Internships

The vision of Sojourn Community Church is to see the gospel transform everything—ourselves as individuals, our city and the world. We believe the next ten years hold great opportunity for more and better ministry. We want to see more people plugged into service, more people served, more opportunities to love Louisville and share the reason for the hope that’s within us.

There’s no way we’re going to impact our city with only a few influential leaders. As we desire more and better communities, we desire more and better leaders for those communities.

Internships at Sojourn support this vision by holistically developing leaders for the church and the world through shepherding and practical ministry experience. Interns serve within the church and are mentored and empowered for a lifetime of Gospel ministry at Sojourn and in local churches around the world.

Philosophy

New Testament leadership is self-sacrificial service. Jesus modeled this by washing his disciples feet (John 13:1-20) and laying down his life for his people (John 10:11; Philippians 2:1-11). Paul modeled servant leadership by relentlessly glorifying Christ through his sufferings for the church (Colossians 1:24-29). And Peter called early church leaders to serve and shepherd their people with self-giving joy, humility and endurance (1 Peter 5:1-11).

In an effort to develop servant leaders, Sojourn internships emphasize two New Testament principles for church leadership. First, Sojourn recognizes that personal transformation through application of the gospel and ongoing spiritual renewal creates a foundation for biblical and fruitful ministry. Second, Sojourn believes that church leaders are best developed, shepherded and equipped in the local church. Our internships blend biblical and theological training with real life ministry experience in community.

Toward this end, Sojourn emphasizes mentoring in training. Mentoring allows a future leader to grow in character, conviction and competency in relationship with an older, godly church leader. Mentoring recognizes that adults learn best through self-directed training, when study is connected to practical experience, and when deep reflection and discussion are prioritized. Sojourn’s commitment is not to “use” interns to get ministry done, but to “use” ministry to develop interns into Spirit-empowered leaders.

Framework

Sojourn internships are twelve months long and are most fruitful with a weekly commitment of 20 hours. The internships are designed to equip members for gospel ministry through learning and serving. As learners, interns will devote approximately half of their program by participating in the Pastor’s School, Porterbrook, Foundations and other classes. As servants, interns will serve in Sojourn’s existing ministries and help launch new ministries, groups and campuses.

Prospective interns are encouraged to pick two or three learning opportunities and one to three service areas. A staff leader will be assigned to each intern. Mentors will meet regularly with their interns in small groups, set goals and delegate assignments, provide shepherding, correction and instruction in regard to their ministry, their character and their team chemistry.

Applications

Our internships begin February 1 and September 1. To be considered for the February 1 class, please submit your application by October 31. For the September 1 class, please apply by May 31. The application process allows Sojourn to assess six areas: character, theology, competency, life stage, experience and team chemistry. The applicant will submit a testimony, resume, two-page application and provide two recommendations.

Interns can expect to receive a call or email from a Sojourn leader within two weeks of submitting an application, and an interview may be scheduled. Accepted interns will be invited to attend a welcome weekend at Sojourn’s midtown campus about two months before the start date.

Funding

Once an intern has been accepted, he/she will meet with his/her mentor to discuss a plan for raising support. Each intern’s support-raising is monitored by the mentor and other interns. Interns will process their own support donations, communicate with their supporters regularly, and handle their own taxes.

Outcome

Through the program, interns will be shaped in character by applying the gospel to every aspect of life and growing in holiness (the heart; being), in biblical conviction by growing in their identities as learners and disciples (the mind; knowing), and in competency by assuming a posture of service and mission within the community, growing in ministry fruitfulness (the hands; doing). Internships provide Sojourn with an influx of developing leaders and improve the assessment process for men who seek the church’s support in church planting and missions.

• For details and application information, please download the intern packet here.
• Apply Online Here
• Recommendation Form

If you have any questions related to internships at Sojourn Church, please email us at intern@sojournchurch.com.