INTERNSHIPS
Do you want to experience what it is like to be a missionary first-hand by living in a real missions setting?
Our internship programme can help you identify your role in cross-cultural mission work. You will receive training and practical field experience, and have the opportunity to use and develop your personal skills, under the mentorship of an experienced WO Mission Partner.
Internships are for a period of six months to two years and include language and cultural studies along with readings and reviews that will enhance your understanding of missions.
“For the past fifteen years, I’ve worked cross-culturally in South Africa, where we have eleven official languages. During this time I waited for an opportunity to serve among the unreached. When the opportunity came to intern with World Outreach, I was enthusiastic. I thought I would do well, but I was in for a rude awakening! I learned how difficult it is to die to self! Challenges abounded! There were days I did not want to get out of bed, because I was so overwhelmed. Through much prayer and fasting, God has transformed my life. I learned so much serving alongside the missionaries. Seeing Acts unfold before my eyes has revolutionised my ministry.”
– Lynette, Church Planting Ministry Intern, Indonesia
Criteria
Age: 18 years or older
Commitment
- Interns commit to the field for a predetermined period of time (six months to two years).
- Interns commit to the learning programme and to being teachable.
- Interns are willing to be mentored by an experienced missionary in a cross-cultural mission.
- Interns desire to determine their call and future in cross-cultural ministry.
Preparation and Training
- Interns have a proven ministry aptitude in their local church community.
- Interns have completed theKairos Interns who will serve for one to two years must complete The Nations Course. For those interning for six months to one year, this six-week course is optional, but still recommended. The Nations Course is held in Africa and Asia once each year. Interns are responsible for funding their coursework.
Skills/Abilities
- Interns have ministry/service experience in their home culture.
- Interns have skills and abilities that can be used in a specific ministry.
Home Church
- Interns have support and recommendation from their local church leadership.
Finance
- Interns raise the financial and prayer support needed for the length of internship.
Responsibilities Of An Intern
An Intern needs to:
- Come to the mission field as a learner and make it a priority to become a “growing participator” in the community
- Develop positive relationships within the:
- Ministry Team
- Local church community (where appropriate)
- Local community
- Communicate regularly with their mentor
- Undertake ministry as outlined in the ministry plan and discuss changes with the Mentor when required
- Communicate regularly with their home church and support team
The Intern Mentor
The Intern Mentor will:
- Meet with the Intern on a regular basis or ensure that a senior leader meets with the Intern
- Guide the Intern through their specific ministry tasks and responsibilities
- Give ongoing guidance, support, debriefing, and coaching to the Intern throughout their cross-cultural journey
- Mentor and train the Intern so that their skills are maximised
- Help with daily life issues the Intern faces
- Debrief the Intern before their return to their home country
The Internship Programme
Getting Started
An orientation period of one to two weeks is set aside when the Intern arrives on the field, so that the Intern becomes familiar with their new environment and ministry responsibilities.
The Task
A personalised Ministry Plan is developed for each Intern that uses their own skills and talents.
Talk the Talk
Learning the language is essential. Interns serving in a culture with a heart language different from their own must learn to communicate in order to be an effective cross-cultural worker. A guided language programme is provided when necessary.
Connecting with God
Developing your spirituality can be different in a cross-cultural setting for a range of reasons: difference in language, new relationships, change of support structures, etc. It is important to learn how to grow in your faith in the new environment.
You, Me, and the Community
Understanding the host culture is vital to the success of anyone working cross-culturally. Each month the Intern will have focused observations on various aspects of the new culture to help them appreciate and understand the culture.
Me, Myself, and I
Taking care of yourself in a new cultural setting is important. Working in a cross-cultural setting affects body, soul, and spirit. Stressors materialise at different times and are different for each individual. Being able to track and deal with personal issues is vital to ongoing success in cross-cultural ministry.
Going Home
Reentry to your home culture is the final step in your internship. Working in a new culture changes an individual. It is important to take time before returning to your home culture to prepare so that you are aware of what challenges you may face and develop the skills to deal with them effectively.
Debriefing and Review
The Intern and Intern Mentor will evaluate the internship: strengths, limitations, and areas for growth, for the Intern, the Intern Mentor, and the programme in general.
Internship Opportunities
