Interns

I am working on finalizing the overview of our new summer internship program with the student ministry at our church.  I am a strong believer in internships in ministry.  Far too often, many young men and women are thrust out into the position with not a lot of hands-on training.  They may have tons of classroom training, but let’s face it… the real experience comes from hands-on.  That’s where one learns how to properly use that “classroom training.”

I want our student ministry intern program to be something that will benefit both the intern and the student ministry.  Too many times interns are used as “gophers” and not properly trained.  If we can take advantage and do internships right, then maybe we can help sideline many of the problems that young ministers have early in their ministries.

Now, here’s where you can help me out.

• Do you have an internship program with your student ministry?  If so, what does it look like?
• What are some books or other resources that you would recommend to a person just getting started in student ministry?
• What are some areas that you think should be covered in a student ministry internship program?