Interning with SU: A Children & Families Experience

Summer missions is a highlight of each year, but I wanted more. I wanted to bring the experiences I had working with families and make it a regular part of my year, not just for 10 days over summer. A CHIFAM Ministry Internship was my answer.

I’d been thinking about becoming more involved in the children’s ministry at my church, so having a practical placement in my church as part of my internship has worked out really well.

The best thing about the internship is the variety of speakers. Each speaker has a wealth of knowledge and experience and brings something different to each session. I’ve also really enjoyed working closely alongside ministry leaders in my church. I definitely have a new appreciation for what they do.

Some of the most interesting things I’ve learnt have been around creating safe and engaging spaces for children of different ages and backgrounds. It’s given me great insight into where children are at and how to connect with them effectively when they’re part of your ministry.

With COVID we haven’t been able to meet together as much as I would have liked, but I’ve planned online lessons and filmed a mini-series for the school holidays which is theatrical and fun. Doing this is a little out of my comfort zone as I’m not super into performing arts, but the internship does really well at covering all the different ways to connect with kids.

The internship has equipped me well for summer mission. I've been doing SUFM for 6 years and there were still so many things I was surprised that I hadn't thought about until we discussed and brainstormed them in our internship group. It’s been really helpful to get a new perspective on how we do kids ministry effectively.

I think this internship is great for anyone who’s been a leader on a beach mission, camp, or youth group, or anyone who has dipped their toe in the water of leading ministry, even in a small way. It’s an ideal way to grow your knowledge, skills and confidence.