Course Overview

The King's Church Internship programme comprises four main components:

• Theological Study
• Leadership Development
• Mission
• Church-based Ministry

Theological Study

Theological teaching is one of the most significant parts of the King's Church Internship Programme. The teaching provided is wide-ranging and pitched at undergraduate degree level. Typically, interns will spend 10 hours per week in lectures, seminars or personal study.

Interns study the following areas:

• Biblical Studies, including New Testament, Old Testament and Hermeneutics
• Church History
• Historical and Systematic Theology
• Practical Theology and Leadership Development

Training Team

The main trainers are from the King's Church staff team and include Dr Mark Bonnington (PhD), Ruth Perrin (MATM), Melody Briggs (MA) and Paul Burgess (MA). Dr Richard Briggs (PhD) teaches Old Testament and Hermeneutics. We also draw on local theological teachers and visiting speakers from a variety of backgrounds and traditions, particularly from the Ichthus Network.

Leadership Development

Kings Interns grow as leaders through our teaching programme and by gaining experience in a wide variety of leadership opportunities. We also support their growth in faith and character during the programme.

Each intern keeps a journal to reflect on their experiences and sets termly personal targets in order to be deliberate about their areas of growth. These are reviewed on a regular basis by a member of staff. Interns also meet weekly with the staff team for a time of worship, devotional reading and prayer.

Each intern is allocated:

• a personal support person who meets with them regularly to talk and pray about what they are learning
• a discipleship group which meets fortnightly to discuss and pray through what they are learning and finding enjoyable or challenging
• a cell group within the church to help them become an integrated member of the church community

There is also the opportunity for interns to attend periodic national training events with interns from other churches and backgrounds.

Mission

Interns are involved in weekly mission activities in and around Durham. From practical help on local housing estates to worship and drama in the city centre, interns participate in a wide range of first contact evangelism.

Interns are also involved in a number of the church's mission activities such as a tots & toddlers group, meals for the elderley, free present wrapping at Christmas and a late-night drop-in for students. They take a significant lead in the annual June Project (a church-wide week of community service and mission activity) and help to plan and lead the church's termly Alpha course, guest services and other events.

Placements

Interns have weekly placements with other Christian agencies serving beyond the local church community. Typically, each intern has a placement with vulnerable adults and a school- or youth-based placement for around five hours a week. These are tailored to fit the interests and skills of each individual intern. The range of placement opportunities continues to grow. Example of placements in previous years have included:

• Prison ministry
• Aquila Way Housing Project
• Traidcraft
• Schools and youth ministries