'Good to connect; excitement about what's to come' - interns' gathering
The first Baptists Together interns' gathering took place in late January, with the next one scheduled on 18 April.
What happened, and what can be expected next time? We caught up with Young Leaders’ Development Coordinator Isabella Senior to find out more
How did the first interns’ gathering go in January?
It went really well, and I think we were off to a good start in connecting interns nationally! There were more than 20 people on the call including interns and line managers. It was great that the Core Leadership Team could pop in to say hi too. General Secretary Lynn Green, Ministries Team Co-Leader Tim Fergusson and President Hayley Young were also there to chat to interns and encourage them in the way they’re serving Jesus in their local churches.
My highlight of the gathering was when I asked interns about what inspired them to do an internship. Some said they wanted to explore their calling and gifts and that being an intern in a local church seemed perfect for it.
Others shared that they had identified a big need to reach youth and young adults in their local churches and they wanted to be part of the solution. There were also some who were new to faith and saw an internship as an opportunity to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus and be supported by their local churches.
It was great to interview former interns Matt, Femi and Katie as well. It was so encouraging to hear their stories and how their internship year equipped them for what they are doing now. You can meet them and hear about their stories on this Instagram reels.
So, what did Matt, Femi and Katie do and what are they doing now?
Matt Levett did
INVEST, the South West Baptist Association and South West Youth Ministries internship programme, in 2021/2022 based at Watchet Baptist Church. He is a 19-year old Somerset-based singer-songwriter, producer and musician who writes about his faith to glorify God. As he beautifully describes himself ‘created by the Creator to be creative.’ He is now studying theology and is making music to glorify God at
Waffle House and Seaton Baptist Church.
Find more about Matt Levett's music ministry here.
Femi Onanuga did the
London Baptists Leadership Year in 2020/2021 based at Cross Street Baptist Church. Femi had initially said that he would do the internship but that he did not want to become a pastor, but it seems like after that year God had other plans for him! He is now a youth pastor and Baptist minister-in-training at Mill Hill East Church.
Femi comments on the gathering, 'It was a blessing to be able to share and reflect on my journey, but also to pray for and encourage those seeking to build the kingdom.'
Katie was unsure of what to do following her A-levels so she embarked on a number of gap years, the third of which was an internship at Fishponds Baptist Church in Bristol in 2017/2018. It was there her minister said he thought God had placed a call on her life – at the very time she had begun to sense the same thing. 'I was seeking and just knew it was right.'
Katie is now a Baptist minister at Willesborough Baptist Church. She oversees the church’s Leadership Development Year where they currently have two interns and she helps run
LEAD, a theology course that is part of their internship.
How did the current interns find this first gathering?
The feedback I’ve received is that they found the meeting helpful and encouraging and so did the line managers that were there too. There was a sense of excitement for what is to come and the opportunity to connect with others.
One thing they have asked is for more time together so that can only mean something good, right? Interns Shelby and Lily have shared the following about the meeting:
'I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know other interns all over the UK. Being able to hear different experiences of interns in different churches was such a good insight of what’s to come.' Shelby, intern at New River Baptist Church in London
'I really enjoyed the interns’ gathering and it was so wonderful to hear how church internships released Matt, Femi and Katie into doing so much. I particularly was interested in Matt’s work and the way he has utilised his music and creativity to reach the people and share the gospel.
'I love the idea of bringing Jesus into sectors and industries that could flourish so much more under his truth. At my church we use similar things to do missional community work and I’ve always loved using my art, music and dance as an exploration of this too. It was great to hear how I can develop my own internship similarly to Matt and I am now so excited by what this year might lead me to. Thank you.' Lily, intern at Hoole Baptist Church
Are there other gatherings in the pipeline?
Yes! We are now looking forward to the next Interns’ Gathering on 18 April, 6-7:30pm. This time, we will talk about different types of ministry interns are involved in and that God might be calling them to. We will have breakout rooms for those involved and interested in Creative Arts, Music, Pioneering, Youth and Children’s work, and Church Leadership. This is an opportunity to connect with other interns in a similar ministry and to explore a different type of ministry.
I’m also excited to connect with interns onsite at the
Baptist Assembly from 16-18 June in Telford. A few of them will be involved in the programme as well!
I’m able to offer interns discounted tickets if churches are not able to cover the Assembly costs, but numbers are limited so this will work on a first come first served basis. Please contact me if you need the discount.
The Interns’ Gathering online takes place on 18 April from 6-7:30pm. Contact?me Isabella for the Zoom meeting details and more information.
Considering an internship? Isabella would love to hear from you! Read more about internships.
Isabella Senior is the Baptists Together Young Leaders’ Development Coordinator. Connect with her on Instagram (@baptistyoungleaders)
Top image | Zachary Nelson | Unsplash
Baptist Times, 09/03/2023