STUDENT MINISTRIES INTERN Internship/Apprenticeship

1

STUDENT MINISTRIES INTERN Internship/Apprenticeship

Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church, Eau Claire, WI

Full time, 1 year, non-paid, housing available

For the Intern, this is an opportunity to gain practical ministry “boots on the ground” experience, to work in an atmosphere of personal and professional guidance and support. Giving time and freedom to test their gifts and call to vocational ministry, gain real understanding and ability to lead a successful ministry and to develop spiritually and theologically. The focus is on the Intern and not the church or student ministries itself. Our desire is to help develop a young man or woman, who will honor God and be set up for a successful and long-term student ministry of their own.

For the church, the Intern brings practical help and energy to student ministries and provides additional relational ministry within the church body. Our over all mission is to equip workers for the great student harvest that our Heavenly Father is preparing.

ACCOUNTABLE TO

The Student Ministries Intern will be accountable to the Director of Students and their Families. Additional staff members each with extended years of student ministry experience, including the Lead Pastor with 30 years of youth ministry experience, will give supplemental direction during the course of the intern year.

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

The overall objective is to present and show by example the gospel of Jesus Christ to middle school and high school students and to encourage them to grow in their relationship with Christ. Specific activities may include:

·  Plan and carry out activities for students.

·  Develop relationships with youth, parents and volunteer staff through individual and group contact, mail, e-mail, phone, social media and in the community.

·  Meet regularly with the Student Ministry Director and Pastoral Staff for prayer, planning, communication and evaluation.

·  Assist the Student Ministry staff in planning and executing ministry programs. These include MS and HS large groups, small groups, special events, retreats, and missions.

·  Assist the Director of Student Ministry in maintaining a ministry presence in social media outlets.

·  Lead, with direction, one specific area of ministry. Depending on the selected candidate, this area will be matched to the Intern’s experience needs.

·  Time will be spent shadowing in all areas of the church. The goal for this is that the Intern would have a complete understanding of how student ministry fits into the body as a whole. Learning to be an effective team member.

·  Maintain personal, spiritual and professional growth.

·  The student ministries’ intern will have contact and exposure to area campus ministries, specifically Young Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, in order to gain skills in contact ministry and learn of campus on ramps for students.

QUALIFICATIONS TAUGHT *

·  Emotional Maturity: A sense of security rather than people pleasing, not prone to anger, and possessing self-control are essential facets of emotional maturity. The intern will use assessment guides like Strength Finders and Meyers – Briggs to uncover these qualities.

·  Personal Drive: the best student leaders possess their own inner drive to reach more students for Jesus. The intern will discover their S.H.A.P.E. on how God has wired them for the good works he has planned for them.

·  Servant Leadership: Great leaders can follow their leader and possess a heart to serve. The intern will shadow specific leaders at Bethesda, in para- church ministries and area leaders to glean nuggets and insight for their future ministry.

·  Relational Savvy: From a troubled teen to a stressed-out parent, a great student leader possesses relational skills that allow them to listen well, gain respect, offer encouragement, and instill confidence. The intern will role-play and gain skills on practically caring about students and their families.

·  Love for Students: A heart for students helps keep the priority of people over programs. The intern will partner and further develop a prayer base that intercedes for students and their families.

·  Organizational Competence: Organization is critical.Leading a student ministry is like leading a church. The intern will gain insight into budgeting, curriculum development, and In-service volunteer training.

·  Passion for God and Biblical Wisdom: a close and intimate relationship with Jesus, seeking his voice through prayer and scripture. The intern will learn from other leaders the rhythm of Sabbath – abiding and resting.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED

·  Growing commitment to the Christian faith, the body of Christ, and God’s work in the world.

·  Ability to work effectively with students, patience, a real desire to learn, a team player, an openness to take risks and learn from failure.

·  Ability to verbally articulate personal faith.

·  Applicant should be considering a call to full time student ministry.

Foundational Books the Intern will interact with

The First Two Years of Youth Ministry – Doug Fields

Growing Young – Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin

Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture – Walt Mueller

Do They Run When They See You Coming? Jonathan McKee

Speaking to Teenagers – Doug Fields and Duffy Robbins

TIME and TRAVEL COMMITMENT

Anticipated dates are September 1, 2017 through August 15,2018 (negotiable). The internship will require approx. 40 hours per week, including most Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, with flexible days and evening hours during the week. Approximately 2-3 weeks of ministry program travel, three weeks of vacation.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

Housing option is available. All ministry expenses are provided. Internship or Field Experience credit can be earned based on the granting institution.

EVALUATIONS

Formal evaluation will occur at eight weeks and at the end of the assignment, along with weekly meetings with The Director of Students and Their Families. Pastoral Staff will participate in the formal evaluations. Additional assessments can be provided in accordance, if needed, with the intern’s academic institution requirements if the Intern is receiving Field Experience credit.

(Adapted from Dan Reiland’s 7 Traits of the Best Student Pastors):

YOUTH MINISTRY INTERN APPLICATION

Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church

123 West Hamilton Avenue

Eau Claire, WI 54701

Please submit the following to Eric Johnson at:

5  Cover letter

5  Resume

5  Names and contacts for three references – one must be from Clergy