Ministry Internship Opportunities
We believe every rural community deserves a healthy church. These programs are how we raise up the people who will build them.
High School Ministry Internship
8 weeks · Summer · Free for Christ Church families
Eight weeks behind the scenes in the life of the church. Students memorize Scripture, study biblical counseling basics, lead a service project, and rotate through every part of ministry (including taking out the trash). Overseen directly by pastoral staff and elders.
Students leave with: A tested character, a love for the local church, and a clearer sense of your role in the local church.
Practical Ministry Internship
12 weeks · Summer unless otherwise arranged
This is an opportunity to jump into the work that keeps a church healthy: member care, pastoral visitation, church communications, and event logistics. You learn that no task is beneath a servant of Christ, and you leave knowing better how you are gifted to serve.
Interns leave with: Practical church skills, a diaconal heart, and confidence in servant leadership.
Soul Care & Biblical Counseling Internship
12 weeks · Summer unless otherwise arranged
Learn to walk alongside people in challenging moments. You will observe counseling sessions, accompany elders on hospital and home visits, and practice one-on-one discipleship, all with a rich reading curriculum and weekly mentorship. Women's Titus 2 track included.
Interns leave with: The skills and confidence to provide gospel-centered care in a rural church and steps toward deeper soul care training.
Communications Internship
9 months · 600+ verified hours
9 months serving a rural church through design, writing, social media, and media production. You build a real professional portfolio while learning a theology of creative work. This is an opportunity to help ensure the gospel is communicated as clearly and beautifully as it deserves.
Interns leave with: A professional portfolio, seminary or college credentialing (intern responsibility), and a theology of vocation.
Biblical Counseling Internship(Soul Care Formation)
9 months · 600+ verified hours
9 months of graduated formation: you observe, then assist, then lead basic counseling cases under direct pastoral supervision. Deep reading, ethics training, and CCEF-aligned methodology. Every hour is documented and verified for seminary applications.
Interns with: Seminary-ready documentation and a heart to care for people in rural communities.
Where do our programs lead?
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Continue into the Brainerd Year-Long Residency, and from there, placement as a pastor in a rural church.ext goes here
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Pursue ACBC or CCEF certification. Serve as a lay counselor or women's ministry leader in a rural church.
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Not everyone is called to vocational ministry. Many leave simply equipped to be a deeply healthy member — a discipler, deacon, or servant — for life.
brainerdinstitute.com · Apply: brainerdinstitute.com/internship-apply · All programs free for Christ Church families.