The Explore Summer Internship exists to help young adults (18-25 years old) discern their call to vocational ministry by providing an environment for exploring their gifts and giving the intern opportunities to explore particular aspects of ministry and/or program development in a safe and encouraging environment. The internship is meant to be a hands-on experience in a church setting or a church affiliated organization. The interns should engage in a broad range of ministerial work and/or program development then reflect on their experiences. Interns are not meant to fill a certain hole in the ministerial staff (youth ministry or children’s ministry, for instance). Rather, they are to be given opportunities to experience the full breadth of pastoral ministry; to dream, vision, implement -- to learn by doing as well as by observing and discussing. The Intern Application, Selection & Assignment Process Candidates for the Explore Internship Program are selected based on their written application. After selecting the interns, the Explore Internship selection committee places them based on ministry setting preference, previous experience, the makeup and setting of the host congregation and the prayer/discernment of the selection team. This team does its best to make pairings that will be beneficial and life-giving to the intern, the mentor and host congregation/organization. Internship Schedule Monday, May 22: Interns/Mentor Orientation from 10:00-2:00. Location TBD Sunday, May 28: First Sunday of Internship Thursday, June 8: Reflection Group from 10:00-2:00. Location to TBD Thursday, June 22- Sunday, June 25: Attend Annual Conference (Housing will be provided for this time) Thursday, July 6: Reflection Group from 10:00-2:00. Location to TBD Saturday, July 29: Explore Intern Celebration. Location and time TBD Sunday, July 30:  Last Sunday of Internship ***The Intern is expected to begin and end on the dates listed above and is expected to serve in the location she/he is assigned for the duration of the 10 weeks. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, interns will not be excused to participate in mission trips with other groups, take vacation, etc. Any exceptions should be determined in conversation with the mentor and Annalee Allen. Funding for Explore Each intern will receive a $3,000 stipend, which will be paid of the 15 and 30 of each month beginning May 30 and ending July 30 through the WNC Conference.  A payroll packet will be completed during orientation and a blank check must be provided for direct deposit. Reimbursement for ministry related travel expenses will be provided by the Host Congregation/Organization. Housing will also be provided by Host Congregation/Organization. Application deadline line is February 13, 2017 To request more information or an application contact:  Rev. Annalee Allen at aallen@wnccumc.org DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE PAGE