seminary. I’m single, which means less living cost, but I still struggle financially. That’s why I do part-time custodial work at the church.
School, interning, and custodial work add up to a full schedule. But I’m not complaining. This past year has given me a great amount of training and tremendous insights into what ministry is all about.
Each Monday begins by meeting with the minister of youth to clarify dates and appointments. Since I’m in charge of the volunteer staff, he and I talk at length about how best to train them for their task. The rest of the day is filled with appointments with young people, phone calls, and lesson preparation.
Tuesday and Thursday are devoted to college.
On Wednesday morning, I prepare my Sunday morning lesson and do administration. I also have reading assigned by the staff to expose me to theology and New Testament studies. The evening is a highlight: our “Journey” program, which means eighty to a hundred youth in the sanctuary for praise, singing, and Bible study. I get personally involved with the students and make contacts for appointments afterward and through the week.
On Friday, I finish preparing for Sunday. I also check with the support staff to make sure they’re ready.
That evening and on Saturday, I do my custodial work.
While I’ve described a typical week, nothing is typical about an intern’s life. I found it both fulfilling and frightening to occupy the pulpit this past summer. It was an entirely new experience from teaching Sunday school or speaking to a youth group.
I was also involved in summer camp program planning and was in charge of a number of adult counselors. On occasion, the staff exposes me to the programs of evangelism, discipleship, music, and the administration of the church. In staff meetings, I get to see how Christian ministers can disagree and handle conflict in an orderly way.
Internship is part of my formal education. What I’m learning here can’t be gained by reading books or attending classes. While my greatest fulfillment at present is working with students, I realize that someday I’ll be working with all groups of the church as a senior minister. To have a small taste of that now is invaluable.
-Rodney B. Kennedy
Oxnard, California
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