SFC’s Internship Program emphasizes 4 areas.
We will LEARN together what it means to serve and follow Jesus
- Participate in our Coffeehouse Ministry and Ministries of the church
- Attend training and small group provided by SFC
- Learn from dynamic and innovative church, ministry staff, members, community and other interns
We will EQUIP you to live a life of service
- Be mentored and cared for by SFC’s staff and church family
- Prepare you for future ministry opportunities
- Link with other community agencies
We will EXERCISE and develop your skills
- Receive ownership of significant areas of ministry
- Opportunity to shape the world around you
- Bring your ideas to the table for group participation
- Lead small groups, community groups and impact our neighborhood
We will EMPOWER you to succeed in your future ministry and life, following the ways of Christ
- Develop a strategic plan to move forward in your life of service
- Plan a program calendar
- Form a philosophy of service that encompasses the whole family and community
- Explore ways to define what it looks like to follow Jesus
<h1>Phase 1: Do I qualify?</h3>
Who is the average applicant?
Our applicants are typically students that have recently graduated with their college degree and are looking for further training before they begin their careers in ministry, business or social work arena. Most have had some prior experience working in ministry.
What are the minimum requirements to be considered for an internship?
We require that all applicants have a college degree and some prior ministry experience. However, if you feel you have a unique situation, contact us and we will discuss it.
Can international interns apply?
Yes! We encourage international applicants to apply. The only variation to the application process is that international applicants must apply for a Religious Worker’s Visa (R1) from the American Embassy in their country. This can be a lengthy process depending on the country, so we recommend international applicants apply for our internship program 9 months before their potential start date.
<h3>Phase 2: What does SFC’s program have to offer?</h3>
What areas of the church are internships available?
We offer internships in the following departments:
- Coffeehouse Ministry
- Social Work
- Business – Mosaic Coffeehouse
- Childrens’ Ministry birth to 11 years-old.
- Jr. High Ministry 11-14 years-old and High School Ministry 14-18 years old.
- Missions and Missional Impact
- Worship
- Visual Arts (Purple Shag Studio, Graphic Design, Web Design)
- College-aged Ministry (Secular and Christian Campus) 18-24 years old.
- Parish pastor – preparing to administer God’s grace to a community
How long is the internship program? Is the length negotiable?
Our internship program is a one year commitment. We believe one year protects the integrity of your experience, as well as the integrity of our ministry. We want to ensure you are as prepared as possible before you go to the ministry where God leads. We also want to protect our community from developing relationships with interns with a high turn around rate. You will have the option to renew for an additional year. During your internship program you may develop areas that would allow for continued employment beyond the internship program. In other words, you may create a job for yourself during your internship – the possibilities are endless
What will I be doing on a daily basis?
Your daily ministry involvement depends on a number of things, particularly which ministry you’re serving in and what responsibility you have within that ministry. But each intern will spend significant time on the four areas (learn, equip, exercise, empower), which includes the following:
- Training/working in your specific department – 20 hours a week
- Participating in Mosaic Community Coffee House – 4 hours per week (min)
- Weekly intern meeting – 2 hours a week
- One on one meeting with intern pastor – 1 hour, every other week
- Learning Night- One night a week
Can I pursue an advanced degree?
Yes! SFC is located near the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, and Seattle University. Many on-line opportunities are also available. If you are pursuing a track to being Ordained – this will begin during your internship
What happens when I have completed the internship?
We desire to see our interns contribute to and lead lives of service and ministries in the community where God leads them. To that end, we will always be “looking forward,” by providing opportunities for interns to journal and discuss how principles learned at SFC can be implemented in other ministries. We will also work closely together to get your next dream position.
Phase 3: Is it financially feasible?
How much does the internship cost and when is tuition due?
Tuition is $1,000 per year of the internship. The first $500 is due the first day of your internship. The remainder of your support is due before your year ends. Tuition goes to pay for development resources like conferences, retreats, books, and training seminars. It is an essential piece to your internship and cannot be negotiated. It can be raised by soliciting support.
Does SFC give benefits to interns?
SFC currently does not offer any benefits to interns at this time. However, we have developed strategies to help interns attain affordable benefits and we partner with our interns to make sure they are covered.
How much support do I need to raise?
In addition to the $1,000 per year, interns should raise or earn $500 per month at minimum to cover their own living expenses. This may vary as different interns have different expenses (i.e student loan debt, car payment, cell phone, etc.) Keep in mind, $500 per month is based on an intern being single and having housing provided in our intern housing. If you’re married, you would have to provide your own housing, although your spouse’s income may provide the additional finances that you need. You may also apply for one of our part-time paid in-house staff positions to supplement this living expense or apply to a local establishment for part-time employment.
3 Ways to gain financial support
- Part-time Church Position
- Work approx 15 hrs week at church ($8.67 hr)
- Plus your normal intern duties
- Raising Funding
- Support raised to fund your internship
- Funding will be distributed bi-weekly to . (10-15 Hours per week)
- Part-time Job “off-site”
- Secure part-time employment off-campus
- Plus your normal intern duties
This is most definitely confusing. Do not hesitate to ask any and all questions.
How do I raise support and when can I start?
When you have gone through your final interview and have been sent an offer letter from the church, you will be sent a “how to” packet to help you with raising support. You should begin the process of raising support immediately after you are offered the position, and not before.
Can a married person do this internship?
Yes! The only additional challenge would be providing your own housing. However, if your spouse works, his/her income might provide the added financial resources. If your spouse does not work out of the home, you’d be required to raise additional housing support.
Do I have to find my own housing?
We will provide intern housing for you if you are single. Housing will include furniture. The interns will be living in community in houses near the church. No car is necessary in our neighborhood – everything is within walking distance or public transportation. Interns who are married must find their own housing. One bedroom apartments in the area run about $800/mo. Two bedrooms run about $1000/mo. We can help you find a great place.
Can I work at the same time?
Yes. Our internship is part-time or full-time, and you will be expected to work or raise support for your monthly expenses that are not covered. We do offer part-time paid employment for a number of interns and are centrally located to secure a part-time job “off-campus”. If you raise support for your living expenses – you will be a fulltime intern.
Phase 4: How do I apply?
What does the application process entail?
Applicants must fill out an application
It is recommended to turn applications in 2-3 months prior to your potential start date (6 months if you are international).
Your references will be checked.
You will have at least one phone interview with the director of interns, Mark Woodward,
We will notify you if we would like to extend an offer to you at that time or not.
If you are offered the position, then and only then should you start raising support and making plans to come to Seattle
Lastly, all applicants are considered “on probation” for the first three months of their internship.
How will I know where I am in the process?
Pastor Mark will notify you after each step has been accomplished. You will be emailed to say: That your application has been received, that all your references have successfully been returned, that your interview is set with the pastor of interns, and that you have the position. If you have not received notification, you should assume that step has not been accomplished.
When does the internship begin and when should I apply?
Internships begin three times a year: January, May and September. The application process takes approximately 1 month to complete based on many variables. It is wise to apply 2-3 months before you would potentially like to start your internship.
How many interns apply and how many do you accept?
Not sure, this is all new! We hope to take an average of 8 interns per year.
When will I find out if I am approved for the position?
Assuming there are no hold ups in the process, we will be able to tell you one or two months before you’re scheduled to start your internship.
If an internship at SFC sounds of interest to you as a future pastor or church leader, business leader or social worker please do not hesitate to contact us along with downloading and completing an Internship Application.
