Pastoral Apprenticeships
REDWOOD PARK CHURCH (www.redwoodpark.org) has a dynamic internship program for those looking to gain ministry experience in a spiritually passionate seeker inclusive environment. We have 4 to 12 month internship opportunities in a variety of ministry areas including but not limited to student, children’s, worship-arts ministries, graphics, video and media, as well as various adult and social concern ministries that provide practical hands on training and personal shepherding in preparation for full time ministry. ?You’ll be working alongside a ministry team of 5 experienced staff pastors and their dedicated volunteers in a growing church where weekend worship attendance can reach well over 900. The church relocated in December of 2003 to a renovated school and new worship auditorium totalling 32,000 square feet. In April of 2005 our original 12,000 square foot facility was transformed into a ministry centre for the disadvantaged as well as for First Nations people, called the Redwood Park Opportunities Centre.
WHAT IS A PASTORAL APPRENTICE?
A Pastoral Apprenticeship is a three year commitment to gain valuable hands on ministry experience at Redwood Park in preparation for full time ministry while undertaking concurrent biblical and theological studies. Our pastoral apprentices take two distance learning courses a term from Briercrest Bible College. (www.briercrest.ca) At the end of three years an apprentice will be well on the way to earning a full bachelor’s or masters degree. Some credit will also be earned for the practical experience of serving at Redwood. ?
The Pastoral Apprenticeship program is a rigorous time of spiritual and ministry formation with solid theological reflection. The goal is to furnish young men and women with both the needed practical skills as well as a sound biblical/theological foundation for effective ministry in a local church.
As an apprentice you will be fully immersed in a chosen area of ministry alongside of the staff pastor who coordinates that area. That staff pastor will serve as your immediate supervisor and coach. That staff pastor will also monitor your academic progress. Mentorship in the areas of spiritual formation and leadership development will by provided by the senior pastor. You’re involvement will span everything from service tasks that are critical to the running of the ministry, to significant leadership and teaching opportunities designed to stretch and grow you, and then everything else in-between. While your focus will likely be on a particular ministry area, you will need to see yourself as a team player who is able to serve wherever needed.
Finances
The Pastoral Apprenticeship program is primarily an educational experience. You are not a paid staff member. We are providing you with what we are convinced is an incredible opportunity to learn valuable ministry skills in the context of a vibrant growing church family with a talented and fun loving staff and volunteer team.
Single apprentices from outside of Thunder Bay are provided room & board in the home of a congregational member or a staff member. For married couples suitable apartment accommodation will be found in the area.
For singles a monthly honourarium of $400 is provided. For married apprentices the honourarium varies. (Those from Thunder Bay are expected to provide their own room & board, unless special arrangements are made.)
Pastoral Apprentices must fully cover all of their school costs (tuition, books and so forth). Apprentices are given two months a year off to earn money to fund their schooling. Some apprentices have been able to find employment tree planting in the Thunder Bay area each year.
Application Materials