At our congregational meeting on May 21, one of the items on the agenda is a possible pastoral intern for 2023-2024. But what is an intern?
In our denomination (the ELCA), potential pastors study beyond college at a seminary for a Master of Divinity degree. This three-year professional degree gives potential pastors the chance to study theology, worship, history, preaching, and much more.
Beyond this degree, our church requires pastors to spend a year working in a congregation as an intern alongside an experienced pastor—kind of like a residency.
During this year, the intern (often called a Vicar in our tradition) learns to find their voice as a pastor and learns gets hands-on experience in what ministry looks like.
Vicars (or interns) work full-time in their assigned congregation. Over the course of twelve months, the goal is to get experience in a wide variety of aspects of ministry.
The called Pastor of the congregation (Pastor David here) serves as a mentor and supervisor during the year. They meet together regularly for teaching and learning, assessment, and guidance.
What does this mean for SOJOY?
We have been approached by the Synod and one of our seminaries to consider having an intern here at Spirit of Joy! in 2023-2024.
Because this person is geographically restricted, there are some scholarship monies to available to help fund the position. In total, we would need to come up with $15,000 for the 12 month period.
A Vicar (intern) at Spirit of Joy!, if approved at the congregational meeting, would begin during the summer. They would spend time getting to know our congregation and the community in which we serve. As we move into the Autumn, the Vicar would become more involved in the various ministries of our congregation.
Throughout the year, the Vicar would be supported by an Internship Committee. The role of this committee is to provide constructive feedback, support, and encouragement to the Vicar.
We will be discussing the possibility of an intern and voting on any budget implications at Spirit of Joy! at the May 21 congregational meeting.