Interns, worth it?
A recent survey looked at Interns. Below are some of the more interesting insights from that survey. Twenty-three percent of the congregations responded do internships. Of those who do not presently have any interns, 29% had an internship in the past and 41% are interested in having one or planning on having one in the future. Of the churches that have interns, over 50% have more than one. The two most frequently mentioned at Youth Intern and Intern Working with the girls. Nineteen percent of those who have interns are year round internships.
Here are the top seven advantages to having interns that stand out.
The relationships they build with our students. Their availability to be with kids. The relationships they build within the church leading to a higher spirituality with those the work. They are able to connect in ways that our ministers sometimes struggle to with kids. The female intern may be the most valuable because she can do a lot of things that ministers can’t as far as girl’s events. Helps relieve some of the workload of church leadership. We use them for all sorts of things, but above all to get kids on the fringes of the youth group connected.
They bring a shot of fresh excitement and ideas with them.
Taking on or assisting in all the youth activities (VBS, Summer Camp, Summer Youth Series, some Teaching)
Seeing them get experience needed for their future in ministry and knowing that you are helping prepare someone for ministry
Fill-in preaching
It is God focused, Relationship building, and energetic. Their energy and enthusiasm toward the church, brings renewed passion to our work
The church all view him as their intern and seek to mentor which increases their involvement and commitment to the church’s ministries. Everyone works more. They feed him throughout the weeks and months which trains them more in hospitality
This does come with it’s share of challenges and pitfalls (some of which are easy to fix). Here’s the corresponding top seven of those:
Lack of maturity. Youthfulness. Having one that wanted to introduce some unscriptural practices. Every once in a while you get a bad intern. Most have been young, some have been single; not all of them haven't taken their role as serious as they should. Work ethic. Their potential personal flaws and personal spiritual growth curve having negative impact on weak or immature Christian’s
Keeping them on point. Always finding quality work for them.
Finding the right fit. Finding them! Especially difficult is finding the sort that are both responsible enough to supervise the youth and biblically educated enough to teach.
Shielding them from sensitive things they need not know
Not enough time (3 months of summer) to really evaluate anything. They are just there, I feel, to plug some holes in all the youth activities. Allowing them to take on responsibilities as the summer goes along or the feeling of holding their hand throughout the entire summer
Paying him a decent salary and finding housing in our area
Poor job descriptions and expectations.
And a bonus thought that I’ve often heard my friend and longtime co-worker mention. Often it adds to your workload. One respondant worded it this way: Sometimes it doubles your work load. You need to help them learn what you could do quickly. Sometimes they are immature. Yet, overall, they will surprise you and bless your ministry!
-dj