Ministry Internship Program
Mānoa Valley Church
2025 Ministry Internship Program
MVC Ministry Internship Program (MIP)
Exploring Your Call in a Supportive, Real-World Ministry Setting
WHAT IS THE MIP
The Mānoa Valley Church Ministry Internship Program is designed for individuals eager to explore a vocational calling in pastoral ministry, church leadership, or nonprofit work. This non-paid internship (with an honorarium offered at completion) spans 1–2 years, with the possibility to extend. Throughout the program, interns will gain hands-on experience in a vibrant, multi-generational congregation under the guidance of seasoned pastors and ministry leaders.
If you sense God’s leading toward church or nonprofit ministry—and want to develop practical skills, spiritual depth, and a clearer sense of your gifts—this program offers you a safe place to learn, serve, and grow in a supportive community.
WHY JOIN?
- Holistic Training & Experience: Benefit from one-on-one and group mentoring, advanced teaching, and direct involvement in day-to-day ministry.
- Broad Ministry Exposure: Develop in areas such as Preaching, Worship Leading, Small Groups, Children & Youth Ministry, Evangelism & Outreach, Missions & Justice, College/Young Adult Ministry, Prayer/Healing Ministry, Church Administration, and more.
- Practical Leadership Development: Receive coaching and feedback on ministry tasks, learning to engage real needs in the congregation and local community.
- Community & Collaboration: Grow alongside other interns through monthly gatherings, where you’ll discuss experiences, share insights, and receive further teaching from experienced leaders.
- Discernment & Spiritual Formation: Experience the realities of church ministry in an ever-changing world, deepening your relationship with God and sharpening your understanding of your calling.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
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Mentorship
- Each intern is paired with a mentor who provides guidance, support, and regular feedback.
- Connect with additional pastoral staff and lay leaders for specialized coaching and encouragement.
- Hands-On Experience
- Participate actively in one primary area of focus (e.g., Preaching/Teaching, Worship, Missions & Justice, etc.).
- Contribute to daily church operations, event planning, and ministry initiatives.
- Theological & Leadership Training
- Attend regular training sessions covering biblical/theological insights and leadership development.
- Engage in group discussions on ministry challenges, best practices, and emerging trends in the church.
- Personal & Spiritual Growth
- Join an Intern Experience Group with peers for monthly discussions, prayer, and support.
- Develop spiritual rhythms and reflect on personal calling through cohort-style community building.
- Church Life Experience
- Immerse in day-to-day church life by spending scheduled office hours assisting with administrative tasks, greeting visitors, and handling real-world ministry logistics.
- Observe and learn how the church interacts with the wider community, tackling practical issues not always covered in the classroom.
OVERVIEW OF MINISTRY FOCUS AREAS
During your internship, you’ll have the opportunity to serve in one (or possibly more) of the following key ministry areas, based on your gifts and passions:
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Preaching & Teaching
Learn how to study, prepare, and deliver messages that are both biblically sound and relevant to a diverse congregation.
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Worship Leading, Designing, Planning
Collaborate with worship teams to craft meaningful services that help others encounter God through music, prayer, and creative elements.
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Small Group & Discipleship Development
Facilitate deeper community life by leading studies, training small group leaders, and helping people grow in faith together.
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Evangelism & Outreach (Alpha, Community Outreach)
Engage with the community through Alpha courses, neighborhood events, and personal evangelism, offering hospitality and sharing the gospel in practical ways.
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Missions & Justice
Partner with local or global ministries, addressing social justice concerns and helping our church family serve marginalized communities.
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Young Family & Children’s Ministry
Create programming and discipleship opportunities for families with children, fostering an environment where young ones can grow in faith.
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Youth Ministry
Invest in the spiritual formation of teenagers, leading events and small groups that address their unique questions and challenges.
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College/Young Adult/Early Career Ministry
Build Christ-centered community among students, young professionals, and emerging leaders, encouraging them to integrate faith into all areas of life.
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Visitations & Congregational Care
Provide care for church members through hospital or home visits, prayer ministry, and life-stage support, learning the importance of pastoral presence.
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Prayer/Healing Ministry
Explore the power of intercession, prayer gatherings, and healing ministry, offering supportive spaces for those seeking spiritual renewal.
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Sports/Fitness Ministry
Use athletics and fitness as avenues for evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship, fostering health and community engagement.
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Church/Non-Profit Administration
Gain behind-the-scenes experience in budgeting, event coordination, strategic planning, and administrative leadership within a ministry context.
Your final area(s) of focus will be discerned through assessment, interviews, and prayerful consideration, ensuring a meaningful match with your gifts and the church’s needs.
INTERNSHIP STRUCTURE
- Placement & Assessment
- After acceptance, you’ll complete assessments (e.g., gifts inventories, interviews) to determine the best ministry fit.
- You’ll then be paired with a pastor, staff member, or lay leader who will supervise you throughout your internship.
- Goal-Setting
- Early on, you’ll meet with your mentor and the internship coordinator to set personalized goals and define your responsibilities.
- Ongoing feedback and periodic check-ins ensure your growth, development, and alignment with the church’s mission.
- Monthly Intern Gatherings
- Experience community with fellow interns, exchanging ideas, sharing challenges, and studying ministry topics together.
- These gatherings foster collaboration and camaraderie as you navigate ministry in a safe, encouraging environment.
LEADERSHIP & MENTORS
- Rev. Abraham Han, Senior Minister
Brings over 26 years of pastoral experience, including roles as Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor and adjunct
Professor. Abe has served across various contexts and denominations, offering a rich perspective on
theological education, church/nonprofit leadership, and community engagement.
- Pastor Evelin Tai, Children & Family Ministries
Has led MVC Preschool and served as Director of Baobei Foundation. Evelin specializes in family
ministries, early childhood education, and nonprofit management, supporting interns in
intergenerational ministry and holistic family engagement.
These seasoned leaders, along with other gifted staff and lay mentors, are committed to helping you discern your calling and cultivate the skills needed for effective, Spirit-led ministry.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS
- A genuine love for Jesus Christ and a desire to grow in faith.
- Commitment to godly character and mature discipleship.
- Agreement with the Mānoa Valley Church Covenant and Statement of Faith.
- Regular attendance and active participation in the life of Mānoa Valley Church.
HONORARIUM
- Although this internship is unpaid, an honorarium is granted upon successful completion of the program.
- Honorarium amounts depend on the number of interns and program resources for each term.
READY TO APPLY?
To begin your journey with the Mānoa Valley Church Ministry Internship Program, please submit the following to the address below:
- Completed application form and CV/resume.
- Two letters of reference (one from a pastor).
- A letter of recommendation from your spouse (if applicable).
- Optional: Digital photo (sent to MIP@manoavalleychurch.org).
All reference letters must be confidential and sent directly to the address or emailed to MIP@manoavalleychurch.org.
Mānoa Valley Church
Attn: Rev. Abraham Han (MIP)
2728 Huapala Street
Honolulu, HI 96822
If you’re ready to explore your unique calling and gain real-life ministry experience in a warm, supportive community, we invite you to apply. We look forward to partnering with you on this exciting step in your journey of faith and service.