What do you mean by internship?
Summer Internships are intensive service learning environments whereby experiential education, learning, and spiritual development occur within the context of Christian ministry and service in the community. Through intentional relationships directed by ministry leaders and staff, spiritual formation, leadership, and vocational skills are developed and given opportunities to strengthen and grow.
What does an internship entail?
Summer Internships function more like leadership positions, as an extension of the permanent ministry staff. Therefore, the role of the intern will be to participate as part of a team that seeks to fulfill the vision and mission of the church or ministry- making the gospel visible through deeds of mercy and words of truth.
During the weeks when the ministry is hosting short-term ministry teams, the intern will assist in the preparation, orientation, and deployment of teams into the community. In this capacity, interns assist teams through various aspects of mercy ministry. However, the primary role of the intern is to act as a liaison between the visiting teams and community partners so as to help build and deepen community partnerships and relationships. It is in this way that God uses relationships to build bridges for the gospel that benefit and bless the community, the recipient of mercy, and the one who serves.
It cannot be stated enough, though interns prepare and assist with details for VBS, construction, and work projects, their main function is relational. Their number one focus is “People, not projects.” Yet because projects are also important, interns also help facilitate the logistics surrounding outreach opportunities. This includes but is not limited to such tasks as helping manage projects, leading teams, scheduling, ordering and delivery of construction materials, meal preparation, and cleanup.
Also, because of the dynamic nature of mercy ministry, flexibility and patience are essential tools, more important than hammers, saws, and drills. Likewise, because we live in a fallen world, struggling with and against habitual sin patterns, it is imperative that interns seek to serve from a posture of humility, being willing to receive and extend forgiveness and mercy- to themselves, their co-workers, team leaders, team members, community partners, ministry staff, and fellow interns. Remember, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). He is always at work, delighting to reveal Himself in the most unforeseen and seemingly insignificant ways. As C.S. Lewis famously wrote, “Aslan is on the move.” Our prayer is that you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)
Is this a paid internship?
Many Summer Internships are volunteer and unpaid while others provide financial compensation. For unpaid internships you will have the opportunity to raise financial support, similar to the way foreign missionaries raise their support in order to serve overseas. Your ministry contact should be able to provide you with the resources to assist you in the process of raising support.
The MNA ShortTerm Ministry research Internship (MRI) is a paid Summer Internship, providing compensation of $2,500-$3,000 for the duration of the internship. For more information, please refer to the MNA ShortTerm Internship Handbook for Interns and Host attachment at the bottom of the FAQ heading, MNA ShortTerm Ministry Research Internship (MRI).
How many people will I be working alongside?
The permanent staff will vary depending upon the size of the church staff and ministry. Likewise, the number of interns also depends on the size and scope of the work. Several of our Ministry Partners will have as many as 8 Interns each Summer. These are details that will be communicated in the interview and orientation process.
Will an orientation and training be provided?
Upon acceptance as a Summer Intern, your Ministry Partner (Host) will provide basic information to help you prepare for the internship program. At this time most of your questions will be answered. You will also be given a list of what to bring, when to arrive, and where to go.
Upon arrival, you will receive an orientation to help you function effectively and comfortably in your new environment. A typical orientation includes but is not limited to the following; 1) General information about the daily and weekly work schedule; 2) A review of the ministry, it’s vision and mission, operation, and the intern’s contribution to the ministry; 3) A detailed presentation of policies, duties and responsibilities, etc... Training will also be provided as part of your orientation and will continue for the duration of your internship. The keys to personal growth- Always be curious. Always be a learner.
For the MNA ShortTerm Ministry Research Internship, once the Ministry Partner (Host) has extended an offer to participate in the Ministry Research Internship, the MNA ShortTerm Liaison will contact the intern to make introductions and welcome them to the program.
Where will I live?
In most cases housing and meals will be provided by the ministry but will vary based upon the terms of service for the particular ministry. Normally you will be on your own for the cost of means on your off days, along with the cost of snacks and other incidentals. You will also be responsible for expenses incurred while traveling to or from the internship. Clarification of details will be provided in the interview and orientation process.
Will I need my own transportation?
Interns are required to provide their own transportation unless otherwise stated and agreed upon by the MNA Ministry Partner (Host). You will also need an up-to-date driver’s license and insurance.
How many hours a week will I be working?
Weekly schedule will be determined by each MNA Ministry Partner (Host) and will vary depending upon whether the ministry is hosting short-term teams that particular week. It is safe to assume that interns will work 40+ hours a week and include day(s) and time off. Terms of service will be discussed in the interview and orientation process.
Time Off
Day(s) off will be built into the weekly schedule as determined by each MNA Ministry Partner (Host). Interns are expected to fulfill the contract agreement to serve for the dura\on of the internship. Time away for more than day(s) off must be communicated to the MNA Ministry Partner (Host) prior to acceptance of internship. This would include planned or scheduled event(s) made prior to applica\on and submission to the internship program. Family emergencies and health related issues are the excep\on. All communicaion of said events will be directed to the MNA Ministry Partner (Host) and internship supervisor.
Can I receive a credit for my internship?
In many cases, you can receive credit for your internship and most of our Ministry Partners will do their best to work with the requirements of your school to make this possible. Please make this known during the interview and orientation process.
