Programme
Overview
The programme will provide Interns with a breadth of opportunity and experience. This will facilitate the development of their relationship with and understanding of God, their personal and ministerial skills, and their ability and character as a leader.
The Vision for the Internship Programme is centred on three main areas of an individual’s development in their Spirituality and Discipleship, Academic Achievement and Practical Skills. To make this possible the Coton Green Church Intern programme comprises of four main components:
• Theological Study
• Leadership Development
• Mission
• Church-based Ministry
Theological Study
Theological teaching is one of the most significant parts of the Coton Green Church Internship Programme. We have previously used an outside agency to deliver this part of the course on a day release basis but we are exploring the possibility of setting up an “in house” accredited theology based teaching programme. We are expecting the teaching provided to be wide-ranging and pitched at undergraduate degree level. Typically, interns will spend 10 hours per week in lectures, seminars or personal study. Interns will study in the following areas:
• Biblical Studies, including New Testament, Old Testament and Hermeneutics
• Church History
• Historical and Systematic Theology
• Practical Theology and Leadership Development
Training Team
The main trainers are from the Coton Green Church staff team under the direction of the Intern Supervisor. We are planning to draw on the expertise of local theological lecturers and visiting speakers from a variety of backgrounds and traditions as we develop our own “in house” theological teaching programme.
Leadership Development
Coton Green Church Interns grow as leaders through our teaching programme and by gaining experience in a wide variety of leadership opportunities. We aid the individual’s development in providing training in the art of effective communication, public speaking and the use of sound equipment. We also support their growth in faith and character during the programme.
Each intern keeps a journal to reflect on their experiences and has an input in setting personal monthly and three monthly targets in order to be deliberate about their areas of growth which are reviewed on a monthly basis with the Intern Supervisor. Interns also meet weekly with the Intern Supervisor for a planning meeting and are allocated time for devotional reading and prayer.
Each intern is allocated:
• a personal support person who meets with them fortnightly to talk and pray about what they are learning and discuss and help maintain their personal and spiritual well being
• a mentor who meets them weekly to discuss and pray through what they are learning and finding enjoyable or challenging and to plan subsequent events
• a cell group within the church to help them become an integrated member of the church community
There is also the opportunity for interns to attend periodic national training events with interns and other leaders from other churches and backgrounds.
Mission
Interns are involved in weekly mission activities working with our partnership schools and other agencies centred in and around Tamworth and its surrounding area.
Interns are also involved in a number of the church’s mission activities such as a Mums & Tots group, Friendship Club for the elderly, Café Church, Sunday Night Project for the 18-30’s, Men’s and Women’s Fellowship Groups. They take a significant lead in the Bi-annual Impact Holiday Clubs, and during three days of community service doing social action in partnership with the Local Council or for the less able in our Church community.
Mission Trips
Mission trips are arranged during the year to enable the Interns to work alongside other church communities. Usually, two domestic or one international and one domestic mission trips will take place each year. International trips to date have gone to Belgium. These experiences have been invaluable for team-building, stretching faith and developing vision for the mission of the church across the world.
Church-based Ministry
Coton Green is a lively, evangelical church with a congregation of approximately 350 people. Our vision to see 1000 people from this area committed to God and to His work in Tamworth. Evangelism and discipleship are key in the outworking of this vision. This is achieved mainly by friendship, reaching out to those around us whilst sharing God’s love and the Gospel message.
The Interns are involved in the practical service of the church all week and also in pastoral ministry, particularly with students, young people and children. In addition they will undertake leadership roles in our Youth and Children’s ministry, Secondary School Student Union meetings and one-to-one discipleship and prayer ministry.
Depending on their gifts, Interns are also involved in leading worship and contributing to and sharing in our Sunday services, teaching the Bible, preparing study resources, hospitality, project management, media ministries and whatever other ministries that they can support or lead.
We expect the Interns to work hard and share our commitment to the biblical principle of servant leadership, but we also give them the opportunity to work alongside and learn from more experienced leaders and staff in the church in order to develop their gifts and character.
Interested in applying? Go to our Apply page and follow the instructions there.