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.
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.
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.