Internship Program
Program Structure
The internship is designed to expose participants to various pastoral situations and relevant theological discussions through supervised ministry, guided study and regular assessment.
Supervised Ministry
The internship is a full-time position and participants are expected to work between 40 and 55 hours per week. The majority of this time (at least 35 hours) will be devoted to the following activities:
1. Participating in weekly BCP staff meetings.
2. Raising personal support (newsletters, website updates, phone calls, appointments, etc).
3. Reading those materials designed to prepare the intern for the ordination exam, ordained ministry and church planting (see below).
4. Preparing broad demographical analysis of Brooklyn and detailed demographical analysis of two or three distinct neighborhoods (chosen in conjunction with BCP staff).
5. Assisting the pastoral staff in planning, preparing and leading of worship according to the needs of the particular congregation and the gifts of the individual intern.
6. Assisting with general pastoral care (visitation, assimilation, hospitality, etc.)
7. Serving the local Community Group ministry as director, coach, leader or host, according to needs and personal interest.
8. Participating and assisting in other ministries of the church according to needs and personal interests (e.g. adult education, children's ministry, youth, holistic ministry, etc).
9. Attending meetings of Presbytery when possible.
10. Developing and nurturing relationships with unchurched neighbors.
Guided Study
In addition to hands-on experience, interns are exposed to a wide variety of books, articles and case studies designed to prepare the individual for ordination, pastoral ministry and urban church planting.
Regular Assessment
Finally, each candidate receives verbal and written assessment of teaching skills, pastoral care, leadership and personal maturity from the pastor who works most closely with that individual.
Through this intensive and exciting program, we hope that people will be better prepared for church planting in the city and feel more confident in the gifts God has given them.
