Tips for Churches Looking for Summer Ministry Interns
As a freshman sitting in my first ministry classes at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, I was immediately shown the importance of summer internships. I did not pursue one after that year, but I worked in a church the summer after my sophomore year. After that experience, I can confirm just how helpful an internship is to a ministry student. Through that opportunity, I was introduced to many individuals that came alongside me and taught me important things about ministry and the Christian walk.
When the students return to campus after the summer, I always ask my fellow ministry majors how their summer internships went (if they took one). Through these conversations and my personal experiences in searching for internships, I have noticed a few things that churches could do to make the process easier for students:
1. Start the process around February
February? That seems so early!
Regardless, churches should begin their search for a summer ministry intern around this time. Why? Because that is when ministry students are looking for them. We know how insane our semester is going to get, so we want to have our summer plans nailed down by midterms. I have noticed that most ministry students have a solid idea of where they'll be serving in the summer by Easter. If you want your internship to reach the most prospects, start your process around February.
2. Connect with the Professors at the nearest Bible college/university
My university's regional reach covers all of Ohio, all of West Virginia, and Eastern Kentucky. There are quite a few churches in those areas that might not personally know any ministry students at my school. If you want to find a summer ministry intern that will fit well with your church, connect with one of the Bible/Ministry Professors at your closest source. When I was searching for a ministry internship for this summer, my first action was to ask my professors if they knew of any opportunities. These people are constantly pouring into the ministry students. They are going to know the students very well, and will be a church's best chance of connecting with a fantastic summer ministry intern.
3. Treat the selection process like any other job
- Have the prospective interns send in a résumé. (They need to learn how to do it if they don't already know.)
- Have a clear job description in their possession ASAP.
- Set up an interview. If distance is an issue, there are many ways to set up an online interview. (Skype, Facetime, Google Hangouts, etc.)
- Please, please, PLEASE keep in clear communication with your prospects throughout the whole process.
- Be kind and courteous if the student declines the offer (they are usually juggling two or three different summer options.)
My experience is that of a ministry student. These tips are geared towards making the process easier for the students. I don't know how things work on the opposite side, so I would love a dialogue or discussion to be established by this. In the end, I hope that this helps more churches and students connect because summer ministry internships are extremely beneficial to ministry students (and hopefully the churches as well).
Peace and blessings,
Caleb Gibbs
