Some interest have been shown regarding Internship, the term used in Vineyard to describe the program designed to prepare and equip emerging leaders for service in a Vineyard local fellowship. Confusing it with corporate practices, you may think that it is like a month’s attachment. But it is actually OTJ training over a 12-24 month period!

Below are details of the program which we were involved with, led by Pastor Stuart Gurnea, and which will be adopted for use in NLV.

Internship Program

The purpose of the Vineyard’s Internship program is to affirm, develop and grow emerging pastors and leaders for service in the Vineyard and the Kingdom of God.

Key to the establishment of this church, and the Vineyard movement, is the early vision of the movement’s founder, John Wimber, to “equip the saints for work of service” (Eph 4:11-12). Lay ministry in the Vineyard is highly valued and we allocate time and resources to it. We also recognize that the Lord calls some leaders into full time ministry.

While we acknowledge the value of formal education and, at times, recommend formal training at bible schools, colleges or seminaries, we believe that leaders must also be trained within the context of the local church. Therefore this program is specifically intended to prepare emerging leaders for service in a Vineyard local fellowship. Participation in this program will equip those the Lord is calling into ministry, whether in lay leader context or full time ministry.

The Internship program is 12 – 24 months ministry experience depending on whether the interns’ interest is lay leadership or full time ministry. The program is offered by invitation and subject to approval of Senior Pastor.

Participation in Vineyard’s Internship program in no way guarantees future ministry postings or positions. Gifting, vision, and function is explored in a teamwork environment throughout the course of the Internship. Ministry and/or career paths are discovered in a team environment consisting of supervising pastors and interns. Participating in the Vineyard’s Internship program does not elevate anyone beyond that of a disciple of Jesus Christ, first and foremost.

The Intern program requires interns to participate and develop proficiency in a variety of ministry activities essential to church life. Over a 2 – 24 month period Interns will gain valuable exposure to actual ministry functions and experiences within a local Vineyard church context.

Interns will be required to serve in a team environment, demonstrate ministerial responsibility, develop and lead ministry activities, operate in spiritual gifts and lead others in doing so.

Areas an Intern may be asked to participate in:

a. Kinship (Small) Groups / Pastoral Care
b. Kids Kinship (Group)
c. Mercy Ministries
d. Hospitality
e. Worship Ministry
f. Office duties
g. Youth Ministry
h. Teaching & Preaching
i. Evangelism / Missions

Interns will be required to attend:

a. Vineyard Worship events regularly (weekly)
b. Attend all relevant Leadership meetings
c. Attend a quarterly dinner for Interns to meet with peers, guest speakers and Senior Pastors.
d. To meet every second month with Supervising Pastors for pastoral care, debriefing and future planning.

Interns will be required to:

a. Study ministry related books and materials
b. Study teaching tapes
c. Initiate the development a personal library of ministry resources
d. Preach / teach on Sunday morning / evenings at various times as requested by Senior Pastor.
e. Teach workshops & equip the saints. (all ages)
f. Register & complete Kingdom of God 1 & 2 from Vineyard Bible Institute.

Required reading:

a. Power Healing by John Wimber
b. Power Evangelism by John Wimber
c. The Quest for the Radical Middle by Bill Jackson
d. The Way it Was by Carol Wimber
e. Doing Church by Alexander Ventner
f. Breakthrough by Derek Morphew
g. The Gospel of the Kingdom by G.E.Ladd
h. Vineyard Theological & Philosophical Statement.