When it comes to summer internships in ministry, most churches fall into one of two categories:
- “We’ll just figure it out as we go…”
- “Let’s create a clear, helpful plan that sets everyone up for success.”
Guess which one interns (and staff) prefer? 🙃
If you’re looking to host a youth, worship, or kids ministry intern this summer, a solid job description is one of the easiest—and most impactful—ways to prepare for a great experience. Here’s how to create one that’s practical, clear, and ministry-minded.
🔧 Why a Job Description Matters
- Gives clarity for you and the intern
- Sets expectations early to avoid confusion
- Helps your intern know where they fit and how they’ll grow
- Improves communication and supervision
- Creates accountability on both sides
Even if your intern is a volunteer or unpaid, a clear job description shows that you’re taking their role seriously—which helps them take it seriously, too.
📝 What to Include in a Great Internship Job Description
Here’s a simple outline you can follow, with examples for different roles.
1. Title & Ministry Area
Keep it clear and specific.
Example:
- Summer Youth Ministry Intern
- Worship Ministry Intern
- Kids Ministry Support Intern
2. Overview / Purpose Statement
Explain the goal of the internship in 1–2 sentences. This helps the intern know the heart behind the role.
Example:
- The Summer Youth Ministry Intern will support the youth pastor in planning, leading, and evaluating summer ministry activities while growing in leadership, teaching, and relational ministry.
3. Time Commitment & Dates
Be clear about start/end dates, expected hours per week, and any specific weeks or events they must attend. We suggest not to put payscale in the job description but say “payment is based on experience and length”.
Example:
- 10 weeks: June 3 – August 9
- Approximately 35–40 hours/week
- Must be available for youth camp (July 8–12) and VBS (June 17–21)
4. Key Responsibilities
Break down the actual tasks they’ll be doing. Use bullet points and make sure they are realistic, but don’t be so detailed that it takes three pages. Each task should be max one sentence.
Youth Intern Example:
- Help plan and lead weekly youth group nights
- Assist with summer events, games, and small groups
- Build relationships with students and leaders
- Teach a devotional or message at least once
- Attend staff meetings and planning sessions
- Help with social media content for the youth ministry
Worship Intern Example:
- Assist with planning and leading Sunday worship
- Help run rehearsals and schedule volunteers
- Learn the basics of sound, ProPresenter, or livestream tools
- Lead one Sunday worship set during the summer
- Meet weekly with worship pastor for training and feedback
5. Learning Objectives or Growth Areas
This section focuses on what the intern will gain or grow in, not just what they’ll do. It shows you care about their development, not just about filling a role.
Example:
- Develop confidence in teaching or leading worship
- Gain hands-on experience in ministry planning
- Learn how to work with a team and receive feedback
- Grow in personal spiritual disciplines and leadership
6. Supervision & Support
Let them know who they’ll report to and how often they’ll meet for check-ins, mentoring, or evaluations.
Example:
- Intern will report directly to the Youth Pastor and meet weekly for supervision and spiritual mentoring.
7. Qualifications / Requirements
Keep this brief and realistic, especially for younger or first-time interns. Can be put before responsibilities or after.
Example:
- A growing relationship with Jesus
- Willingness to learn and serve in a team environment
- Passion for student ministry (or worship, kids, etc.)
- Must be at least 18 years old or high school graduate
- Must have transportation available
- Completed background check
✅ Bonus Tips
- Make sure everything can fit on one page.
- Be flexible: It’s okay if things shift slightly over the summer—just communicate well.
- Include room for their gifts: Leave space for interns to own something, whether leading worship, organizing an event, or running a devotional series.
- Pray with them: Your intern isn’t just a helper—they’re a disciple. Help them grow in faith, not just in skills.
📥 Final Thought
A thoughtful internship job description doesn’t just make things easier for your church—it honors your intern by treating their time and calling with value. You’re not just filling a spot this summer. You’re raising up a future leader. So, take a little time now to create clarity and purpose—it’ll make the whole experience better for everyone.
