As part of our academic programs, the Departments of Church
Leadership and the CYL strive to offer the best training in areas of pastoral
ministry, professional church and community work. Our academic programs work to build a common
sense of community, pride, cooperation, and opportunity among those who desire
to work in and alongside churches and service organizations in a variety of
settings. To do this we look beyond the
borders of our campus to build strategic partnerships with church, ministry,
and community leaders.
One of the significant programs to prepare, connect, and
serve emerging and existing leaders is through internships. These are off-campus, professional
experiences in a ministry, program, or organization that reflect the student's
area of interest, calling, and specialization.
Students who display expertise in their area of interest are placed with
qualified professionals to be mentored, trained, and to gain greater insight
into the specifics of their anticipated career and ministry. Internships can take place in churches,
para-church organizations, community organizations, and ministries located in
urban, rural, suburban, or foreign settings.
They are designed to give students an exposure to ministry and
professional careers in the real world.
The Departments of Church Leadership and the CYL at NCU are
always interested in partnering with churches, ministries, and organizations
that will provide excellent opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and
flourish in their area of interest.
Participating partners also benefit from having energetic,
knowledgeable, and passionate assistance for anywhere from three months up to a
year. This mutually beneficial
relationship impacts the lives of our students and those that these partner
organizations touch on a daily basis.
The philosophy of the internship program at NCU is based on
the strategy of Jesus and New Testament church leaders. Jesus called his disciples to "Come, follow
me" (Matthew 4:19). He invited them to
follow and see a lifestyle and ministry modeled. He also involved them in ministry and held
them accountable in this effective learning experience. The apostle Paul used
this model of learning to train for ministry and develop young leaders in the
early church. He was mentored by
Barnabas as a new believer and minister, (Acts 9:27 and Acts 13:2-3), and
mentored young leaders such as Timothy and Titus. The model is that disciples
were mentored for more effective ministry while they were involved in ministry.
Internships are a vital aspect of the academic programs at
NCU. They are a requirement for
graduation for all academic programs in the Departments of Church
Leadership. Although internships are
practical in nature and field-oriented, they must also have academic
merit. Students must commit finances,
time, and energy to the completion of the academic requirements. With the high cost of education, we are
committed to providing the highest quality learning experience for their
investment. Our goal is to assist
students in whatever way possible, whether it is through directing them to
quality opportunities, helping them find the necessary resources, and providing
insightful feedback.
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Students need an opportunity to experience ministry, to
reflect upon that ministry experience with a qualified mentor, to articulate
insights that have been gained, and to plan for future ministry utilizing these
newly learned insights. This learning
context will help students integrate previous learning and ministry
experiences. As a result, the students'
educational experience will be enhanced.
Ideas learned in the classroom will be put into practice and evaluated
in actual ministry settings.
At the heart of NCU's internship program is the belief that
the development of the student's interior life is foundational to effective
ministry. It is our desire that each
student will learn to be the person of God as well as possessing the skills to
do the work of God. The development of
their identity and integrity is a priority in the preparation process. Spiritual growth is essential and results
from a heart surrendered fully and sensitive to Christ.
Internships 
