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I am on a journey to see how God will use me in this messy thing called the "Church." While on that journey I have just recently moved to a new role as a Sr. Pastor. Not real sure what that means really, but God is moving and I will follow the wave as it goes.

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Important lessons for Interns

May 23rd, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

What a great time for churches to be pouring into the lives of those who want to be in ministry.  Every year we bring in a team of interns and run them through the gaunlet in hopes of them leaving feeling more prepared for ministry.  Although at times it can be difficult to manage an intern.  If you have ever worked with one or even been one you can probably remember times when some things just did not fit.  We always tell interns not to do something stupid and have a rule named after them.

At any rate internships are a great opportunity for the church to pour into the lives of college students who are wanting to do ministry.  On Tuesday I will be teaching a class to our interns on things that no one tells them but they need to know.  Here are a few of the things that I will be addressing with them:

  • Always order cheaply when someone else is paying
  • Your voice mail should be respectful
  • You should have a real email address

These are just a few of the things I want to talk about.  Shoot me any suggestions that you have so I can prepare for this time of teaching.

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  • http://mattcleaver.com Matt Cleaver

    A few of the things I’m thinking about teaching my first intern this summer:

    #1 – Take care of yourself. In many churches, if you don’t look out for yourself, no one will. Time off, sabbath, etc.

    #2 – Written rules and values are almost always meaningless. It’s the unspoken things that really matter.

    #3 – Your biggest job as an intern is to ask questions. This is supposed to be an educational experience, so make it one. If we think you are asking something you need to figure out on your own, we’ll tell you.

    #4 – What is the difference between a budget line-item and a liability fund? Just because we have $100,000 in the bank, does that mean we have $100,000 to spend? Basic accounting will help them understand how the money stuff works.

    Those are some random thoughts. From more of the supervisory side, we had some really top-notch suggestions on this post on my blog. I don’t usually point out my blog like this, but I was really impressed by the quality of material in the comments section.

  • http://lowercasevoice.com Freddy

    1.) we live life in a fish bowl
    2.) leadership is two things; ability to set direction and the ability to make the tough call

    thats top of head with a bunch a students here… ill have to think more for you…

    F

  • http://kylelreed.wordpress.com Kyle L Reed

    For interns (my expierence at least)
    would be to shut up and listen and don’t think you have this thing figured out.
    As well, try to find out your job description/role.
    If that is not defined by the youth minister, you need to have that conversation with him or her.

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