By Michael DuVal

Do you dream of equipping the next generation of church leaders? Can you imagine the impact of a hands-on congregational internship program on young leaders, your church, and God’s Kingdom?

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Since 2009, Journey Church in Roanoke, VA, has had 33 interns in pastoral, worship, youth, and children’s ministry roles. These young leaders have grown through real ministry experience and meaningful mentorship.

Here’s what some interns have said about their experience:

“The internship allowed me to grow and be challenged in great ways.”

“I learned the inner workings of church leadership—this perspective has been invaluable.”

“It allowed me to come out of my shell and be a leader.”

“I would not have been able to flourish like I did without the amazing support of the church before, during, and after my internship!”

One intern shared: “The experiences I’ve had as an intern at Journey Church have been life changing. I have learned so much about God, his church, and even myself. I have deepened in my faith and gained a clearer sense of purpose and direction with what I believe God’s plan over my life is. I plan to take all the lessons I’ve learned into my vocation in ministry.”

Church leaders have enthusiastically commented on our internship program, observing that it:

• is exciting and encouraging

• offers a bright future for the church

• is instrumental in developing leadership abilities

• provides a great bridge for young people to step up and take responsibility while being shepherded and encouraged

Congregants also noted that the internships gave confidence to try new things and explore interests, allowing interns to deepen their relationship with God and to feel empowered to share their faith. One stated, “This will draw more young people into continuing active connection with the church as they grow.”

One of our church leaders commented on the many facets of the internships’ value, explaining,

“A major challenge in the corporate world is recruiting, training, and retaining talent. Internships are a terrific way for churches to be intentional in finding Next-Gen talent for God’s kingdom that give the interns an ‘inside’ look at ministry.”

A pastor at Journey described the program as “a powerful catalyst for spiritual formation and ministry development, where interns bring passion and fresh perspective that enrich our culture and help shape the future of the church in real and lasting ways.”

About two thirds of the interns have come from within the church; others came from Christian colleges, seminaries, or partner churches who wanted their young leaders to grow through their experiences and bring their learning back to their home churches.

Each internship is personalized. Interns work with a staff pastor to create learning goals, receive coaching, and be held accountable. They may serve part time or full time during fall, spring, or summer semesters. Some interns have served multiple semesters in differing types of internships. Some begin as early as their junior year in high school.

The fruit? Seven former interns have entered vocational ministry—in pastoral ministry, worship leadership, campus ministry, international missions, and Christian higher education. Two current interns are preparing for pastoral ministry in college.

Financial support is provided, with generous matching support often provided by BGAV.

Church internships can be transformational for young leaders—and energizing for churches!  Why not give it a try?

If Journey Church can be a resource in helping churches start internships, email office@journeyconnection.com. We’d love to help!

Michael DuVal is Lead Pastor of Journey Church, a BGAV-participating congregation in Roanoke, VA.

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