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Churches and Ministries

A Pathways student/intern is a WIN-WIN scenario

If you're in a church or other faith-based organisation, having an intern or student doing a placement with you is mutually beneficial: a win for your organisation and a win for your student.

A WIN for your ministry

By partnering with us, you can benefit from increased investment in leadership, additional manpower, support for discipleship of your people, and implementation of systems to ensure student wellbeing.

A WIN for your intern

We provide a comprehensive learning experience with practical ministry, biblical and theological study, personal mentoring and pastoral care. It is accredited by NZQA and offers future study and career opportunities.

Internship vs Placement

Internship

Full-time internship students at Pathways Bible College typically study 50% (16 hours) of the week and do practical ministry within their chosen field for 50% (16 hours) of the week. So, we take care of their study while you provide them with work experience related to their ministry.

In addition, interns will attend six week-long block courses in Tauranga. For more information download 'A Guide to Recruiting Interns' infographic.

Also check our our FAQ area below.

Placements

Our hosting programme is specifically for students wishing to further develop Christian leadership skills. This is a higher level of qualification, so students must fulfill certain criteria such as having completed our internship programme, or hold similar qualifications or work experience. Students integrate the theory of leadership along with the development of leadership attributes and skills.

As a Host, your participation helps to strengthen and enhance their practical ministry in whatever context in which they serve. Students are assigned to your organisation throughout the year (church, mission or parachurch organisation) with which they connect regularly. In addition, students complete two placements within your organisation, usually in May and September.

For more information please read our FAQs.

Internships and Placements FAQs

What is a church internship?

A church internship is a programme where someone interested in a career in ministry or leadership works and trains at a church under the supervision of experienced church leaders. The intern typically performs tasks such as assisting in worship services or creative arts/media/music, working with youth groups or children, or supporting community outreach programmes. The goal is to provide hands-on experience and training to help the intern develop skills and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to work in a church setting.

What is a Host Placement?

This programme prepares students for leadership in ministry or marketplace. It follows a practicum model. Students engage in a structured, sequential course of study, with 4 and 8-week placements in an organisation, in which they practice their leadership and ministry skills. This programme is suitable for those who have completed our (or an equivalent) Level 5 diploma programme, or who have been involved in ministry for many years without having pursued tertiary-level study or training in leadership. This diploma helps students integrate the theory of leadership, the development of leadership attributes and skills and the understanding of Biblical leadership in a way that will strengthen and take their leadership capacity to the next level.

Can Pathways Bible College find an intern for me?

We do not find interns on your behalf. We can, however, guide you in choosing a Christian intern from within your own organisation. To start with you can follow these easy steps:

How do I determine if an internship is the right fit for my church?

To determine if an internship programme will benefit your church, consider the following factors:

Ministry development
An internship can help the church provide mentorship and hands-on training opportunities for young adults interested in pursuing a career in ministry or Christian service.

Workforce support
An internship can provide additional support for the church during periods of high workload or staffing shortages, especially in areas such as youth ministry, community outreach, or worship leadership.

Discipleship and spiritual formation
An internship programme can provide opportunities for young adults to grow in their faith, develop their leadership skills, and serve others.

Community outreach
An internship can help the church build strong relationships with local educational institutions, community organisations, and other faith-based groups, and promote its reputation as a socially responsible and compassionate organisation.

Mission alignment
The decision to implement an internship should be aligned with the church's mission and vision, and should support its efforts to fulfill its call to serve others and share the gospel.

Ultimately, the decision to implement an internship programme should be based on a thorough analysis of the church's needs, resources, and goals, and should involve input from key leaders and members of the congregation.

How do I determine if an internship or placement is the right fit for my Christian faith-based organisation?

A number of Christian charities, schools, camps and organisations have interns. To determine if an internship is desirable in your faith-based organisation, consider the following factors:

Workforce development
An internship programme can help the organisation build a pipeline of future talent and provide professional development opportunities for students or recent graduates.

Workload and staffing needs
An internship can provide additional support for the organisation during periods of high workload or staffing shortages.

Workplace culture
Internships can be a way for an organisation to attract and retain diverse talent, and to provide an inclusive and supportive workplace environment.

Community engagement
An internship can help an organisation build strong relationships with local educational institutions and communities, and promote its reputation as a socially responsible employer.

Ultimately, the decision to implement an internship programme should be based on a thorough analysis of the organisation's needs, resources, and goals.

 

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