ABBOTSFORD VINEYARD CHURCH INTERNSHIP

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1 ABBOTSFORD VINEYARD CHURCH INTERNSHIP At the beginning of Jesus ministry, he assembled a team of disciples His Staff. They were very ordinary people who had extraordinary hearts. Together they learned how to influence, lead and change their world. Each year, the Abbotsford Vineyard Church (AVC) chooses a few young leaders to take on a similar challenge as we seek to change the nation. The goal of the AVC Internship is to give students (aged 19-27) an opportunity to see youth ministry in action within the context of a local church. This experience is meant to give them a clearer perspective of working with people by involving them in the church s behind-the-scenes work. Students are to learn as much as they can from the people who are in this ministry by talking with them, watching what they do, and helping out in whatever capacity they are asked to. There will be an intentional effort to use the intern in the areas of their gifting while also providing opportunities for challenge and growth by assisting in areas where they not as strong. This is a mentoring opportunity for the student. We believe that practical experience alongside training will help interns be more successful in leading ministries in the future. We are excited for the opportunity to work with emerging leaders dedicated to serving Jesus, youth, and the local church. We look forward to the potential of a future partnership and the benefits that this internship will bring both you and the AVC. Blessings, The Abbotsford Vineyard

2 One of the most rewarding experiences an intern can have is growing into their full potential. The internship program is designed to recognize the areas of gifting that an intern has and bring them to the forefront of their ministry. In many cases, the mentor will discover passions and gifts that the intern didn t even know they had. Here are a few things that an intern can expect to develop or receive from their experience in the AVC Internship Program: Areas of Learning and Development: 1. Learn from experts in the area of youth ministry, team building and leadership development. 2. Grow into a leader that inspires and serves others. 3. Improve written and oral communication skills and a better understanding of organization and time-management. 4. Improve your awareness of youth culture and your ability to become more culturally relevant 5. Deepen your relationship with Jesus 6. Improve your ability to work well with different personality types while building lasting and effective relationships 7. Learn firsthand what it takes to build an effective local church student ministry. What You Can Expect To Receive: 1. The youth pastor will act as your supervisor. This person will have a wealth of ministry knowledge and experience. They will be committed to meet with their intern weekly, both for the purpose of equipping, as well as for the intern s spiritual growth. 2. The AVC will accept both part-time and full-time interns and aim to create a program that will provide the greatest benefit to both the intern and the ministry in the time that they are able to provide. 3. There will be a specific job description customized to the intern and the ministry s needs. 4. The youth pastor will complete a mid-year and final evaluation as well as a letter of reference/recommendation. The intern will also complete an evaluation of their experience. 5. The intern position will run for two consecutive semesters (Sept Mid December) & (January Mid June)

3 WHAT DOES IT TAKE? Our internship program focuses on both our Christian character and leadership development. An intern should meet the following guidelines: SPIRITUAL 1. Have a personal relationship with Jesus 2. Maintain a positive, Christ-like attitude and servant s heart at all times 3. Must be in agreement with The AVC statement of faith 4. Must make a one year commitment PRACTICAL 1. Must be between years of age 2. Have their own reliable transportation method (not an absolute must, but highly recommended) 3. Serve the Student Ministry as outlined by the agreed upon job description. 4. Complete assignments given by the mentor. 5. Complete the Internship application, follow the Code of Conduct for the AVC staff, and complete a police check, 6. Serve in whatever capacity needed (be prepared to be flexible) and do so with enthusiasm, punctuality, humility, integrity, and excellence. 7. Attend the AVC weekend service, as well as be part of an AVC Home Group. INTERNSHIP TIPS & GUIDELINES The internship is a privilege and we hope it is one that is treated with respect and humility. The following tips/guidelines have been created to help interns serve in an effective and helpful way: Be courteous, respectful, and punctual Respect and honor The AVC statement of faith Be aggressive in your learning and pursuit of Jesus Join in and enthusiastically participate in all activities Be a positive Christ-following model to the youth Get to know the other leaders/pastors (push yourself to be friendly) Observe, evaluate, and learn Look for ways to be helpful Treat every ministry moment like an opportunity to learn and serve Begin a discipline of prayer for the church, the youth ministry, and the youth Stay focused and positive Do all assigned tasks with joy do not drag your feet!

4 PRACTICAL QUESTIONS Qualifications for Internship: Our applicants are typically, though not exclusively, Bible School students who are looking for further training before they begin their careers in ministry. We are also looking for people with a passion for student ministry and previous experience in social/youth work. We are open to have interns from outside of Canada. In this case, a religious worker s visa is needed. The intern would be responsible for all costs related to this process. Length of Internship: Our internship is a 10 month commitment (September to June. There will be time off between mid-december to the beginning of January. Interns will also have 2 weeks of holiday that is agreed upon with their supervisor. Full-Time Internships: Those who apply for a full time position will take precedence over part-time applications. A Full Time internship will include 35 hours a week of training/working in their specific department, a 1 hour weekly meeting with the supervisor, and a 5 hour monthly meeting with the supervisor. The intern is also encouraged to take a weekly class at their seminary or college to further their studies. Part-Time Internships: A part time internship will include 18 hours a week of training/working in their specific department area and a 1 hour weekly meeting with their supervisor. The AVC will be flexible with your college/seminary course load or your work schedule. Remuneration: There is no pay, salary, or monetary benefits associated with the internship, but a monthly $100 living allowance is provided. Unlike many church internship programs, we do not charge an annual tuition. Job Opportunities: There should be no expectation that the internship will progress into a paid position. Our goal is to equip interns in the area of student ministry and provide them with a great experience. Interns are more than welcome to apply for posted positions, but they will be treated and evaluated the same as every other applicant. Benefits: Interns have a greater influence and access to the workings of the student ministry than the average volunteer. However, they are not considered staff.

5 Interns will attend all Staff Meetings & Youth Staff Meetings (however, if there is confidential or key decision-making meetings, they will be asked not to attend). They will also have key access, a shared intern work space, network access and an AVC address. APPLICATION PROCESS: 1) Applications can filled out online. 2) It is recommend that you begin this process at least 2-3 months before the start of the internship. 3) There will be an interview with the pastor of the specific department that you are applying for. 4) You will be notified if you advance to the final step in the application process. This will include a meeting with the Lead Pastor to discuss theological positions, your job description, and the vision for the direction of the ministry.