We pray we’ll see 15 gospel workers equipped and sent out into gospel ministry over the next 10 years through internships at Scots.
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2
Interns at Scots Church Sydney
Our mission at Scots is to grow disciples who go into our city and into the world. We want everyone at Scots to grow in godliness and gain insight into themselves, including their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to make better choices about how to live their lives for Jesus and be useful in His service. Everyone at Scots is part of our informal ministry training program. As one specific aspect of our overall ministry training program, we take on formal Ministry Apprenticeships.
Scots Church offers the position of Intern (aka Student Minister) to those who are studying at theological college who wish to be trained in leadership and church ministry in an urban environment. We train and equip students in leadership and church ministry so that they are prepared for a lifetime of ministry.
We dream of seeing hundreds of Christian leaders thriving in ministry across Australia and the world, who feel better equipped after having served as an intern at Scots Church.
The role of intern will require at a minimum the same level of commitment expected from one of our core members at Scots Church (i.e. leading a ministry), and for the spouse (if applicable), at least the same level of commitment expected from one of our members (i.e. in a Hub Group and serving in a ministry team).
Qualifications for an intern role at Scots Church:
- Deep love for Jesus
- Strong commitment to seeing lives changed by the gospel via prayer and scripture.
- Competence in teaching the Bible simply and clearly.
- Clear, humble, sacrificial and an engaging leadership style.
- A willingness to work alongside others in a team and under our Team Leader.
We offer a hands on, fully involved training experience including…
Preaching Training
Students are provided opportunities to give Bible talks in a variety of situations across the year. For each sermon you preach, you receive support before the delivery and feedback after the delivery.
Coaching
Each intern is given a coach at Scots Church to meet with monthly. These sessions are designed for guided reflection on what you are learning in your ministry journey. These meetings will include dedicated time for prayer and encouragement. This regular pastoral support aims to nurture your spiritual development and strengthen your effectiveness in ministry.
Leading a Ministry Team
It our conviction that future leaders of God’s people need the skills of leading teams. We give our interns opportunities to take team-leading responsibilities as a coordinator of a specific ministry.
Group Training
Interns gather four-eight times per year to train as a group with the pastoral staff. This collaborative environment fosters growth and development, enabling interns to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of various aspects of church leadership.
The group training provides interns the opportunity to ask questions and receive focussed training in the area such as:
- Vision & change management
- Handling criticism
- Leading & mobilising volunteers
- Presbyterian theology & practice
- Growing in emotional intelligence
- Marriage & Running Marriage Preparation
Specific Training Requests
Interns are also invited to speak to their coach about any ministries or pastoral experiences they would value observing in their time at Scots Church.
Some of these experiences include, but are not limited to:
- Observing the weekly staff meeting
- Observing the annual planning meetings
- Observing session
- Baptism preparation
- Visiting someone in hospital
Current interns at Scots
Aaron
Moore Theological College
Alex
Sydney Missionary & Bible College
Dhanu
Moore Theological College
Alice
Moore Theological College
Haydn
Moore Theological College
Hear from some of our past interns…
Paul Young
Studied at: Moore Theological College
Now serving: Senior Pastor at Providence Church Bayswater, WA.
How did Scots Church prepare you for ministry?
“My foundation for planting Providence Bayswater in Perth was laid during a student ministry placement at Scots Church Sydney. My time there focused on developing my theological convictions with practical ministry. Crucially, it gave me an insight to what church leadership and planting really involves. It has equipped me with the competencies needed and most importantly, the character required, to lead a church plant myself.”
Caitlin Ogg
Studied at: Moore Theological College
Now serving: AFES staff worker at Deakin University, VIC.
How did Scots Church prepare you for ministry?
“My time at Scots was crucial in preparing me to understand and think about how the gospel interacts with different contexts, so that when I moved away, I didn’t have to do things just like Scots. Instead, I took time to understand the context and how to bring the gospel best to the people in front of me. Learning to observe, reflect and be curious has helped me so much as I start ministry full time”.
Stephen Tan
Studied at: Christ College
Now serving: Associate Pastor, Cornerstone Presbyterian Community Church, NSW.
How did Scots Church prepare you for ministry?
“I’m extremely grateful for my time as an Intern at Scots. The staff, Craig and Jess, are very intentional and thoughtful in training and equipping church leaders for ministry in a city context. Scots’ Interns experience a formative and edifying training community with lessons I continue to apply today.”