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Ministry Internship

Overview

ISM offers the opportunity to enrol in a two year Diploma course to those interested in gaining international student ministry experience and training. There are four major components to the internship:

  • Spiritual and personal development
  • Biblical understanding
  • Ministry skills
  • Supervised ministry experience.

Our programme also allows for interns to spend an appropriate number of hours per week in paid employment.

Desired Outcome

This internship is designed to prepare and equip people for Christian ministry, in an overseas environment.

Many past ISMNZ interns are now actively serving in their home or adopted countries, especially in Asia.

Whilst holding down various vocations, our graduates maintain a passionate engagement in ministry. Others become full-time workers with Christian organisations and churches.

 

Application

Both new and mature Christians may apply for the ISM Ministry Internship Programme.

In most cases applicants will have graduated with a university degree.

However, entry is open to any person with a calling to serve in an international ministry, either in New Zealand or overseas.

Pleased contact the ISM Office for an application. (N.B. - a reference from your local church will be required)

 

The ISM internship is offered in partnership with Pathways College of Bible and Mission. Pathways College is accredited and approved under the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Pathways is also a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Interns graduating from the two-year ISM programme will receive the NZQA-accredited Pathways College Diploma in Ministry Leadership (Internship). Interns graduating from the one-year ISM programme will receive the NZQA-accredited Pathways College Diploma in Christian Ministry (Internship)

 

What they're saying

"I come from Japan, and was studying performing arts in Auckland when I was asked if I would like to become an ISM intern and help with the Japanese ministry. After praying about it, God gave me peace, so I left Auckland for Palmerston North...

Through various frustrations and challenges I have experienced God and felt closer to Him as never before. I had never been a leader, so I had to learn so many things and be patient with myself. God has been revealing my weaknesses (not a comfortable experience) but through the internship God has helped me grow and to see it too. It is hard, though it is good, because God is good - that's what an ISM internship is!"      (Nobu, Japan)

I grew up in Auckland and came to Palmerston North to study at Massey University.  In my first year at university I became a Christian through an Alpha Course at Grace City Church. When I finished my degree at Massey I wanted to study theology. I had been on a short term trip to China that year. I felt God was calling me back to China, but I also knew He wanted me to get more training. I was asked to consider an internship with ISM, working with their Chinese Fellowship Ministry.

Throughout the years of being involved in the Ministry Internship Programme with ISM I grew in so many ways and learned so many things. Mostly I have learned about the grace of God and the freedom we have in New Zealand. I have learned what it is like to be an outsider in another culture. Being and ISM Intern and a New Zealander was so beneficial. I see myself as part of a Body that is made up of many different cultures and backgrounds; indeed, I have found my identity as a follower of Jesus Christ and am committed to Him as my Lord." (K.T. - now in China)

"I came from Malaysia. I joined ISM as an intern after completing my studies at Massey University. God initially put the call in my heart when I was still a student and convinced me that I needed to grow in the knowledge of Him.

When I started the internship I was only a young Christian not knowing much, but through the training programme I learned much in a short period of time about who God is, what Christianity is all about, and also being equipped through and for service in different areas of ministry. It was challenging but at the same time it was exciting and well worth it. I could not have learned so much had I not done the internship.

My highlights were: learning to trust God, depending on Him, and also trusting Him in all things that He has prepared for me to do. My passion for serving Him was cultivated through knowing Him in an intimate way."    (Michael, Malaysia)