I wish we would have had more time dedicated to planning and organization.
Advice
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Youth Ministry Intern
May - August 2020 • Chattanooga, TN
What I liked
This was my fourth summer as an intern, and because of corona things were very different. We started planning out the summer way earlier than usual. Our biggest event was a two week camp in which our small team went to each student's house and played socially distant games. We had about 30 families sign up, so we went to each house 2 times over the two weeks and then did a zoom call at night for the last week. It was crazy busy, but so fun to get to see the kids while still following the guidelines.
What I wish was different
This summer was the busiest summer I have ever experienced because of all the planning and inventing new ways to see our students while still staying safe. In spite of all that, I am very thankful for all of my fellow interns and our 2 bosses who were willing to do what it took to make it work. I wish our original summer plans had not been canceled because of COVID, but I am thankful for the summer we had and enjoyed it.
Advice
Youth ministry can be really hard because it is not only physically taxing, but it is also emotionally and spiritually taxing. Something that usually helps is the community we create as interns and our willingness to be open about what we are learning and seeing God do in the midst of all the hard stuff. There is a lot God can teach you, but you need to be willing to let him and be open to sharing how you are really doing, otherwise, you will not get everything out of it that you can. These students have a lot to teach you, but you have to be open to learn, which takes a lot of humility and prayer.
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Youth Ministry Intern
May - August 2019 • Chattanooga, TN
What I liked
I really enjoyed being able to plan events and hang outs with the students. I also loved not only encouraging them in their faith but guiding conversation and questions, teaching them more about God. Of course, I learned so much just from them opening up and sharing, too.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been more structure with one-on-one time. There were many variables that go into play, but I feel like we could've done more in our end of things.
Advice
Remember that what happens, happens. A huge part of this internship was being able to change directions quickly, to be flexible and adapt.
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Music Intern
May - August 2019 • Chattanooga, TN
What I liked
It was a privilege to work alongside Daniel Young and Prakash Wright (Music Directors of New City) every day; I learned about what being a music minister requires. I enjoyed planning for, and performing the Sunday worship service every week. In addition to Sunday morning worship, we led praise and worship on weekdays for camp GLAD and Hope for the Inner City - New City's nonprofit organizations. It was a transforming experience to serve the Lord and His people this summer.
What I wish was different
I wish we as a team had a devotional/prayer time everyday to give our hearts to the Lord, because I learned that it is easy to forget Who you are serving while doing music ministry, as one can get caught up with logistics. Every Monday we had testimonials/devotionals, but I wish that this was a more consistent thing throughout the week.
Advice
For being a New City music intern I would encourage one to be intentional with making good relationships because I believe that some of the best relationships can come out of internships - that was my experience. Also, New City is a cross-cultural worshipping community, which encourages one to engage and participate with various cultures. One should humble themselves, and prepare to learn from different people groups for this job.
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New City Fellowship Youth Intern
May - August 2019 • Chattanooga, TN
What I liked
I loved working with the diverse students at New City and sharing the gospel with them. I also loved the variety of things we did from camps and service weeks to planning youth groups and fun events.
What I wish was different
Advice
One should be willing to do many different jobs each week. Many things change between the weeks which is really fun, but it’s important to be willing to be flexible.
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New City Fellowship Youth Intern
May - August 2019 • Chattanooga, TN
What I liked
I loved hanging out with the students and the staff was spectacular. It was such a fun job! I loved working alongside others who cared about sharing the gospel and walking alongside some amazing kids learning about God and how to live a life as a Christian. Definitely a worthwhile experience!
What I wish was different
Advice
Ministry work always calls for a lot of flexibility. No week is the same and there can be many surprises for every event. We go on many trips and have fun events, but it is not always easy. This job is all about relationships and some of the kids we work with have been through a whole lot. There is always a need for more people to come and walk along with these kids and share the gospel with them. It is a spectacular job and totally worth it.
