Being an intern
If you have ever been interested in pursuing full-time ministry, but weren’t sure if it was for you, then the St Paul’s intern programme is perfect for you!
Our intern programme provides basic training essential for leadership in Christian ministry. By the end of the internship, we hope to see interns grow in their character, conviction, and competencies, and be clearer about what sort of vocation lies in their future. They will do this through participating in the following six core elements:
1. Completion of a Diploma of Theology through Ridley College
Interns will complete a series of eight subjects over two years to qualify for a Diploma of Ministry. Subjects covered include New Testament, Old Testament, theology, as well as ministry experience and cross-cultural mission. Completion of this diploma is recognised as a first year equivalent of a Bachelor of theology, making it an ideal pathway into future training for full-time ministry. Subjects are delivered via a world-class online platform, making it an ideal flexible format to study in conjunction with the internship. Subjects can be paid for via FEE HELP, and full-time equivalent students may qualify for Austudy.
2. One to one training
Interns receive training from a designated staff member of SPCH. During your internship you will:
- Have regular time with your trainer discussing ministry, leadership, and areas of development.
- Be involved in your trainers portfolio, learn on the job about raising and leading a team, read the Bible and pray together, and receive pastoral care.
3. Involvement in staff training and projects
Interns are included in regular staff training, as well as our annual staff conference and other all-staff team events. Interns have access to a highly trained and experienced pastoral ministry team, with opportunities to learn about the full range of pastoral ministry experience.
4. Involvement in Sunday services
Interns learn all about what makes the Sunday service work, through training in and participating in all elements of a Sunday service, from ushering and welcoming through to platform ministries and vergering.
5. Half yearly and yearly reviews
Reports are written and face-to-face reviews are held on the interns progress through the programme, with the view to helping them best discern future pathways after the internship.
6. Support raising
Those accepted into the internship will be trained and assisted to raise their own prayer and financial support themselves. Coaching is provided from experienced Ministry fundraisers.
Rebekah Mann
Ministry Intern
“I have learnt SO much about God throughout the last two years of being a Youth Ministry Intern at St Paul’s. Both through set meetings like ACOM training, as well as through impromptu passing-by conversations I have had with various staff members. Whenever I had a question about something I had read in my quiet times, or was trying to learn more about a particular theological matter, there was always a myriad of highly educated people I could ask! I found it so helpful to work on a team of people who are so in love with and passionate about God, and every staff member has helped me to love God more through my conversations with them, and through seeing the immense and irrevocable love they themselves have for God.
Through doing the internship, the idea of ‘excelling in service’ was our goal, and this is now a life goal that I am taking with me in my life beyond the internship.
I would highly recommend doing the internship at St Paul’s. It will undoubtedly strengthen and grow your love and knowledge of God while allowing you to assist in, expand and create new ministries. Also, it gives you a taste for a variety of ministries you may never have served in, or ones you didn’t even know existed!”
Are you interested?
Our standard internship is two years, but one year internships are available through negotiation. A typical weekly time commitment is two days in the office plus 3 services on Sunday.