Mennonite Church Canada Witness
Student Internship(s)

Assignment objective: 

• The objective of this assignment is for students who are studying theology, practical theology, peace and conflict studies, and development, and potentially other fields of study (e.g., Social Work), to get experience and knowledge from within a different socio-economic context. These experiences could range from opportunities to serve as an intern pastor within a South African church, which could range from a mainline church experience to a Pentecostal/charismatic church experience as well, as from urban to rural experiences, or to walk with a non-profit organization and participate in the work they are a part of. The student internship would provide an opportunity for extensive cross-cultural learning.

Assignment description:   

• Each placement would vary depending on which church and/or organization a student would work with. Possibilities include:
• Pastoral internship: Students could participate in a pastoral internship opportunity in various denominational settings that could a) provide an opportunity to learn and get experience as a pastor, and b) learn more about different congregational and denominational structures and beliefs. Pastoral internships could be done through Pentecostal/Charismatic churches to mainline churches to Anabaptist related churches (Brethren in Christ, Mennonite Brethren, or emerging Mennonite churches).
• Peace and Conflict Studies internship: Students could participate in and help develop training opportunities for pastors and community members in the area of peace and conflict resolution. This could be done through the Anabaptist Network in South Africa or other member organizations who are involved in such work. This would provide opportunities to create meaningful and engaging workshops on peace and conflict resolution/transformation, facilitating such workshops, and in engaging in the evaluation process as to the needs and direction for such programs.
• Assisting with the work of Non-Profit Organizations: Students could participate in the work being done through a variety of Non-Profit Organizations. Such work could range from involvement with organizations geared towards working with and helping children and their needs, to working with those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS, to working with those who are poor, those who are involved in advocating for human rights issues, those who are involved in conservation issues, and so forth. Such an opportunity would provide insights into the way programs are developed, run, and sustained along with practical experience in providing such services.

Primary duties: 

• Duties would vary depending on which internship opportunity the student would want to be involved in and which church and/or organization a student would work with.

Qualifications: Necessary skills, experience and education

• A strong interest to learn from the local church and/or organization one would work with.
• A strong interest in working with those who are disadvantaged.
• Pastoral experience not required.
• Post-secondary degree not required.  University students generally use this internship for practicum requirements toward a degree.

Financial Arrangements:

• Financial costs of this service term are the responsibility of the intern. Monthly expenses may be approximately $950 per month, plus international airfare. Mennonite Church Canada Witness will assist by establishing a support fund and will invite constituency congregations and individuals to support this assignment. Funds are dependent on support received.

Location factors:   

• South Africa enjoys the amenities of most modern countries (e.g., modern health facilities, grocery stores, and so forth). That being said, there is a large population within South Africa who live in poverty. The gap between the rich and the poor is quite noticeable, and so one would need to be sensitive to this reality.
• South Africa weather depends largely on location. In general, South Africa’s weather ranges from very hot to quite cold. Homes in South Africa are not insulated nor centrally heated and so weather during winter can be quite cold even though it rarely goes below 0 degrees. One should be prepared for the full range of climate.

Interested in Applying?

You can get started right away by filling out our General Expression of Interest form or you can contact:
Kirsten Schroeder
Director of Human Resources
email:
Phone: (204) 888-6781
Toll-free: 1 866-888-6785 ext. 110