Internship & Training
Internship Program
Many Apostolic Church congregations use internships as a means of training leaders. Interns work as volunteers for one year (often the year following Year 12) in a sphere of their interest in their own local church while studying. An intern might, for example, work voluntarily under the supervision of the pastor or other senior leader in a field like children’s or youth work, music or pastoral care for two and a half days per week while studying for a Certificate 4 in Christian Ministry or similar for two and a half days per week. This example is illustrative and could easily be adjusted if the student has paid work to perform.
The church typically provides supervision, encouragement, a prescribed role description, assistance with study and opportunity to be involved in ministry areas of the intern’s choice.
The benefits of internship are that the church retains young people during the term of training. This is particularly attractive if an alternative is for young people to leave the community and relocate to another city to attend Bible College. The intern has the benefit of close association with senior leaders in the local church, working closely with them and being mentored by them. This association creates a healthy learning environment where the church and the student benefit from the internship agreement.
Approved and appropriate study options can be recommended by the Apostolic Church Australia, however, a specific course of study is selected by the intern and the financial arrangements in respect of the course are a matter for the intern and the Bible College (usually a registered training organisation) which provides the course of study.
How to apply to be an Apostolic Intern
Intending interns and those seeking more information should email the National Office of the Apostolic Church Australia.