Developing a Small Church Pastoral Internship at First Baptist Church, Dilley, Texas

Abstract

This project addresses the need in small Baptist churches for pastoral internships to allow men considering pastoral ministry the opportunity to experience small church life. Chapter 1 defines the goals that would govern such an internship and describes the small church environment that could host the internship.

Chapter 2 guides the reader through biblical examples of mentors including Moses, Elijah, Jesus, Barnabas, and Paul. Basic characteristics of mentoring are highlighted and direct application for an internship program is made.

Chapter 3 examines the process. Discovery is made in this chapter that an internship program of twelve weeks should focus on a smaller number of goals. Since relationship is the unique component of small Baptist churches, kingdom-building relationship skills became the focus.

Chapter 4 describes the twelve-week process of developing relationships with four Christian men. Spurgeon and Card were studied and a basic map was developed for the initial steps of beginning an internship program in any church.

Chapter 5 evaluates the process utilized at First Baptist Church Dilley, Texas. Contrasts are made between the initial goals and those actually pursued. The most effective and the weakest elements are identified and suggestions are made for any future implementation.