Pastoral Internship Syllabus | 2023-2024
2405 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22301
703-549-8116 | [email protected]
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INTERNSHIP PURPOSE 3
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION 3
Serve 3
Study 3
Survey 4
Spend 4
INTERNSHIP LIFE 4
General Expectations 4
Oce Structure 5
Work Hours 5
Tardiness & Absences 5
Dress Code 6
Work Space 6
Technology & Communication 6
Holidays & Leave 7
Sample Weekly Schedule 8
Involvement Expectations 9
Description of Essential Events 10
Part-Time Intern Expectations 12
INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS 13
General Guidelines 13
Reading & Resources 13
Writing & Papers 14
Types of Papers 16
Assignments Description 17
Position Papers Description 17
Special Projects Description 20
Summer Assignments Description 21
APPENDIX 1: PASTORAL INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE 24
FALL SEMESTER 24
SPRING SEMESTER 28
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INTERNSHIP PURPOSE
The Del Ray Baptist Church (DRBC) Pastoral Internship program assists men who aspire to be a
pastor. Most men who participate in the internship have pastoral ministry as their aim, although this is
not required. Former interns have gone on to be faithful members of their church, lay pastors, full-time
pastors, and church planters.
The aim is to grow aspiring pastors in their love of God, their understanding of the Bible and the
church, and how the gospel intersects with everyday life. Interns who complete the program are
equipped with foundational pastoral principles to serve God in a local church.
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION
The internship is nine months long, follows the academic school year (September through May), and
provides unique and intensive learning opportunities. DRBC interns are those who serve, study, survey,
and spend.
Serve
Interns, like pastors, are rst servants of God and the church. Part of the training is cultivating a
humble heart of serving the Lord by learning to identify needs and selessly serve the church. Interns
assist the church with administrative tasks, building custodial duties, and miscellaneous needs around
the church. While a separate employee category, interns are valuable assets and members of the DRBC
Support sta, and as such, they should see themselves as employees working towards the success of
DRBC. Interns should consider it a privilege to serve the church and take personal and group
ownership of their indispensable role. In short, interns are the backbone and unsung heroes of the
sta, often relied upon for important albeit unseen service.
Study
The life of an intern is a balance of serving and studying. Over the program, interns will digest more
than 200 books, articles, and media, read 10-20 books of the Bible, and write over 130 pages in
response. The pace is intense and requires disciplined study habits, but in the end, the reward of a
bountiful harvest will be great. When not serving the church, interns are expected to steward their time
in reading and writing to complete their weekly assignments. This studying is not an academic exercise;
instead, interns will approach their study with deep, heart-level engagement and reection. The aim is
biblically conformed hearts and convictions, as well as the cultivation of lifelong pastoral habit
patterns.
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Survey
Interns are pastors in training. DRBC aords interns the opportunity to observe a healthy church
follow Christ as her head. Interns obtain valuable learning in observing a healthy church function at all
levels, including sta meetings, service reviews, elder meetings, membership interviews, service
planning, members meetings, various elder teaching and preaching, and regular member activities.
Occasionally, interns will assist the elders with special projects that aid the elder board and the church.
These projects could include writing memos or policy documents, editing or revising existing
operating procedures, strategic planning, planning and coordinating important events or retreats or
accompanying an elder on a house or hospital visit. The aim is for interns to be equipped with a solid
framework of a healthy church and personal hands-on experience.
Spend
All interns are disciples of Christ rst and members of DRBC second. As members of the local church,
the elders expect interns to spend and be spent for the ministry of the saints. Meaningful membership
includes being present and involved in various church ministries and Bible studies, building rich
relationships with other members, discipling men, loving and serving other members, and practicing
hospitality. As future pastors, interns should lead their families (if applicable) in faithful and deep
involvement and engagement in the local church and should make nancial and family plans to allow
for faithful spouse and family involvement. Interns should use this time to imitate the example of the
elders and “practice pastoring” by being a healthy church member. Interns are not invited to DRBC
mainly to study but to cultivate vibrant lives as members of DRBC and develop pastoral instincts for
future ministry.
Important Syllabus Note: The program and syllabus are designed with the full-time intern in mind.
The document is written to the full-time intern, but when appropriate, provision and instruction exist for
part-time participants.
INTERNSHIP LIFE
General Expectations
The year as an intern will be full, rigorous, and demanding but also very rewarding. Interns should
arrive with an expectation to be present and work hard in serving, studying, surveying, and spending.
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Office Structure
Garrett Kell oversees the Pastoral Internship program and performs the primary role of instructing and
teaching interns. The pastoral assistant (PA) manages and coordinates the internship under Garrett’s
oversight. In terms of oce structure, the PA performs the immediate supervisory role of all interns,
and all administrative coordination should be directed through the PA.
During the internship, interns are aorded a unique and direct line to Garrett for mentorship and
discipleship. Interns should feel free to seek guidance and wisdom from Garrett and the other pastors
as needs arise. At the same time, interns should recognize Garrett’s unique burden of pastoring a
church and respectfully balance their needs against the needs of the church. Interns should consider if
the PA can handle questions or concerns before proceeding to Garrett.
Work Hours
Interns will fulll a 40-hour work week and are expected to be at the church Monday through Friday
from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, from September 1 through May 31. The main oce is open from 9:00 am –
4:00 pm. Interns are granted a lunch hour each day which is generally observed from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
but is exible to shift as needs and schedule warrants.
Tardiness & Absences
Interns are expected to maintain a faithful work schedule. DRBC understands that illnesses,
emergencies, or other demands may occasionally prevent an intern from coming to work. Interns who
are unable to report to work for any reason will communicate with the PA in a timely manner. It is the
intern’s responsibility to keep other sta informed during an unexpected absence and to provide
medical verication when asked to do so. Interns who are tardy or absent excessively will be subject to
removal from the program.
With approval, interns are allowed to gain preaching experience in the local area and ll the pulpit of
churches around DRBC. However, when considering pulpit supply, an intern will balance being a
faithful member of the church. Interns will seek Garrett’s approval for pulpit supply in advance
through the PA and plan to complete all weekly assignments. Any exceptional circumstances that
require missing assignments or administrative responsibilities must be approved by Garrett through
the PA.
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Dress Code
The church expects interns to dress in casual, modest, gender-appropriate attire, showing reverence to
God and sensitivity to the people to whom they minister. Outside of those guidelines, the church
generally will leave the particulars to an individual’s preferences and conscience. Headphones are not
allowed while serving in public areas or the main oce. Interns can use headphones while in their
designated oce space.
Work Space
The church’s 4th oor is equipped and designated as the intern work space, and interns are expected to
be in their work space during work hours. Interns will be readily available to sta for additional duties
and support. Interns are expected to maintain the general cleanliness, condition, and tidiness of their
assigned space. Interns are aorded the respectful use of the sta break room and appliances.
Technology & Communication
Equipment
The church does not provide computers or laptops to interns, and interns are expected to procure a
personal device prior to the internship. The church provides wi internet, which will be used in a
Christ-honoring way. The main network printer is also available for intern usage. Interns will be
respectful of church resources while utilizing church equipment.
Google Workspace
The church sta is fully integrated with Google Workspace professional suite. If a personal Gmail
account does not exist, the sta requires interns to open a Gmail account for internship participation.
Upon arrival, interns will be added to the following church calendars: DRBC Public Calendar, DRBC
Internship Calendar, Elder Meetings Calendar, and Leave Calendar. The calendars are a primary
mechanism for intern organization, and interns are encouraged to adopt Google Calendar into their
personal system.
All interns will utilize the Internship Shared Drive on Google Drive. On the Drive, interns are given a
personal space on the drive to save les if desired. All papers will be submitted through the shared
drive.
Indirect Communication
Ocial church communication occurs via email and Slack application software. All text
communication relating to the internship and church should be communicated via Slack. Interns will
not use personal text messaging systems to communicate with church sta or elders. Interns will
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download and maintain Slack on at least one personal device and communicate via appropriate
channels. Sta will add interns to the Slack church organization one week prior to the start date,
interns will ensure Slack is downloaded no later than the start date. Based on the proximity of the
intern workspace to the main oce, interns are expected to monitor Slack during working hours.
Interns are not required to respond to messages outside of normal working hours.
Holidays & Leave
The church oce is closed during Federal Government Holidays. Along with sta, interns will observe
nine holidays during the Internship academic year:
1. Labor Day (Monday, September 4, 2023)
2. Columbus Day (Monday, October 9, 2023)
3. Veterans Day (Friday, November 10, 2023)
4. Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 23, 2023)
5. Christmas Day (Monday, December 25, 2023)
6. New Year’s Day (Monday, January 1, 2024)
7. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 15, 2024)
8. President’s Day (Monday, February 19, 2024)
9. Memorial Day (Monday, May 27, 2024)
In addition to these holidays, interns are given Thanksgiving Holiday week (November 20-24, 2023)
and the work week between Christmas and New Year’s Holiday (December 25-29, 2023) o from
oce work. However, there are often reading assignments during the holiday breaks. Outside of these
holidays, interns are not given Paid-Time-O except in the case of family emergencies.
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Sample Weekly Schedule
Base schedule indicating general weekly rhythm for internship
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
6:00 AM
6:30 AM
Bible Time
Bible Time
7:00 AM
7:30 AM
8:00 AM
8:30 AM
Prayer Meeting
9:00 AM
Equipping Hour
Sta Meeting
Intern Discussion
(8:45a – 11:30a)
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
Main Service
(10:15a – 12:15p)
Service Review
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
12:30 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
3:30 PM
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
Evening Service
(1st & 3rd
Sundays)
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
Equipped to
Counsel
Elder Meetings
(1st & 3rd
Thursdays)
7:30 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
Notes:
● Base schedule does not include miscellaneous ad-hoc planning meetings, administrative duties, or other intern meetings.
● Gray denotes work hours, and the green represents lunch hour
● Unless scheduled, the time is self-paced to accomplish reading, writing, special projects, admin work, lunches with elders, etc.
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Involvement Expectations
On top of a 40-hour work week at the church, interns are expected to be at many of the regular church
events. The following framework is designed to help interns make informed decisions about church
involvement outside of normal working hours during the internship:
INTERNSHIP INVOLVEMENT FRAMEWORK
Essential
Expected
Encouraged
● Sunday Prayer Time
● Sunday Equipping Hour
(PT)
● Sunday Main Gathering (PT)
● Sunday Evening Service (PT)
● Bible Time (PT)
● Equipped To Counsel (PT)
● Sta Meeting & Service
Review
● Intern Prayer Time (PT)
● Intern Discussion (PT)
● Elder Meetings (PT)
● Member Meetings (PT)
● Membership Interviews
● Bible Bootcamps (PT)
● 9Marks Weekender
● 9Marks International
Intensives
● Elder Q & A’s (PT)
● Downline Intern Travel
Opportunity (PT)
● 5th Sunday Potlucks
● Charles Simeon Trust
Preaching Workshop
● Special Teaching Seminars
● Christmas Eve & Good
Friday Services
● DRBC Weddings &
Funerals
● Men’s Retreat
● Youth Ministry Night
● Fellowship Groups
● Campus Outreach Events
● First Friday Singles Gathering
● Men’s Breakfasts
● Gospel at Work Study
● Other Bible Studies
● Other travel opportunities
with pastors
Denitions:
Essential: Elements in which intern attendance is required.
Expected: Elements that interns are to prioritize attendance, but on a case-by-case basis, prearranged
absences are allowed.
Encouraged: Elements that are not required nor expected but dependent upon an intern’s capacity
would be spiritually edifying. Do not prioritize these over internship reading and writing.
Acronyms:
PT: Part-time Interns (Reference Part-Time Intern Expectations section below for more details)
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Description of Essential Events
Sunday Events
The worship events on Sunday are the main events in the life of the church. They are necessary for the
spiritual vitality of all members, but also interns are to observe and learn what characterizes healthy
worship. The Prayer Meeting is a brief time to corporately acknowledge and request God’s work in the
day’s events. Multiple topical classes of varying theological applications are taught during the
Equipping Hour (Children’s Ministry available nursery – 6th grade). The Main Gathering of DRBC is
from 10:15 am – 12:15 pm. On the rst and third Sundays of the month, the church gathers for an
Evening Service which has more of a family feel and includes elements like ministry updates and
corporate prayer.
Bible Time
Interns are required to attend Bible time on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6:30-7:30 am in
the DRBC Main Hall. One of the goals of the internship is to help you better understand the Bible as a
whole, but also how to approach studying and teaching the Bible. Garrett teaches through books of
the Bible during this time to model this for you.
Elder Meetings
Interns are required to attend DRBC elder meetings on the rst and third Thursdays of every month.
Interns are in an observational role only and will not chime in unless invited. During observation,
interns are encouraged to consider how to handle topics that come up. There will be an opportunity to
discuss these meetings with Garrett during Intern Discussion.
Equipped to Counsel (ETC)
Danny and Melissa Falcone, an elder, and his wife, will teach a Biblical counseling course to interns.
Readings are assigned and discussed in a Wednesday evening class at the church. ETC consists of
attending class, reading assigned materials, and engaging in a counseling practicum and counseling
journal.
Sta Meeting & Service Review
Sta meetings are held on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 am, and Service Review is conducted
from 10:00 – 11:00 am. As valuable members of the support sta, interns are required to attend, and
contribution is encouraged. During Sta Meetings, we sing, pray for church members, and coordinate
calendars. During Service Review, the sta reviews all services from the previous Sunday and provides
insights for the upcoming Sunday sermon. Interns are expected to arrive at meetings ready to provide
constructive insights into the services and sermons.
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Intern Prayer Time
The interns will gather for one hour each week to pray with and for one another. Historically, this time
has been some of the sweetest and most enriching for the interns. There is no expectation other than
you pray for each other. Previous classes have used the time to do personal updates, discuss personal
holiness, and encourage each other.
Intern Discussion
Garrett facilitates intern discussions each Thursday morning from 8:45 – 11:30 am based on the
reading and assignments for the given week. You will also have impromptu meetings that allow you to
process things you are learning. Sta and elders make themselves available as they are able to assist you
in thinking through what the Lord is teaching you.
Members Meetings
On the rst Sunday of every even-numbered month (6 times per year), DRBC gathers to discuss the
business of the church. In this meeting, the church recites the church covenant, votes members in and
out, decides on church discipline cases, votes on ocer nominations, discusses current issues, and
worships together. Outside of the Sunday events, Members Meetings are the most important gathering
in the life of the church. These meetings are required for interns.
Membership Interviews
Interns will be invited to sit in on interviews with prospective members of the church. These meetings
are scheduled at various times throughout the week as well as Sunday mornings before the main
service. An elder will facilitate this meeting, and an intern will take notes for the elder as the prospective
member shares their testimony. Elders will use the notes in the later steps of the membership process.
Bible Bootcamps
Twice per year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring, Garrett prepares and delivers extended teaching
through one book of the Bible in one or two large sessions. Generally, Bootcamps are three hours on a
Friday evening and three hours on a Saturday morning. Interns will aid Garrett in preparation the week
prior and will attend both the Fall and Spring bootcamps.
9Marks Weekender at CHBC
DRBC has coordinated for all interns to attend the Fall Weekender at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.
The event runs from Thursday through Monday morning and consists of a deep dive into the many
elements of a healthy church.
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9Marks International Intensive
In conjunction with the Weekender, 9Marks also runs an international pastoral conference the week
prior to serving pastors with unique challenges around the world. 9Marks brings the pastors to DRBC
for a brief afternoon seminar and dinner. The Intensive occurs at DRBC three times (once in Fall,
twice in Spring), and interns are required to attend.
Men’s Retreat
DRBC reserves spots at the Men’s Retreat each Fall for interns. The retreat usually consists of an
overnight at a retreat center complete with two teaching seminars and time for sports and games.
Interns are required to attend the Men’s Retreat.
Elder Q & A’s
After elders are nominated to the church, an Elder Q & A is held to allow for members to engage with
the prospective elder. This is a great time to observe both men aspiring to the oce of pastor and a
congregation doing their due diligence in ensuring the qualications of the prospective elder. Intern
attendance is required.
Part-Time Intern Expectations
Provision exists for part-time involvement in the internship. DRBC reserves part-time slots for current
members of the church and occasionally for associated church plants. Part-time enrollment is for men
in the church who aspire to the pastorate, but current personal or family situation dictates that
full-time involvement is not possible. Usually, this is due to the requirement to keep a full or part-time
job. The expectations and workload for part-time interns are lessened to accommodate the intern
working a full-time job elsewhere.
Part-time interns are expected to:
1. Be faithful and deeply engaged members of DRBC.
2. Complete reading and writing assignments on time.
3. Assist the full-time interns as able in serving the church, elders, deacons, and sta.
4. Reference annotation “(PT)” on the Internship Involvement Framework table. In addition to
normal membership involvement, throughout the work week, part-time interns are expected
to, at a minimum, make time for
a. Bible Time
b. Equipped to Counsel
c. Intern Prayer Time
d. Intern Discussion
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e. Elder Meetings
f. Bible Bootcamps
5. As the job allows, part-time interns are encouraged to plan and communicate their intent to
attend the following special events and travel:
a. 9Marks Weekender
b. Men’s Retreat
c. Charles Simeon Trust Workshop
d. Downline Travel Opportunities
6. Demonstrate commitment to the internship by refraining from unnecessary absences
Similar to full-timers, part-time interns are expected to proactively communicate if they are unable to
meet these expectations.
The reading and writing workload is reduced for part-time participants. Reference “(PT)” annotation
in Appendix 1 Internship Schedule for the reduced workload. The scheduled assignments are written
such that the part-time interns should expect to do all the work unless marked. Some weeks part-timers
accomplish the same work as full-timers. On other heavier assignment weeks, part-timers will do less
reading, less writing, or both.
INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS
Interns should be intimately aware of the syllabus and schedule and should strive to plan for
assignments in advance, looking ahead and being aware of what is on the horizon.
General Guidelines
Please adhere to the following general guidelines when completing assignments during the Pastoral
Internship.
Reading & Resources
DRBC graciously provides all books to interns free of charge.
The books and resources have been carefully curated to address as many of the important aspects of
pastoring as possible while not compromising depth. Interns are to complete the weekly reading
assignments in their entirety each week to allow ample time to process the material and engage in
thoughtful writing and reection. Some designated reading assignments are stretched across multiple
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weeks, and other reading assignments are designed to be completed over the course of a few weeks or
months in preparation for Position Papers.
Writing & Papers
Due Date
Papers are due each week on Mondays at 11:59 pm. Interns will turn in papers in PDF format to the
“Inbox” folder on the Internship Shared Drive.
Every week on the Internship Schedule is marked with a topic and assignments. The week begins on
Sundays. The assignments covering that week’s topics are due the following Monday (8 days later).
After interns turn in their papers, Garrett gives signicant time in his busy schedule on Tuesday and
Wednesday to read papers and prepare discussion points for Intern Discussion. The Intern Discussion
on that week’s topic will occur the Thursday after the papers are due. At this time, interns should be
concurrently working on the new week’s assignments. See Weekly Batthe Rhythm for Assignments
table below for snapshot of weekly assignment ow and overlap.
Interns are encouraged to turn in their papers early if possible. After completing the assignments for
that week, begin the assignments for the next week.
Weekly Battle Rhythm for Assignments (mid-semester snapshot)
Week
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
4
Begin week 4
assignments
Week 3 papers
due
Discussion of
week 3
5
Begin week 5
assignments
Week 4 papers
due
Discussion of
week 4
6
Begin week 6
assignments
Week 5 papers
due
Discussion of
week 5
Late assignments
Garrett puts signicant time into the internship. It does not serve him (or you) if interns turn in papers
late. It is better to accept and learn the lesson and to turn in what has been completed on time. On rare
occasions, interns may not be able to complete assignments due to an emergency. In all cases of late
assignments, interns will communicate with the PA in advance. There is grace, but do not sin so grace
may abound.
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Paper Format
Interns will adhere to the following required formatting guidelines
● Utilize the Google Doc template (Reection or Position).
● File naming convention:
○ Reection – Last Name, First Name - Reection: The Church - September 4, 2023
○ Position – Last Name, First Name - Position: Church Deacons - May 6, 2024
● Papers will be titled on the top right of the page, single-spaced, in the following format:
First Name Last Name
Type [Reflection/Position] Paper: Topic or Title of book
Due Date
● Papers will be written in size 12, Times New Roman font, 1.5 spacing with 1-inch margins,
and ½ inch indentations beginning paragraphs. No line breaks between paragraphs.
● All papers will have page numbers in the bottom right corner of each page.
● No cover sheets or bibliographies.
● Bible quotations:
○ When quoting the Bible, place a reference in parenthesis after the quote and before the
period.
■ Example: (1 Corinthians 3:4-6).
○ ESV quotations are assumed. When quoting a dierent translation, include the
translation acronym after the reverence.
■ Example: (Romans 12:1 NIV).
○ If quoting more than 5 lines of Scripture, follow the guidance below for block format.
● Resource quotations:
○ If the paper is a reection on one book or resource, add the page number after the
quote and before the period.
■ Example: He stated, “Baptism is by immersion only” (144).
○ If the paper is a reection on multiple resources, include the author’s last name
followed by a comma and the page number.
■ Example: It is also clear that she believes “church discipline is not warranted”
(Holmes, 79).
○ Refrain from long quotes, but if one is necessary and is more than 5 lines, quote the
author in block format, single space, 1.5 inches from the left margin. Example:
“One thing I would not let slip; I took notice that now poor Christian was so confounded,
that he did not know his own voice; and thus I perceived it. Just when he was come over
against the mouth of the burning pit, one of the wicked ones got behind him, and stept up
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softly to him, and, whisperingly, suggested many grievous blasphemies to him, which he
verily thought had proceeded from his own mind” (Bunyan, 70).
○ If, on a very rare occasion, a quotation is from an author not included in the Internship
curriculum, include a footnote that conforms with the Chicago Manual of Style.
Writing Tips from Garrett
1. Make notes as you read. Mark up your books. This will help you write better papers.
2. Write for future reference. Create documents you can come back to later and use for future
ministry.
3. Don’t just tell us what the book says. We want you to tell us what you think about what the
book says. Be short on summary and deep on engagement.
4. Make it personal. What challenged you? What do you disagree with? What applies to your
soul? What applies to our church? How is our church struggling or excelling in what you are
reading about? How do you see this applying in a future ministry context?
5. Don’t leave us hanging. Don’t ll a paper with a list of questions you haven’t resolved. There
will be plenty of time for questions. Work hard to arrive at conclusions in your papers.
6. If you haven’t written very much, don’t feel overwhelmed. Your papers will improve as the year
goes along. Writing is hard but helpful work. Pray to God for help. He’ll give it.
7. Use any of the sta or elders to process what you are learning and to discern what you should
write about as you work on your papers.
Types of Papers
There are only two types of papers interns will write during the Pastoral Internship: Reection Papers
and Position Papers.
Reection Papers
Reection Papers are the most common papers interns will write. When writing reection papers,
interns are encouraged to leave behind abstract, academic writing in favor of deep, personal
engagement with the material. These papers are designed for interns to wrestle with new and tough
concepts and process what they are learning. This is a place to both arm authorial claims that are
biblical and openly disagree with concepts while attempting to reconcile them with Scripture. Interns
should be honest in their reections and allow themselves to be challenged by the material. There is
much to grow in and learn in this Christian life, especially as a pastor.
Reection papers are not summary papers or academic book reviews. Do not summarize the book;
instead, it is generally helpful to focus the reections on one or a small handful of concepts from the
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reading with an aim to engage narrowly but deeply. These are the papers to quote the authors and
engage with their claims. Lastly, do not keep application at a distance–apply concepts to your own life
and heart and reect on how you need to change. Then pray for change.
Position Papers
Position papers are not reection papers. These papers are longer, thesis-driven, and more organized
than reection papers. After learning about a topic, position papers aord interns the opportunity to
turn to Scripture and interpret the Bible themselves. Consider these biblical-theological papers in
which the center of the paper is Scripture and the intern’s interpretation. The aim is to help interns
reach sound, theological conclusions about important ministry topics.
A good Position Paper states the thesis (a primary argument the intern is making) and methodology
(how the intern will prove or argue the point) in the introduction. The body of the paper is divided
into sections that methodically move through the argument(s), citing, interpreting, and applying
Scripture along the way. Keep the Bible as the primary source and refrain from quoting other
authors–this is not a paper about what Calvin or Dever thinks about the topic, but about the intern
formulating his own wording and argument (even if you agree with the authors). Instead of quoting an
author, nd a way to rephrase the author in another way. Finally, wrap up the position paper with a
solid conclusion, restating the thesis.
Your target audience is a hiring team at a future church that asks what is your position on a given topic.
You should be able to hand this paper to them as an answer. Write in a way that covers the topic
comprehensively, explains the topic and issues in depth but is also approachable for that audience.
Assignments Description
This section provides the intern with the framework to complete assignments. Use these descriptions
to organize and write papers.
Position Papers Description
There are eight position papers due throughout the year, three in the Fall Semester and ve in the
Spring Semester.
The Nature and Mission of the Church Position Paper
Use the Bible to dene the church. Defend and argue the denition from Scripture. Dene and defend
church membership, church discipline, and the mission of the church.
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The Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper Position Paper
Use the Bible to dene and defend the ordinances of the church. What is baptism according to the
Bible? When should baptism be done? How should baptism be performed? By whom should baptisms
be performed? What is the Lord’s Supper? What happens at the Lord’s Supper? How often should it
be observed? Who can take the Lord’s Supper? Who can serve the Lord’s Supper?
Personal and Corporate Evangelism Position Paper
Use the Bible to dene and defend both corporate and personal evangelism. What is it? What is it not?
Should all Christians evangelize? Explore the best practices for individual Christians as well as a local
church. In an appendix, please recount 10 gospel conversations/attempts since the beginning of the
internship. This means being prayerful and intentional to be speaking with people about what it
means to follow Jesus between September and December.
Preaching Position Paper
Use the Bible to dene and defend preaching. What is it? What is faithful preaching? How do you do
it? Who should do it? Explore the various methods of preaching and argue for the most faithful. Why
should you apply the text, and how do you develop the application well? Interact with the reading on
various points of personal application.
Church Elders Position Paper
Use the Bible to dene and defend church elders. What are elders? What do they do? Why does God
want elders in the church? What is their role in the church, and who can serve in those roles? What is
the process for testing prospective people for those roles? How do elders and deacons relate to each
other and to the congregation?
Church Deacons Position Paper
Use the Bible to dene and defend church deacons. What are deacons? What do they do? What is their
role in the church? Who can serve as a deacon? Are deacons elders in training? What is the process for
testing prospective people for those roles? How do deacons relate to elders and to the congregation?
Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage Position Paper
Use the Bible to dene and defend marriage. What is the purpose(s) of marriage? What should
characterize the marriage union? What are the benets of the biblical model? Are there any
circumstances in which you would marry an unbeliever to a believer? Based on the denition &
defense, in one paragraph, explain why so-called “same-sex marriage” is not legitimate.
Use the Bible to dene divorce. Are there biblical grounds for divorce? State, defend, and describe how
Christians should think about divorce. What is abandonment, and when should it be considered for
divorce? What is abuse? Should abuse allow for divorce? If so, explain how/when. Write one paragraph
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on: If a man is in a polygamous family married to multiple wives and subsequently comes to Christ,
how would you counsel him to think about his marriage(s) in light of being a Christian now? What
about if one of the wives comes to Christ instead of the husband, how would you counsel her?
Use the Bible to dene remarriage. What is it, and when is it permissible? When is it a sin?
The Role of Women in Ministry Position Paper
Use the Bible to dene and defend the role of women in the church. When God graciously calls
someone to Himself, He gifts and empowers them to serve in His church. In His wisdom, He has
created everyone dierently and called each to serve in their unique role. This project is intended to
help you develop biblical convictions concerning the roles of women in the local church and beyond.
Answer each of the following questions in 300 words or less. As you answer, strive to do so as a pastor
who is giving counsel to a hurting family seeking answers.
1. Summarize the teaching of Genesis 1:27, 2:18, 3:16. Explain their implications for women’s
ministry in the church.
2. Summarize the teaching of Galatians 3:28-29. Explain its implications for women’s ministry in
the church.
3. Summarize the teaching of 1 Timothy 2:8-15 and 1 Corinthians 14:33-35.
4. Explain what Deborah’s leadership in Israel in Judges 4 meant in her day and how it impacts
the way we understand women’s roles in ministry today.
5. Dene complementarianism and egalitarianism.
6. Are women permitted to attend the same worship service as men?
7. Should all women wear head coverings to services where men are present? What if they
participate in any sort of public ministry where men are present?
8. Are women permitted to serve on a music team that ministers to the congregation?
9. Are women permitted to lead or co-lead a co-ed bible study or community group?
10. Should women pray or read Scripture publicly (upfront) during the Sunday morning service?
11. Are women permitted to serve in the role of deacon in the local church?
12. Are women permitted to serve in the role of elder in the local church?
13. Are women permitted to preach at a local church during the Sunday morning gathering? Does
it matter if the elders of the church invited her to do so "under their authority?"
14. Should a woman who oversees women’s ministry at a church be called a “Women’s Pastor?”
15. Should women prophecy during the gathered service (Joel 2:28-29; 1 Cor. 11:2-16, 14:33-35)?
16. Should women perform baptisms for new believers?
17. Should women lead the congregation in observing the Lord's Supper? Should they be asked to
serve the elements of the Lord's Supper to the congregation?
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18. Should a woman be encouraged to teach a Sunday school class / special seminar for the church
if it is related to a special topic of her expertise (counseling, addictions, specic sin struggle,
etc.)?
19. Are women permitted to preach from the Bible at a conference where men are in the crowd?
20. Are women permitted to serve as seminary professors if the classes have men in them?
21. Are women permitted to be missionaries if they will be evangelizing and teaching men?
22. Are men in sin if they sit under a woman who is teaching the Bible (church, conference, etc.)?
23. How can the church create robust teaching opportunities for women gifted in teaching?
24. How can a church steward women who have stronger teaching giftings than many of its men?
Other Relevant Scriptures: Luke 8:1-3; Acts 1:14, 18:26, 21:9; Rom. 16:1-2, 6-7; Eph. 5:15-33; Phil.
4:2-3, 4:15; 1 Tim. 2:9-3:11; Titus 1:5-6; 1 Peter 3:1-7, 5:1-5
Special Projects Description
Intermixed throughout the year are ve special projects. These projects will be introduced in advance
and generally take several weeks to prepare and complete.
Four Views Debate: What is the Mission of the Church?
Interns will be partnered up and assigned a view of the church mission to defend during the intern
discussion. In the weeks leading up to this discussion, read the entire book (PT assigned view and
responses only) and collaborate with the partner on what the view is, its strengths, and weaknesses.
Prepare to embody the author and the perspective of the author during the discussion and engage in
debate with the other views.
Popular Book Week
One month prior to the discussion, interns will be assigned a popular “Christian” book of today.
Interns will read the book in its entirety and seek to understand the author's view and argument. Next,
interns will analyze the author’s view against Scripture. Finally, interns will arrive at the discussion
ready to embody the author and represent his/her viewpoint in lively discussion and debate.
Theological Tiers Project
While all matters of belief are important, not all matters are of equal importance. Discerning which
hills we die on and which ones we are happy to live on in disagreement is essential. This project is
intended to assist you in discerning how to categorize various issues of belief by importance. Interns
will have read material on theological triage and then practice triaging roughly 150 topics or statements
into one of four triage categories.
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Sermon Comparison
Find three sermons from three dierent preachers all on the same text or topic. Respond in bullet
format, answering the following questions:
● Was the sermon clear? If so, what made it clear? If not, what could have made it clear?
● Was the sermon convicting? How so?
● Was the sermon well illustrated?
● How would you describe the style of the preaching?
● Was there anything you felt was unaddressed in the sermon?
● Was the Gospel clear? Could a non-Christian be saved? Would a Christian be empowered?
● Was there humor? If so, was it helpful or distracting?
● Would you enjoy sitting under this preaching week in and week out?
● What is something you’d want to emulate about this preaching?
● What is something you’d want to avoid from this model of preaching?
● Anything else you think we should know about the preaching?
Church Budget Build
The church budget is a theological statement. Look at where the money is going and quickly ascertain
what you believe about God and the church. You and your fellow interns are on the cusp of planting a
church. In 4 months, you will be sent as elders with a core team of 30 members and their families from
DRBC to revitalize a church. They are counting on you to steward the nancial resources well toward
a successful plant, and in a few weeks, they will vote on your proposed budget. Under the supervision
of DRBC’s executive pastor, you will build a budget from the ground up and present it to DRBC sta
pastors.
Summer Assignments Description
These rst eight assignments are due on August 28, at 11:59 pm ET. Turn in correctly formatted
papers to the “Inbox” on the Internship Shared Drive. Books will be mailed to interns, and links to
online resources can be found in Appendix 1: Pastoral Internship Schedule.
Stewardship of Time
Read: Do More Better – Tim Challies
Challies will prepare and equip you to manage your time well during the internship. Though you are
not required to put into practice every suggestion in the book, it will be wise to adopt some of his
recommended habits and tools in order to steward your opportunities and time well in the DRBC
internship. Write a 1-2 page reection on the principles and practices you will aim to put in place from
this book.
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Pastoral Calling
Read: The Path to Being a Pastor – Bobby Jamieson
Jamieson will help you see broadly how we think about pastoral ministry, the local church, and the
Christian life. Reect on how you’ve thought about the journey to pastoral ministry and how this
book has inuenced your thinking to be dierent now. In particular, share how you can put into
practice at our church what you’ve read. Write a 1-2 page reection.
Introduction to the Church
Read: The Life of the Church – Joe Thorn, Church: Do I Have to Go? – Garrett Kell
After reading these books, write one 1-2 page paper describing topics or questions about the church
you hope to resolve. This could center around the nature of the church, her mission, leadership
structures, issues surrounding membership/discipline, how a church ought to live out the one another
commands together, or anything else that you nd yourself desiring to learn about in the coming
months.
The Christian Life
Read: The Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan, The Pastor’s Progress – Garrett Kell
As you read, note how you relate to Christian and describe how your journey toward the Celestial City
is similar to his. How have you fallen into the pitfalls Christian is tempted or his compatriots fully
embrace? In what ways does the combination of these two readings encourage you? In what ways are
you convicted? Write a 1-2 page reection.
Temptation, Sin, and The Pastor
Read: The Screwtape Letters (1 letter) – C.S. Lewis, I Was a Pastor Hooked on Porn – Garrett Kell, How
to Repent Without Really Repenting – Jim Elli
After reading the book and meditating on 1 Peter 5:8, create your own 1-2 page screwtape letter
describing how Satan strategizes against you. This is a creative paper that should be written from the
vantage point of a demon who is plotting to tempt you. What personal weaknesses does he explo it?
What strengths does he tempt you to boast in? When are you most vulnerable? What fears for the
future or haunting memories does he use against you?
A Servant of God
Read: Putting God First – Zach Schlegel, Cure of Souls – David Powlison, Stop Photobombing Jesus –
Garrett Kell
Write one 1-2 page reection on these readings combined, with a particular focus on personal
application toward seeing yourself as a servant of Christ.
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Godly Encouragement & Criticism
Read: Giving Godly Encouragement – Garrett Kell, Giving Godly Criticism – Garrett Kell
As you read, ask God to expose your heart. What areas of sin were revealed? What graces were
unearthed? What changes do you need God to work in you? What questions were left unanswered for
you? Write a 1-page reection.
What I Expect from the Internship
What do you hope to gain (spiritually, intellectually, relationally) over the next nine months? What are
you hoping for from Garrett, the elders, the church, your spouse (if applicable), and other church
members? Write a 1-2 page paper.
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APPENDIX 1: PASTORAL INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE
Notes:
1. Weeks are referenced by Sundays. Papers are due eight days later on the following Monday at 11:59 pm. Discussion
occurs on the Thursday following papers turned in.
2. Fall Week 0: Summer assignments are due on August 28, 11:59 pm, in accordance with the Summer Assignment
Description section above and will be discussed at the rst intern discussion on August 31, 8:30 am at Executive Diner.
3. Fall Week 1 begins on August 27 and assignments are due on September 4, 11:59 pm.
4. Review upcoming assignments often and stay on top of what is coming soon so you can plan accordingly. Begin
position paper assignments early and work on those papers as you go throughout the semesters.
5. Part-time interns complete all assignments on schedule unless the week/section is marked with (PT).
6. Major events are in green, and position papers are in red.
FALL SEMESTER
Week
Topic
Assignment
Paper
0
Soul Care
1. Do More Better – Challies
See Summer Preparation
Assignment section
2. The Path to Being a Pastor – Jamieson
3. Church: Do I Have to Go? – Kell
4. The Life of the Church – Thorn
5. Pilgrim’s Progress – Bunyan
6. The Pastor’s Progress – Kell
7. Screwtape Letters – Lewis (Any Letter)
8. I was a Pastor Hooked On Porn – Kell
9. Sins Behind the Sin of Pornography – Henderson
10. How to Repent Without Really Repenting – Elli
11. Putting God First – Schlegel
12. Cure of Souls – Powlison
13. Stop Photobombing Jesus – Kell
14. Giving Godly Encouragement – Kell
15. Giving Godly Criticism – Kell
16. What I Expect from the Internship
17. Assignments due Monday, August 28, 11:59 pm
18. First Intern Discussion is Thursday, August 31, 8:30 am
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Week
Topic
Assignment
Paper
1
The Church (1)
8/27
1. What is a Healthy Church – Dever (PT)
2. How to Build a Healthy Church – Dever & Alexander
(PT)
3. The Church (Part 1, rest optional) – Dever
3-5 pages (PT 2-3)
2
The Church (2)
9/3
1. Why NT Polity Is Prescriptive – Jamieson
1-2 pages
2. Church Membership – Leeman (Read for position paper)
3
Prayer & Fasting
9/10
1. Prayer – Onwuchekwa (PT)
2. A Call to Prayer – Ryle (PT)
3. A Preacher’s Private Prayer, Lectures – Spurgeon
2-3 pages
4. Hunger for God – Piper (PT chs. 1-4)
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
5. 9Marks International Intensive – September 11, 3:00 pm
6. 9Marks Weekender at CHBC – September 14-18
4
Membership &
Discipline
9/17
1. Church Discipline – Leeman
1-2 pages
2. Weekender Reection
1-2 pages
3. Pray daily for 1 uninterrupted hour (Mon-Fri)
4. Men’s Retreat – September 22-23
5
Mission of the
Church
9/24
1. Four Views on the Church’s Mission – Sexton (PT
Assigned view and responses only)
Prepare to defend
assigned view
2. Discipling – Dever (PT)
3. The Trellis and the Vine – Marshall & Payne
2-3 pages (PT 1-2)
4. Sam Allberry Seminar on Singleness – September 29
6
Marriage & Sexuality
10/1
1. Is God Anti-Gay? – Allberry
2. God and the Transgender Debate – Walker
1-2 pages
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Week
Topic
Assignment
Paper
7
The Church (3)
10/8
1. The Didache – Early Church Fathers
2. The Nature & Mission of the Church Position Paper
7-10 pages
3. Charles Simeon Trust Preaching Workshop – October 10-12
8
Godliness
10/15
1. Dangerous Calling – Tripp
2. Thoughts for Young Men – Ryle
3. Costly Disciplines of a Godly Pastor – Lawson
2-3 pages
9
Biblical Counseling
10/22
1. Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – Tripp
2-3 pages
10
Ordinances
10/29
1. Understanding Baptism – Jamieson
2. Understanding the Lord’s Supper – Jamieson
3. DRBC Shepherd Statement | Baptism, the Lord’s Supper,
Church Membership, and Children
4. DRBC Shepherd Statement | Lord’s Supper
5. The Ordinances: Baptism & the Lord’s Supper
Position Paper
7-10 pages
11
Personal Evangelism
11/5
1. The Gospel and Personal Evangelism – Dever
1-2 pages
2. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God – Packer
2-3 pages (PT no paper)
12
Corporate
Evangelism
11/12
1. Evangelism – Mack Stiles
2. Compelling Community (Finish) – Dever & Dunlop
2-3 pages
3. Articles on Spiritual Warfare (pp. 1-23)
4. Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare, Part 1 &
Part 2 – Powlison
5. Counseling & Spiritual Warfare – Brian Borgman
6. Lord, Help Me See Their Destiny – Kell
2-3 pages (PT 1-2)
13
Thanksgiving
Holiday
11/19
1. Assigned book from Church History (Start)
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Week
Topic
Assignment
Paper
14
Church History
11/26
1. Assigned book from Church History (Finish)
1-2 pages to present at
discussion
2. Confessions (Book 8) – Augustine (PT)
1-2 pages (PT)
15
Personal Holiness
12/3
1. Pure in Heart – Kell
2. The Expulsive Power of a New Affection – Chalmers
2-3 pages (PT 1-2)
3. Personal & Corporate Evangelism Position Paper
7-10 pages
4. Bible Bootcamp: Epistle of James – December 8-9
Prepare with Garrett
16
Music & Liturgy
12/10
1. Sing! – Getty
2. DRBC Music Source Memo – Disch (PT)
2-3 pages (PT 1-2)
3. Corporate Worship (chs. 4-7) – Merker (PT)
4. Reformation Worship (chs. 1-3) – Gibson & Earngey
2-3 pages (PT no paper)
17
Pastoral Ministry (1)
12/17
1. The Christian Ministry (Part 1) – Bridges
2. Biblical Theology – Roark & Cline
1-2 pages
3. Piper Bio: Robert Murray McCheyne
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
18
Christmas Holiday
12/24
1. The Christian Ministry (Part 2) – Bridges
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SPRING SEMESTER
Week
Topic
Assignment
Paper
1
Pastoral Ministry (2)
12/31
1. The Christian Ministry (Part 3) – Bridges
2-3 pages (all 3 parts)
2. Wise Counsel (Letters 1-21) – Newton
2-3 pages
3. Piper Bio: John Newton
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
2
Pastoral Ministry (3)
1/7
1. Wise Counsel (Letters 22-43) – Newton
2-3 pages
2. Lectures To My Students, Vol 1 Lecture 1 (The Minister’s
Self-Watch) – Spurgeon
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
3
Depression in
Ministry
1/14
1. The Imperfect Pastor – Eswine
1-2 pages
2. Lectures To My Students, Vol 1 Lecture 11 (The Minister’s
Fainting Fits) – Spurgeon
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
3. Piper Bio: William Cowper
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
4
Dealing with
Depression
1/21
1. Wise Counsel (Letters 44-64) – Newton
1-2 pages
2. Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy – Vroegop
3. What Can Miserable Christians Sing? – Trueman
4. The Underestimated God – Duncan
2-3 pages (PT 1-2 pages)
5. Piper Bio: Charles Spurgeon
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
5
Criticism in Ministry
1/28
1. Lecture To My Students, Vol 2 Lecture 9 (The Blind Eye
and the Deaf Ear) – Spurgeon
2. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness – Keller (PT)
1-2 pages
3. Pastors and Their Critics – Beeke
4. Criticism: A Pastor’s All-too-Common Companion –
MacArthur
1-2 pages
5. Piper Bio: Athanasius
6. The Athanasian Creed
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
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Week
Topic
Assignment
Paper
6
Reformed Theology
2/4
1. Grace: Defined & Defended – DeYoung (PT)
2. Chosen by God – Sproul
2-3 pages (PT 1-2 pages)
3. Unpacking Forgiveness – Brauns
1-2 pages
7
Diversity & Ministry
2/11
1. The New Reformation – Linne
2. Talking about Race – Adams (PT)
3. I Don’t See You As A Black Friend – Kell (PT)
4. Understanding the Past as a Way to a United Future (Part
1 & Part 2) – Scott (PT)
5-7 pages (PT 3-5 pages)
5. Piper Bio: George Whiteeld
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
8
Theology & Ministry
2/18
1. Popular Book Week
Prepare to defend
assigned book
2. Evangelicalism Divided – Murray
3-5 pages
9
Money & Ministry
2/25
1. When Helping Hurts – Fikkert & Corbett (PT Chs 1-2)
2. Budgeting for a Healthy Church – Dunlop
1-2 pages
3. Piper Bio: George Mueller
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
10
Theological Tiers
3/3
1. Conscience – Nasseli
2. Finding the Right Hills to Die On – Ortlund
3. Polemic Theology: How to Deal with Those Who Differ
from Us – Nicole
Theological Tiers Project
4. Piper Bio: William Tyndale
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
11
Missions
3/10
1. Missions – Johnson
1-2 pages
2. What God Might Do with Satan’s Arrows - Kell (PT)
Pick 3 of the following:
3. Piper Bio: David Brainerd (PT)
4. Piper Bio: John Patton (PT)
5. Piper Bio: Hudson Taylor
6. Piper Bio: Adoniram Judson
7. TGC Bio: Helen Roseveare
1-2 pages
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Week
Topic
Assignment
Paper
12
Church
Revitalization
3/17
1. Biblical Church Revitalization – Brian Croft
2. Revitalize – Andy Davis
3-5 pages
13
Preaching
3/24
1. Sermon Comparison - Reection on 3 sermons by
dierent pastors on the same text or topic
2-3 pages (PT no paper)
2. Expositional Preaching – Helm (PT)
3. Simplicity in Preaching – Ryle (PT)
4. Preaching & Preachers – Lloyd-Jones
5. Preaching Position Paper
7-10 pages
14
Ministry Philosophy
3/31
1. Revival & Revivalism – Iain Murray
2-3 pages
2. Church Budget Project due to Executive Pastor
15
Shepherding
Philosophy
4/7
1. The Reformed Pastor (pgs. 1-133, 213-256) – Baxter
2. The Care of Souls (pgs. 1-136) – Senkbeil
3. Spurgeon the Pastor (pgs. 1-10, 99-144, 173-252) – Chang
3-5 pages
4. Bible Bootcamp – April 12-13
Prepare with Garrett
16
Pastors & Their
Wives
4/14
1. Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor – Carson
1-2 pages
2. Piper Bio: John Bunyan
1-2 pages (PT no paper)
3. How to Thrive as a Pastor’s Wife – Hoover
Read Hoover’s book along with your wives
3 questions on Google
Doc for discussion at Kell
Casa
17
Elders
4/21
1. Church Elders – Rinne
2. The Marks of a Spiritual Leader – Piper
3. Church Elders Position Paper
5-7 pages
18
Deacons
4/28
1. Deacons – Smethurst
2. Finding Faithful Elders & Deacons – Anyabwile
3. Church Deacons Position Paper
5-7 pages
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Week
Topic
Assignment
Paper
19
Marriage & Divorce
5/5
1. Grounds for Divorce: Why I Now Believer There Are More
than Two – Grudem
2. Divorce & Remarriage: Position Paper – Piper
3. Sermon on Divorce & Remarriage – DeYoung
4. What the New Testament Teaches about Divorce &
Remarriage – Naselli
5. Divorce Memos
6. Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage Position Paper
7-10 pages
20
Complementarianism
5/12
1. Men and Women in the Church – DeYoung
2. 9Marks Journal on Complementarianism (Research A/R)
3. Piper Bio: J.C. Ryle
4. The Role of Women in the Church Position Paper
7-10 pages
21
Year in Review
5/19
1. DRBC Reection – What did I See?
1-2 pages on each section
2. Internship Reection – What did I Learn?
3. Letter to Elders & Sta
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