Pastoral Internship Program
Grace Baptist Church

*PLEASE NOTE: We are not currently accepting any applications for our Pastoral Internship program*

Description:
What is the Grace Baptist Church Pastoral Internship Program about? We simply want to unveil regular, day-to-day ministerial life and provide men aspiring to be pastors with an ecclesiological and pastoral grid for doing the work of ministry. How should the church be organized? Who should lead the church? Does the Bible discuss church membership? How does church polity affect church practice? In addition to observing church life today, GBC interns will spend much of their time engaging in conversation with great pastors and theologians from the past. GBC does not expect interns to serve as paid staff members.

Download the GBC Internship Application Form

Details:
The GBC internship is full-time. The majority of the intern’s office time will be spent reading over many pages of text, writing weekly papers and discussing those papers. In addition to the reading and writing assignments, the intern’s week includes mandatory attendance at staff meetings, elders meetings, all public services of the church, small groups, and any spontaneous meetings that arise in the course of a week. Interns can expect to serve twice a week in general office administration. Additionally, we ask interns to schedule one-on-one lunches with each church elder and deacon. Interns also meet with a variety of members of the church. These meetings provide the interns with an opportunity to learn about various aspects of the church’s history and life. Interns become members of Grace Baptist Church during the time of their internship in order to best fold them into the life of the congregation.

Stipend:
Housing (including basic utilities) is provided during the internship, and each intern receives a stipend of $1200/month to cover living expenses. We require each intern to purchase health insurance for himself (and his family, if applicable) throughout the duration of the internship.

Time:
January-May
August-December

Typical Week:
Sunday: Attend All Services
Monday: Morning Admin, Meet with Senior Pastor, Attend Elders Meeting, Attend Grace Theological Center
Tuesday: Early Morning Discipleship, Attend Staff, Meet with Associate Pastor, Afternoon Studies
Wednesday: Morning Studies, Lunch Meeting (Elder, Deacon, Member), Afternoon Studies, Attend Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Thursday: Morning Admin, Lunch Meeting (Elder, Deacon, Member), Afternoon Studies
Friday: Morning Studies, Lunch with Local Pastor, Afternoon Studies
Saturday: Off
(47-50 hours approx.)

*PLEASE NOTE: We are not currently accepting any applications for our Pastoral Internship program*

Download the GBC Internship Application Form

Pastoral Internship FAQ’s:

• Are internships offered in the summer? Currently, we offer internships for the Spring (January to May) and the Fall (August to December).
• Can I be married and do an internship? Yes, but in any given semester we may not be able to accept as many married applicants, especially those who are married with children, based on our ability to provide housing.
• Can I get seminary credit for doing the internship? There is an option for an intern to earn seminary credit during the time of their internship.
• Can I bring my pets? No pets are allowed in intern housing.
• I’m not sure I want to be a pastor. Can I still do the internship? Currently only those in or pursuing pastoral ministry should apply for the program.
• How early should I apply? Spaces are limited, so getting your application in early is wise.
• Is GBC able to provide internships for women? Because the internship is for those interested in pastoral ministry, we do not provide internships for women.
• Where should I be in my education before doing the internship? A college degree is usually expected for intern candidates. Past interns have applied before, during, and after their theological education.
• Is a stipend provided for the interns? Housing (including basic utilities) is provided during the internship, and each intern receives a stipend of $1200/month to cover living expenses. We require each intern to purchase health insurance for himself (and his family, if applicable) throughout the duration of the internship.
• Will I be able to work while doing the internship? The intern program is a full-time commitment. By providing a stipend and housing, interns are freed up from working outside of the church and can spend their time learning about and observing the church.
• Can I survive on $1200/month? We recognize that the stipend is modest. Since housing is provided, usually health insurance and groceries are the largest monthly expenses for an intern family. Interns can expect to receive the support and love they need from the members of GBC. 
• Where does vacation fit in with the internship? No vacation is provided. The church office is closed on government holidays, though sometimes interns still have papers due on those days. Usually interns have a full day off each Saturday.
• How are interns involved in the church? Interns are involved in various ministries of the church. However, interns will not be responsible to oversee any specific ministry. Much of what interns do involves reading, writing and observing the daily ministry of GBC.