Discover Your Ministry Calling

Two-semester apprenticeship designed to provide exposure to diverse ministry areas within the church while receiving guidance for discerning next steps in ministry calling.

Missional Internship Program Overview

The Christ Our Redeemer Seminary (CORS) Church Internship is a two-semester apprenticeship designed for Christians who sense a call to ministry leadership and seek to explore holistic formation within the local church. This partnership between CORS and local congregations integrates theological education, heart-level mentoring, and hands-on ministry experience. The internship is designed to set interns on a lifelong path of apprenticeship to Jesus Christ and provide wise counsel for discerning vocational calling and next steps.


CORS internships are grounded in the conviction that the entire Bible is a missional phenomenon—an epic story of God’s mission through His people to redeem the world. Our programs are built on the belief that theological education must be both orthodox and contextual, equipping the Church for her role in God’s mission today. Drawing from the Reformed evangelical tradition, the internship introduces participants to a biblical-theological framework for ministry in contemporary Western culture.

  • Ideal Applicants

    Sense God’s calling into ministry leadership and desire to explore this calling through structured experience.


    Demonstrate a growing relationship with Christ, a teachable spirit, and a heart to serve God’s people.


    Are active in their local church and eager to explore diverse aspects of ministry leadership.


    View this internship as an opportunity for vocational discernment and spiritual formation.


    Are willing to commit to the full two-semester program and reside in the Auburn/Opelika area for its duration.

  • Program Structure

    Duration: 2 semesters (academic year)


    Seminary Coursework: Enroll in CORS certificate program (5 hours/week: class, reading, assignments)


    Church Ministry: 10–15 hours/week serving in various ministry areas


    20 hours: Church ministry (mentoring, practicum, ministry activities)

  • Semester One

    Focus on the Drama of Scripture course (weekly cohort meetings)


    Build relationships within the congregation and learn the church culture and operations


    Observe and assist in various ministries


    Mentoring focused on spiritual formation and initial vocational discernment

  • Semester Two

    Focus on the Symphony of Mission course (weekly cohort meetings)


    Greater ministry ownership in areas aligned with the intern’s gifts and interests


    Increased practical application of theological concepts


    Mentoring focused on ministry skills and vocational direction

  • Work Expectations

    Primary identity is an apprentice, not an employee


    Seminary and church collaborate to ensure assignments and ministry responsibilities are complementary


    Participate in intentional mentoring, ministry skills assessment, and development of a Personal Development Plan


    Support pastoral duties, discipleship, outreach, worship, administration, and pastoral care as appropriate


    Attend staff and leadership meetings when appropriate and assist with Sunday worship gatherings

  • Expected Outcomes

    Complete the CORS certificate program


    Gain exposure to diverse ministry areas within the church


    Receive guidance for discerning next steps in ministry calling


    Develop foundational ministry skills aligned with their gifts


    Establish habits of theological reflection and spiritual formation


    Form sustainable habits of self-care

Potential Pathways after Internship

  • Further theological education (MDiv,MA, or certificates)
  • Ministry roles within the local church
  • Mission service opportunities
  • Marketplace ministry with a theological foundation
  • Ministry residency program (for aspiring pastors, church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders)


Financial Model

  • Internship may be paid or unpaid, depending on the local church
  • Funding models include:
  • Church-funded (through designated giving or budget allocation)
  • Intern-funded (intern covers certificate cost; church provides ministry experience)
  • Shared funding (church and intern share costs)


Take the Next Step

Qualifications:

  • Growing faith in Christ and active church involvement
  • Meet CORS certificate program admission requirements
  • Evidence of ministry interest and service
  • Willingness to commit to the full program and reside locally


Timeline:

  • April–May: Applications accepted
  • May–June: Interviews
  • June: Selection and notification
  • July: Certificate program enrollment
  • August: Internship begins


Christ Our Redeemer Seminary partners with several local churches and ministries to make this internship available for you. To begin your application for an internship or residency click here. Contact us to if you have questions about which option is best for you or to find out if your church or ministry is eligible to offer these programs.

"No matter the age or season of life, any Believer who is serious about their own walk with Jesus and even slightly interested in living a missional life, participating with God on His mission wherever they are or wherever God sends them will be a better equipped instrument because of what they learn in this course."


- 2024 Certificate Program Participant