Student Internships
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 AN INTERN?
An intern is someone seeking to gain valuable practical experience with a local church in preparation for full time ministry. 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. 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.
You will also be expected to read and report on a number of books and journal articles related to ministry and spiritual formation. You will take time to reflect and then dialogue on your experience, throughout the internship. This can be adjusted to meet the needs of various schools should you be doing the internship for academic credit. The maintenance of dynamic personal quiet time of prayer and Bible study will undergird your whole experience.
You can expect that you will invest 50 hours a week into internship, including reading and reflection. ?Internship is work. But it is rewarding work that will grow you in a multitude of ways.
FINANCES
Internship is primarily a volunteer 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 interns who are 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. (Those from Thunder Bay are expected to provide their own room & board, unless special arrangements are made.)
For singles, a monthly honourarium of $400 is provided. For married interns the honourarium varies.
Application Materials