What are the pros and cons of having a ministry intern at a church?
Sometimes churches need help. Particularly, if the church does not follow a staff-driven model, gaps begin to form even in the core ministries of the church. Bible classes are being taught by a precious few volunteers rather than being spread across many shoulders resulting in burn out. Children's ministries suffer a similar fate. Worship services limp along due to the low turn out of willing servants. Crucial ministries such as outreach and visitation get neglected. The ministry needs of a church are many but the workers are few.
Perhaps a ministry intern can help fill some of these critical gaps. Perhaps a hired hand is precisely what the church needs. Perhaps, a laborer, provided by God for the nourishment of the body, is therefore offered to the church. Perhaps, just perhaps, a hired hand is the answer to the church's prayer where we are to "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to sent out workers into his harvest field" (Matt 9:38).
Granted, the church may receive much needed benefits from hiring an intern but the intern himself/herself is served well too. Hiring an intern allows the church to extend the grace of God to a servant's life granting the experience needed for future ministry. Experience is a premium in ministry. Hiring an intern allows this boost in formal ministry experience that may otherwise be lacking. The church takes on the role of a community of mentors who shepherd, mentor, and equip a young minister. Again, it is an extension of grace into the servant's life. It is the preparation for his/her future ministry. Hiring a ministry intern is an investment in the kingdom.
The mutual benefit gained by both church and intern allow God's grace to permeate the community as each part of the body does its work (Eph 4:16).
2 comments:
con - intern is more likely to make mistakes and the ridgies are likely to complain.
Enabling someone desiring to serve the Lord to gain experience on a part time basis prior to going full time -- what a great concept! A model utilizing in intern must include a mentor -- one who guides, molds, and directs the efforts so that good comes from their efforts. Will interns occasionally make mistakes? Sure, if they are putting forth any effort. One way to absolutely ensure no mistakes are made -- do NOTHING. Ah, but there-in lies the rub -- nothing ventured, nothing gained. Sounds kinda like a one-talent effort, eh? =o)
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