For me, internships are one of the best formational vehicles we have in the Church. They bring together real ministry experiences, supervision, and theological study in a way that is structured, supportive, and fun.
I know this firsthand. I interned under Tim and Nicki Mora at The Shed in Greymouth in 2010 and 2011 while finishing a Graduate Diploma in Theology through Laidlaw. I loved getting academic credit for ministry I was already passionate about. I ran youth group nights, helped lead youth services, preached, and shadowed Tim in pastoral and parish ministry.
The mix of practical mahi with a mentor and supervisor, alongside theological training, was such a blessing as I stepped into leadership.
Since 2014 I have also overseen and worked alongside interns through Bishopdale College. Time and again I have seen the fruit. Interns grow in confidence, clarity, and character. They learn to love Scripture, to serve people well, and to lead from a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Good internships are built for the benefit of the intern. We’ve all heard stories of programmes that treat interns as free labour. That is not the culture I see at Bishopdale College. Their focus is formation. Growth for the individual. Deepening discipleship. The church still benefits in a big way – when rangatahi and young adults are passionately following Jesus and learning to lead, parishes are strengthened.
So why do internships matter?
Because discipleship matters.
They are not just for young people, but they are a brilliant pathway for young adults who are discerning gifting and vocation. In our diocese we are incredibly blessed to have ministers who understand how to supervise well, a college that knows how to shape healthy leaders, and scholarships that lower financial barriers.
I love internships because I love watching people find their place in God’s kingdom. Internships help people discover their gifts, grow in character, and learn by serving in an actual community. This is formation that lasts.
We have two scholarships available to cover course fees for the Bishopdale College internship at Level 5 or Level 6 for study in 2026. They are for 18 to 30 year olds connected to a church in the Nelson Anglican Diocese. Applications close at 5pm on 14 November 2025 – next Friday.
Keen to explore whether an internship is right for you or someone in your parish? Check the Bishopdale College internship info online and get in touch. I would love to kōrero about pathways, placements, and the scholarship process.
Contact me at brad@nelsonanglican.nz or apply here.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
For me, internships are one of the best formational vehicles we have in the Church. They bring together real ministry experiences, supervision, and theological study in a way that is structured, supportive, and fun.
I know this firsthand. I interned under Tim and Nicki Mora at The Shed in Greymouth in 2010 and 2011 while finishing a Graduate Diploma in Theology through Laidlaw. I loved getting academic credit for ministry I was already passionate about. I ran youth group nights, helped lead youth services, preached, and shadowed Tim in pastoral and parish ministry.
The mix of practical mahi with a mentor and supervisor, alongside theological training, was such a blessing as I stepped into leadership.
Since 2014 I have also overseen and worked alongside interns through Bishopdale College. Time and again I have seen the fruit. Interns grow in confidence, clarity, and character. They learn to love Scripture, to serve people well, and to lead from a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Good internships are built for the benefit of the intern. We’ve all heard stories of programmes that treat interns as free labour. That is not the culture I see at Bishopdale College. Their focus is formation. Growth for the individual. Deepening discipleship. The church still benefits in a big way – when rangatahi and young adults are passionately following Jesus and learning to lead, parishes are strengthened.
So why do internships matter?
Because discipleship matters.
They are not just for young people, but they are a brilliant pathway for young adults who are discerning gifting and vocation. In our diocese we are incredibly blessed to have ministers who understand how to supervise well, a college that knows how to shape healthy leaders, and scholarships that lower financial barriers.
I love internships because I love watching people find their place in God’s kingdom. Internships help people discover their gifts, grow in character, and learn by serving in an actual community. This is formation that lasts.
We have two scholarships available to cover course fees for the Bishopdale College internship at Level 5 or Level 6 for study in 2026. They are for 18 to 30 year olds connected to a church in the Nelson Anglican Diocese. Applications close at 5pm on 14 November 2025 – next Friday.
Keen to explore whether an internship is right for you or someone in your parish? Check the Bishopdale College internship info online and get in touch. I would love to kōrero about pathways, placements, and the scholarship process.
Contact me at brad@nelsonanglican.nz or apply here.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
