Even though the time seemed almost too short and we went through some challenges, it was not wasted. A short summary blog is not enough to describe the lessons I was able to learn and the practical truths that were imparted to me.
While studying electrical engineering in Switzerland, I learned that you can't learn many practical things from everyday life at school. This also applies to ministry. This internship gave me the opportunity to combine the theological with the practical. I hope this post shows how beneficial it is to do an internship in your called ministry and to be personally mentored and taught by experienced, wise and God-fearing people.
First of all, I would like to acknowledge that I have learned a lot from the RVFM pastors who have mentored me over the past few months. These men were always willing to help me in any way they could. I look forward to continuing to grow in my relationship with them, even though my internship is already over.
Meetings
Almost weekly I attended the prayer meetings of RVCC (the church during my internship) and all the prayer meetings of the pastors of RVFM as well as the weekly staff meetings and events. Each week I accompanied Pastor Jon to the pastors' personal meetings where successes and problems were reported. On Monday evenings, Betty or I took turns going to the young adult meetings (>18 years). And then from time to time I also visited a small group of self-employed business owners from our church who were studying a book and sharing knowledge.
The MTC (Ministry Training Center) on Wednesday evenings was also part of my internship.
MTC is a school for training leaders who support their local church and new church plants within the framework of RVFM. At the MTC, the individual areas of a church were highlighted. Each responsible person gave a presentation of 1x50min or 2x50min about the approach of the respective area. (This was one of my favorite parts of the internship besides my personal time with Pastor Jon).
Ministry- and Leadership tasks
Over the course of the internship, I was entrusted with more ministry and leadership tasks. At the beginning, all interns were divided into groups and worked together on the launch of the respective VBS. Once the planning and organization had been completed according to the framework conditions and the VBS had started, we continued to work weekly on fine-tuning the processes and ideas. Evangelizing was also a part of this.
I was able to lead almost all of the giving appeals in the Sunday services, each with a short input beforehand. And at the weekly meetings, I was often given the opportunity to share testimonies. During the youth camp, I was also assigned daily as a mentor and prayer minister. Here, too, I was given the opportunity to share my testimony. I was trusted to minister with sermons at two Sunday services.
What I have learned
When I am asked what the best thing about my internship was, I like to say: "Sitting, watching and asking questions". Although the internship involved a lot of "work", the opportunity to see how work is done in the local church had the biggest impact on me.
This summer I learned more about the love and care that a pastor should have for his church. Pastor Jon is a great example of this and lives out what he preaches. It was good to see theology being discussed, taught and practiced in the local church. I was able to experience how Pastor Jon faithfully ministered under stressful situations while balancing his family and making time for them daily. This gave me clarity on what a healthy church is and how a pastor serves the local church.
The internship gave me opportunities to apply biblical things I had been meditating on for some time, practice teaching skills, and demonstrate faithfulness in ministry. It also gave me the opportunity to gain more maturity in life. Every opportunity I was given, I used to observe how they prayed, laughed, and handled upcoming and difficult matters.
Closing words
Looking back on my experience now, I realize that this internship accomplished what it was supposed to - and much more. Even before the internship, it was my prayer that God could use me wherever he wanted. I was able to grow in many areas and also bring many spiritual things together through the practical part.
Thank you, Pastor Jon, for the opportunity to be a part of your vision. When I think about what it takes to make this internship program happen, to build relationships and create opportunities for learning, accountability and leadership, it makes me look back with much gratitude. All of this takes time and organization away from the daily needs of the congregation. Thank you for the time invested in our lives.
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