Karis Internship: Reflections from a Current Intern
During the Summer of 2020, I quit my full-time job and started the Karis Internship. The lockdown had provided ample and long overdue time for me to reflect on what kind of work I felt called to spend my life doing. I continued to think back to several ministry experiences I had throughout college and ultimately felt called to pursue ministry work in a more substantial way. While I had no idea what that would look like (and I’m still along for the ride!), I talked to my pastors and determined the internship was the next step for me.
Throughout my almost two years here as an intern, I’ve played several different roles that have helped me discern how I can best use my gifts and helped me learn what ministry truly looks like. Right away, I was given the opportunity to learn and manage the church communications and from there, I became involved in areas like community partnerships, facility care, and finances. I’ve even received the opportunity to serve in the role of deacon over these areas. My eyes have been opened to the ways in which God uses the practical things of life - budgets, buildings, communication - to execute his mission and care for his church. Beyond my individual roles, I’ve also had the opportunity to be a part of the staff team as we discuss the church vision, plan initiatives and events, and work to pray and care for our church family.
But more substantial than all the things I’ve done are the ways in which I’ve grown. Working closely with our elders, especially through these unprecedented times, has enlightened me to the realities of gospel ministry in all its messiness, sacrifice, and humility. Watching and learning from our leaders, I’ve seen some of the central aspects of the gospel - forgiveness, justice, grace - wrestled with and lived out in real relationships, prompting me to take to heart the cost of following Jesus, but also feeling realistically prepared and capable of living on mission and loving those around me with the truth of the gospel. Refreshingly, I’ve also felt affirmed and encouraged in my gifts and the ways in which God can and does use them for his glory both in the church building and out of it.
Through all of my own doubts along the way, God continues to prove himself faithful both in his goodness to me and his mission for the church. While the internship was just a hint of an idea in my mind a couple years ago, the experience has become influential in shaping the direction of my life. The church needs leaders willing to serve like Christ - in all gentleness and humility - and I’m so thankful for the opportunity I’ve had so far to learn from leaders like that and I’m blessed to continue to serve the church alongside them.
Hannah DeBerry is a current Karis staff member and internship participant. The Karis Internship is a two-year intensive ministry experience designed for those who feel a calling to vocational or lay church leadership. We believe that the training of future church leaders is best done in the context of the local church, so we are are always looking for new interns to join the team. If you’d like to learn more about the Karis Internship program, visit this page! If you have any interest or questions, don’t hesitate to email us at info@karischurch.org - we’d love to hear from you!
