However, please note that this internship is not meant for everyone. In New England, sometimes one has to often move huge rocks before a few seeds can be planted. Anyone who desires to simply fulfill a seminary requirement, is urged turn back now. New England does not need any more theological wimps. Instead, we need people who are ready to put their back into the effort of "doing" that which can only be accomplished by God.
We Need seminary students with the doctrinal backbone to glorify God even when it hurts.
Beware: If you are thinking is internship is just another class or a vacation in New England, please be assured that it is NOT. Like a pastor you will be on call 24/7. It will be closer to a medical internship than a vacation or a class. You will have office hours when you are expected to be "in the assigned office". Everything from your personal devotions, sermons, visitation, journaling, interaction with the other interns, and your welcoming of the members of your assigned host church will be considered in your final grade.
Greg Heisler accurately assesses a frequent young seminarian's mindset in his book Spirit Led Preaching: “Some students come to class wanting the “Top Ten Insights on How to Preach like a Pro”, “Seven Steps to Preaching with Success”, “Five Days and Five ways to Better Preaching” and “Three Secrets to Spirit-Filled Sermons.” The students want seminary to “Teach (them) to preach with the passion of Johnny Hunt…the power of Adrian Rogers…the imagination of Jerry Vines and…the theological depth of John MacArthur. Disappointment sets in the minute (they are told) that what they are seeing in the sermons of these preachers is the finished product that comes only at a great price: consistently walking with God in humility, prayer, study, holiness, and years of time spent alone with God….”
In addition to preparing and delivering a sermon per week, each student will listen to and discuss 10-15 hours of sermons per week (from many pastors and theologians).
(It is unlikely that you will be able to take another course, even on line during the internship.)
Fall 2008 Semester
For ten weeks during the summer of 2008, NECEP interns were preaching every Sunday morning from Cape Cod to central New Hampshire. In addition, they were gathering for prayer every morning, listening to hundrends of expository sermons from John MacArthur, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, RC Sproul, Stephen Davey, Steve Lawson, Lig Duncan, CJ Mahaney, and many more. On top of that they had pastoral duties to fulfill each week (business meetings to fishing trips) and Q&A sessions with some theologians.
From the student's standpoint, this was more than just pulpit supply. It is getting a feel for what it is like to be the pastor of a church, while getting academic credit for their time in New England.
Fall 2008
The fall semester is almost behind us. Churches from Cape Cod to almost Canada and Conneticut to Maine have been served.
Winter 2008-2009
During the December - January winter break, a few interns will be selected to present the Gospel to New England during over the Christmas holiday. This number will be limited so students should first pray about their potential involvement, apply early, and be prepared for a little snow.
Pastors needing (essentially) free pulpit supply or those simply desiring to sit next to their wife one Sunday morning should email DARicard@NECEP.com or call 603-391-7580 with the date, the name of the church, and its location. As the time draws near, you will be asked to choose the passage of Scripture that you desire the intern to preach on. ("Essentially free" means you give the student a token amount towards their gas and potentially take them out to lunch before you send them back. The student's housing, meals, stipend, and most supplies are provided by NECEP.)
Note: Interns are often booked solid 1-2 months in advance.
Students desiring to participate should contact the same.
Spring 2009
Again students desiring to participate are urged to apply early. Normally, there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be done in order to receive academic credit towards a master's degree. Similarly pastors frequently tend to attend conferences during the spring. Thus they are also urged to look at their calendar and book ahead.
Since pastors tend to go to conferences at precisely the time that students tend to have "spring break", the pastors's needs for pulplit supply come first
Summer 2009
In addition to having interns preaching in New England, we are praying that God will give us an opportunity to beta-test the internship in the UK. To do that, we need both our usual interns plus one individual who will take the lead, "across the pond". At this moment, that is a long way away, but prayers are definitely in order.
Warning
The internship is just that, an internship. It is not designed for people who cannot go the extra mile. Though we appreciate your time with your family, even your family will come second at time when there is a wake, church council meeting, hospital visitation, etc. (Students not participating in full, may be asked to leave, to provide room for those who will.)
Interested? - For more information contact:
Call - 603-391-7580 Or contact DARicard@NECEP.com