life walking

What exactly are we looking for in an Intern? It comes down to two big categories – character expectations and practical expectations. Notice we are using the word expectation. We EXPECT these traits to already be in the mix.

Character Expectations – Interns
I didn’t intend for this to be an acronym…it just kind of worked out that way.

Responsive to Christ's leadership. When shown or challenged with a truth from Christ, do they avoid it, ignore it or allow it to conform them?

Available for ministry. Lifewalking takes time. Is there space in life to minister and be ministered to?

Faithful to Christ's expectations. Are they stable? Reliable? Committed?

Teachable regarding actions and activities. How do they respond to confrontation? How open are they to change and dialogue?

If we’ve got a couple that is close but is missing one of these key pieces – they are NOT intern material yet. Disciple them to the place where they can be an intern. Let’s not rush them into the position if they don’t meet the expectations.

Practical Expectations
We want interns to have as realistic of a picture as we can paint as to what they are signing up for.

Attend Life Group meetings. They’ll probably meet every week.

Attend and finish a Turbo Group.

Meet at least once a month with Life Group leader to plan & evaluate group.

Attend the 4 Confabs each year.

Why all the emphasis on 'meetings?' It's not because we like meetings. It's because we value community and it is not just the why but the how we do ministry at Grace. The meeting is a tool for the purpose of community and lifewalking.

Other Considerations
By choosing to be a leader, we’ve chosen a harder path. By choosing to do leadership the way we do it here at Grace, it’s even harder. We choose to do life in community.

That means the phrase “It’s not any of your business” can never justifiably be said again. It’s is our business because we’ve chosen to do life with each other.

An intern ought to get used to someone knowing them more than they are comfortable with. All of the ‘dark places’ and ‘hidden places’ will be exposed – hopefully in a loving, redeeming, and restoring way.

Comfort is not a value for us. Authenticity, unconditional love, and transformational living are non-negotiable values for us.

Character Expectations - Life Group Leaders

Not a new believer. A LGL should be a growing Christian for at least 1 year.

Above reproach. We are not looking for perfect people but people who are moving towards Christ-likeness. Is your goal in life to be who God wants you to be? Is the general direction of your life towards God? It should be very difficult for others to question your motives.

A disciplined devotional life. A growing disciple must spend time in God's word. There must be regular times of silence, worship, study, and prayer in your life.

Faithfully sharing your story. This does not mean standing up at your work or in Barnes & Noble screaming at the top of your lungs "TURN OR BURN, BABY!" It DOES mean that you are looking for opportunities to tell others about your faith. It is not forced, but it is not avoided either. It is strategic. It is not just about sharing your faith with your voice (but it does include that) but also how you live.

We DO NOT expect these things out of our Interns. We want to grow them to this place. Hence, the Intern process.

Back to The Intern Process
Next Session: Intern Application & Interview
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