Student.Church

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Student.Church

Student.Church provides congregational internships to students who are interested in a deeper experience of church life or pursuing a call to ministry. Interns are mentored by seasoned ministers as they explore the breadth of congregational ministry through a variety of learning experiences. On this web page you will find more information about the application process for students, the role of congregations in the support and nurture of interns, as well as CBF's resources for walking alongside both the student and church throughout the internship.

 
 

About Student.Church

Length of Internship: 10 weeks (this includes a required orientation and debriefing) starting mid/late May and ending early August

Orientation: This event builds community among all CBF Student.Church and Student.Go interns, while also training and preparing interns to enter into their internship equipped with new skills and resources. Orientation is required. Orientation will be May 24-25, 2021, and will be held virtually.

Debriefing: Students end their internship at a formal debriefing typically held at a retreat called Selah Vie. This experience is a necessary part of the process of transitioning back into student or work life. Due to COVID-19, it has yet to be determined if debriefing will be live or virtual.

Summer Finances: Student.Church interns are paid a minimum of $1200 (1/2 from church internship site and 1/2 from CBF). In addition, CBF covers travel expenses to and from Orientation and Debriefing at Selah Vie and all costs associated with these events (if held in-person). The host church/ site also covers housing (if needed) and expenses for all church-related activities while on the field.

Application Timeline: The application period for Summer 2021 is open from February 1 to May 1, 2021.

Intern Application Information

Student.Church interns are characterized as:

  • Committed followers of Jesus.
  • Students enrolled in an undergraduate program and have completed at least one year.
  • Graduate students (including seminary students) enrolled in a master's level or higher degree program.
  • Individuals who may not be enrolled in college but are at least 18 years of age and exploring other vocational opportunities through the military, etc.
  • Individuals considering ministry as a life calling who would like to try on a ministerial identity.
  • Individuals who love the local church and want to serve others and gain leadership experience.

    Note: Students do not have to belong to a CBF partner congregation in order to participate.

    How do I apply?

    1. Begin by reading the Student.Church Internship Guide below for more details about the program.
    2. Complete the student application form. If you have any questions, please email our team. 

    3. If you have already approached a church about serving as their intern, you will be asked to include their information. If you have not identified a church in which to serve, you will be asked to specify in general your geographical, demographic and ministry preferences in terms of church placement.
    4. Ask three people to serve as references and have them complete the reference form. The references should be:
      • someone who has observed you in a ministry setting (ex. previous supervisor, campus pastor or youth group pastor)
      • a trusted adult (ex. previous boss, internship supervisor or deacon at church)
      • someone at your educational institution (ex. professor, advisor, staff or Resident Director)

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    Student.Church Internship Guide updated 1.29.21

    Student.Church

    Internship Guide

    Click the Student.Church Internship Guide to the right for more details about the program for students, parents, congregations and supervisors. Please read this document in advance of beginning the application process. On the application form, you will be asked to agree to certain aspects of the program that are only explained in this guide.

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    Church Application Information

    Student.Church congregations are characterized as:

  • Churches that affiliate with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship through financial contributions, support of global mission personnel, participation in CBF events, programs, etc.
  • Churches that are seeking a relationship with CBF by actively engaging in conversation with CBF global staff, state and regional staff, or field personnel.
  • Churches that are looking for an opportunity to mentor young adults as they grow personally and professionally.
  • Churches that are already in conversation with a student to serve as their intern.
  • Churches that are open to having an intern placed in their setting.

    How do churches apply?

    1. Begin by reading the Student.Church Internship Guide above for more details about the program.
    2. Whether you are a returning or new applicant you will need to apply via the church application form.
    3. If you have already approached a young adult about serving as your intern, please include their information. If you have not identified someone to serve as your intern, you will be asked to specify in general what you are looking for and the type of work the intern will be doing.
    4. Churches may apply to host only one intern through the Student.Church program. After the deadline has passed and contingent on fund availability, additional interns may be requested/funded.

    If you have questions about the internship, contact our team .