Internships

As Baptists Together, we are defining internship as a period of learning and development where people can grow in character and competence as disciples of Jesus in a variety of settings. Internships involve training, mentoring, active participation in church life and opportunities to lead. Sometimes they are known as a gap year, discipleship or leadership year or year out. 

We have written a short statement that sets out the benefit that internships can offer interns and churches alike:
 

Baptists Together aims to encourage, promote and facilitate internships for those called to a wide range of missional settings across our regions in England and Wales, so that: Interns may explore their gifting, grow in their faith as disciples of Jesus; invest their time, skills and energy; and receive training and practical experience. Churches, mission projects and associations may provide opportunities for those called to explore their gifting; invest in developing new leaders; grow together with their interns as their gifts are identified for use in the local community; and reap the harvest of an experienced crop of young leaders across our Baptist family.

Internships within Baptist churches and contexts are vital for our work with young adults. They enable young adults who feel called into a wide range of ministries to experience ministry, gain new skills and grow in their discipleship.

Providing good quality internships also aligns with our Baptists Together vision of ‘Growing healthy churches in relationship for God’s mission.’ Find our vision and values statement here.

Our Young Leaders Development Coordinator Isabella Senior has written the Internship Best Practice Handbook which provides guidance on how best to host interns in churches, from the discernment process through to the practicalities. It also contains templates for an internship role profile, volunteer agreement and code of conduct, among other resources. This handbook is mainly designed for churches, but it can also be used by associations, mission projects or any other ministry setting. We pray that you will be greatly encouraged and blessed by this handbook and by the future ministry of your interns.

See more about Internship Opportunities near you, and about our Interns' Gatherings.