Selecting an intern
Once you have recruited a prospective intern, it is important to interview them carefully to ensure that their passion and vision are in line with yours. Supervising an intern is a large responsibility and you want to ensure that you are investing your time into the right person. Interviewing the prospective intern will help you to decide if they will be a successful ‘fit’ for the internship role you have in mind. Below are suggestions of areas for discussion:
- Work through the Application form questions, adding clarifying questions of your own where necessary.
- Ask the intern to explain what they think an intern’s role would be. Why do they think this role is for them? What strengths would they bring to the position?
- Review the position description together and describe what your expectations of the intern would be. Be very clear about the number of hours you are expecting an intern to work each week.
- Invite the intern to describe their ministry passion – where is their heart?
- Question the intern about their dreams and plans – where do they see themselves in 5 years’ time?
- Discuss with the intern what the greatest challenges will be for them in internship.
- Ask the intern what they love most about your church. What would they like to see changed?
- Discuss the degree of support the person would have for their internship – from spouse and other family members, potential mentor, friends etc.
- Ask the intern how they intend to support themselves financially. Are they intending to work? Note that ELC strongly recommends no more than 10 hours a week paid employment. The internship involves 15 hours a week practical ministry and approximately 13 hours a week self-directed learning (study, assessments etc).
When you have completed the interview, seek God for clarity on whether this is the right intern for your church.