THE BLESSINGS OF INTERNSHIP & MINISTRY SCHOOL IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

I was asked to write an article for a denominational publication to encourage local churches to do ministry schools. Here’s what I wrote…tell me what you think! Papa G

Years ago I asked the Lord how to be a youth pastor and He said to me, “Be a father to them.” I have tried to do that ever since and am blessed to have many sons and daughters in the faith all over the world. It is the joy of my life. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I ask you to follow my example and do as I do.

Paul said there are many teachers and that is true still today as we see traveling evangelists, youth speakers, pastors of all sorts but there seems to be few fathers. We also see Paul’s fathers heart in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12. This principle of the older generation caring for the younger generation as loving parents is seen throughout Scripture. Think of Moses and Joshua along with Elijah and Elisha to name just a few. And Jesus demonstrated parental love in Matthew 23:37-39 when he prayed for Jerusalem.

Today we have the added complication of ministering to a generation where single parent homes and latchkey kids are constantly on the rise. These young adults too often grow up without the loving influence of a father. In many ways, you not only become a teacher and spiritual mentor but an agent of healing those with damaged and bruised emotions. God can use you to instill confidence, courage, and character that might be otherwise lacking due to parental neglect.

I want to encourage those who can to start internships and perhaps some kind of ministry school in your local church. It will exponentially increase your capacity to be a spiritual father. Here are a few things it will do for you:

1.    It will give younger generations new spiritual life and opportunities.
It is a great thrill watching those who grow up in our churches go on to become effective ministers. Bob Nardellie the CEO of Home Depot says, “I absolutely believe that people, unless coached, never reach their maximum capabilities.” Developing an internship and/or ministry school program in your church will help your young people and young adults reach their maximum capability.

2.    It gives you the thrill of passing on what you have learned.  
The Dead Sea is stagnate because there is no outlet. Interns and ministry schools give us the opportunity to share our life experiences with those who are eager to learn and give us outlet. Pastor and author, Dr. Dale Galloway often says in his seminars, “What you give away gets multiplied.” That is so true and it’s fun too!

3.    It is your legacy.
I love what Alton Garrison said in a recent ministers conference, “The older you get the more value you find out of indirect success rather than direct success.” He was talking about training younger generations to do ministry and service. At the end of King David’s reign the Scripture not only talks about what he had accomplished but also more emphasis was given to what his leaders, his mighty men had accomplished. They were his legacy not buildings and programs.

4.    You can glean from their experiences as well.
Earl Creps calls this ‘reverse mentoring’ and I have found it to be true. I have learned so much from those younger than me. They have kept me effectively running in the race with joy and passion.

As spiritual fathers we are always looking, longing, desiring, praying and hoping for our children to come home and be all God has called them to be. Incorporating internship program and/or a ministry school is a great way for you to fulfill that calling on your life.