pastoral internships

Pastoral Internships

Pastoral internships are designed to parallel Master of Divinity course work for a minimum of two consecutive academic semesters. The goals of the pastoral internship are to give students a practical arena to apply theological training and explore pastoral strengths, weaknesses and passions.

There are two paths to a pastoral internship at Briarcliff Church. The first path includes first year MDiv students at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) participating in the Timothy Track program. The second path includes students who are pursuing their education in other ways and are active covenant members who desire to enhance their theological training through the pastoral internship.

To learn more about either path to a pastoral internship at Briarcliff Church please contact Tim Armitage.

Requirements & Expectations

Briarcliff Church is committed to pouring into pastors for the next generation through seminary internships and our post-graduate residency program. Our goal is to be a key part of a pastor’s preparation for ministry through all-of-life discipleship of young pastors. This holistic approach focuses on theological application in everyday ministry, relational dynamics, pastoral care, pastoral longevity and health and leadership preparation.

Briarcliff Church desires to select students with “integrity of heart and skillful hands” (Psalm 78:70-72) to participate in internship and/or residency programs. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to following Christ, ministry leadership ability, a heart for serving the local church, and academic excellence. Application timelines and details are outlined below.

If you are interested in the Pastoral Internship Program, your next step is completion of the application process through one of the following pathways:

MBTS Timothy Track Candidates

For incoming, residential students pursuing a MDiv you may be interested in the benefits and experience of MBTS’s internship program: Timothy Track. This program provides immediate connection with leadership at MBTS and the local church. As a Timothy Track partner, Briarcliff facilitates the ministry experience that closely parallels your academic studies. You may learn more and apply to be a Timothy Track candidate by visiting mbts.edu/timothytrack.

Briarcliff Church Pastoral Internships

Students starting or continuing MDiv work may apply for the pastoral internship. Applications are due one month before the start of the student’s academic semester. Please send completed applications (and any questions) to Tim Armitage.

Thank you for your interest in the Briarcliff Church Pastoral Internship Program. We are delighted that you have chosen to take the next step and apply. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for further clarification.

Submit an Application

Please create a document, not to exceed five single-spaced pages in length, with information outlined in the Application Details section, and email it to Tim Armitage.

Submit

Coordinate with Your Pastor 

Please coordinate with your pastor, either in Kansas City or at your home church, and have them complete an Pastoral Internship and Residency Recommendation.

Recommendation Form

Interview on Campus 

We will coordinate with selected applicants to set up a one-hour interview.

Application Details

Please create your application document with the following details. Documents should be single-spaced and not exceed five pages in length. Email the final document to Tim Armitage at Briarcliff Church.

  • Your Name
  • Spouses’ Name & Children’s Names (if applicable)
  • Address/City/State/Zip
  • Phone Number(s)
  • Preferred Email Contact
  • Current GPA in MDiv program
  • Anticipated Graduation Date
  • Which program you are applying for
  • Tell us about your journey of faith.
  • How have you been involved in your local church – past and present?
  • What is something you have learned recently from your devotional study of the Bible?
  • Read any good books lately? Tell us about one or two of them. (Exclude the Bible on this answer.)
  • What do you like to do for fun?
  • List your educational background including areas of emphasis and GPAs
  • Tell us about any awards you have received throughout your educational experience.
  • List your work experience. You may supplement this answer with a résumé.
  • In what ways have you or are you currently demonstrating leadership?
  • How would you describe your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What is your current area of focus in the MDiv program?
  • Tell us about your sense of calling. Where and how do you sense God is directing you to serve him?