Pastoral Internship Overview
Thank you for your interest in the pastoral internship program at Erbil Baptist Church (EBC). As a congregation, we are committed to glorifying God by obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. We believe Erbil is uniquely positioned on the map in the heart of the Middle East, and our multi-national congregation serve as a great resource for pastors in training.
The internship program at EBC is a way for us to focus time, attention, and resources on the training of future pastors of churches throughout the world.
The EBC internship, provides an opportunity for future pastors and church leaders to reflect on the nature of the church and pastoral ministry–observing a local church in practice and reflecting on both the Scriptures and the writings of pastors and theologians who have thought carefully about what it means to faithfully proclaim the gospel as a community. Interns are able to consider what a healthy, biblical church looks like and their role within it as a shepherd.
If an internship at EBC sounds of interest to you as a future pastor or church leader, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Pastoral Internship Details
In the Erbil Baptist Church (EBC) pastoral internship program, we simply want to uncover what day-to-day ministerial life is like and provide men, who aspire to be pastors, with healthy foundations and frameworks for the work of ministry.
How should the church be organized? Who should lead the church? Does the Bible discuss church membership? How does church polity affect how a local church functions? What is the character of a pastor? How do I study a passage in the Bible, rightly interpret it, and deliver a faithful sermon that builds up my brothers and sisters in the church? In addition to observing church life today, EBC interns will spend much of their time engaging with great books.
Through study, reflection, conversations, training, and simply being a church member, interns will discover that we believe God’s church is a display of God’s glory (Eph. 3:10, 21). Interns will also consider what it means to structure a church, not according to the latest cultural methods or “whatever works,” but according to all that the Bible says a church should be.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The full-time program consists of approximately 40-50 hours per week of study, observation, and regular involvement in the church.
We are also now enrolling for the Citywide Internship, a part-time option for those who wish to continue serving in their own local church while studying. For more info on the Citywide Internship program email: [email protected]
Investment from the Pastoral Staff
Interns spend much of their time observing and learning from our pastoral staff and their ministry.
Reading and Writing
There are approximately 40 books and articles to read during the internship. A reflection paper is written on each book that engages the book and its value for pastoral ministry and serves as a basis for further discussion. Interns discuss their papers and readings each week with the pastoral staff. Interns will also participate in weekly systematic theology readings and discussions.
Due to these responsibilities, applicants must have at least average proficiency in spoken and written English.
Involvement with Leaders & Members
Interns are expected to join the church, having signed the Statement of Faith and Church Covenant. They will meet regularly with different lay elders, deacons, and members to discuss pastoral ministry and church life at Erbil Baptist. They are also encouraged to build discipling relationships during the course of their stay in Erbil.
Daily Life
Interns are expected to keep office hours during which they read, write, or attend various meetings. Sometimes after-hours work is required. They are expected to attend all public church functions and build relationships inside and outside the church, just as a normal church member with a secular job would do.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
For most accepted applicants, the church provides modest housing and a stipend to cover food, transport, and simple living expenses. However, the internship program does not provide substantive financial support. On a case-by-case basis, more substantive financial scholarships may be awarded.
MORE INFO
To learn more or to apply, contact [email protected]