Internship Program

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MACU Ministry Internship Program Philosophy  

Jesus had a strategy for developing His followers into individuals who would become leaders in fulfilling His mission.  Jesus called them to Himself, taught them, modeled a lifestyle which He wanted them to follow, cared for them, and held them accountable.  He also involved them in ministry which was used as a learning experience for them.  

The Internship Program has been developed to be an integral part of the student’s training for ministry.  It requires a strong partnership between the University and the Internship Sites to provide meaningful experiences, which include an experienced Field Mentor who can help the student with his or her integration of theology and practice of ministry.  

MACU believes that students need an opportunity to experience ministry, to reflect upon that ministry experience with a mentor, to articulate insights which have been gained, and to plan for future ministry utilizing the newly learned insights.  This learning context will help the student integrate previous learning, formal and informal, which will enhance his or her total educational experience.  

Mid-Atlantic Christian University’s goal for the internship is to impact the world by transforming ordinary people into extraordinary Christian leaders.

Students

The Internship Program of MACU allows the student to gain “hands-on” experience in the work of the career ministry. This is carried out under joint supervision of a program advisor from the faculty of MACU (referred to as Faculty Mentor, generally the advisor of the student’s program of study) as well as the Field Mentor (generally the staff person of the congregation or organization where the internship is being served who functions in the area for which the internship is being pursued).

As part of the mission of Mid-Atlantic, the Internship program seeks to assist students in understanding the environment and culture for the world in which they live and work. Cultural diffences can be in many areas:  ethnic, racial, gender, age, socio-economic, etc.  The following outcomes for students have been established in this area and we ask Field Mentors to be especially cognizant of how students are achieving these goals:

1.  Students will be able to use their knowledge of cultural differences to navigate intercultural experiences successfully.

 

Goals

The Internship provides for the intern an opportunity for professional growth in the performance of the duties of his or her chosen career track.  

The goals of this program include:

1. Professional growth of the intern.
Professional growth involves on-the-job learning experiences for the intern whereby he or she becomes well-acquainted with the various responsibilities of a chosen area of ministry and the opportunity to function in this role. Professional growth is developed through a variety of experiences offered by the host congregation or organization. A viable working relationship with the field supervisor and others on staff is essential. These staff workers can provide counsel, encouragement, example and training for the intern.

2. Spiritual development of the intern.
Spiritual growth and development relates to the intern’s personal relationship to Christ. The practicing of spiritual disciplines should be incorporated into daily life. The intern is expected to find in the internship experience a time of personal spiritual growth and development. Again, staff of the host congregation or organization can aid in this. But the intern is also expected to spend time in daily personal spiritual development through time in prayer and Bible study, as well as insightful and inspirational reading of Christian literature.

3. Integration of classroom material and life experience.
Field experience is one of the greatest teachers. The intern is expected to be exposed to various learning experiences in the local congregation or organization involving a wide range of activities and people. Being involved in this daily work including planning, organizing, and carrying through with specific programs and activities; attending meetings of various committees; and through personal counsel weekly with the field supervisor provide the basis by which this integration takes place.

 

The documents below will provide further understanding of the program.

Field Mentors

Field Mentors serve a valuable role in the educational process for Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) students.  Time invested in providing counsel, oversight, and on the job training is rewarding for both the student as well as the mentor as he or she is able to assist MACU in preparing extraordinary leaders.

As part of the mission of Mid-Atlantic, the Internship program seeks to assist students in understanding the environment and culture for the world in which they live and work. Cultural differences can be in many areas:  ethnic, racial, gender, age, socio-economic, etc.  The following outcomes for students have been established in this area and we ask Field Mentors to be especially cognizant of how students are achieving these goals:

1.  Students will be able to use their knowledge of cultural differences to navigate intercultural experiences successfully.

2.  Students will be able to demonstrate interest in other cultures through initiating inquiry and interaction.

3.  Students will be able to suspend premature judgments when interacting cross-culturally.

 

Being a Field Mentor takes time: investing, leading, providing feedback, correcting, encouraging, challenging, and holding the intern accountable.  As with any good investment, the return is significant.  An effective internship provides for the intern valuable ‘on the job’ experience and a chance to discern his or her gifts for effective ministry.  It provides for the church an opportunity to help in the development of kingdom workers.  Both of these benefits work together to advance the kingdom of God on earth.

Field Mentors and host churches or organizations should understand that hosting an intern is not primarily a means of having additional staff to carry on the day to day responsibilities of the work.  Instead, it is first and foremost a learning experience in which the mentor should provide oversight, direction, and learning experiences for the intern.

 

A field mentor invests time and effort in developing the intern.  Appreciation is expressed to those who are willing to shoulder this responsibility.  Below are some of the materials prospective mentors will find helpful in discovering the role of mentoring.  Also included are samples of forms mentors are expected to complete to aid the Internship Program in evaluating the intern as well as the program.