Intern Programme 2008-9



What is Fisherwick?

Fisherwick Presbyterian Church sits amidst Queen’s University Belfast midway between the Main Campus and the Halls of Residence. It is also at one end of Belfast’s Golden Mile Night-time Entertainment Area close to two large pubs/ nightclubs and a hotel within 100 yards.

The church has a reputation for a variety of relevant worship, both traditional and contemporary, a strong evangelical edge, shown in Mission, community and inter-church involvement and clear biblical teaching and encouragement to discipleship rather than simply membership.

It is open to all that God offers in Himself as Father and Creator, Saviour and Lord, Holy Spirit and Enabler. We seek to preach and live the ‘Word of God’ and to do the ‘Works of God’.

The Intern Programme is led by the Minister, his Assistant and other members of staff as appropriate.

Can I be an Intern?

The Intern Programme at Fisherwick is designed to provide an opportunity for those who wish to take time out to explore their gifting for and calling to ‘Ministry’ in its broadest sense. You will be part of the staff team at the Church and participate in a variety of programmes with each intern having specific responsibility for one stream depending on their interests and gifting.

Applicants are welcome from all Christian denominations but must be in sympathy with the aims and objectives of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and open to the emphases of the congregation (see www.presbyterianireland.org for further information).

The Interns are more likely to be in their twenties than in their teens - postgraduate rather than pre-university gap year students - but either is welcome to apply. A past or potential university degree is not a requirement – aptitude for ministry in its widest forms is the primary reason for acceptance.

A potential Intern will be required to self-fund the year apart from out of pocket expenses to a maximum of £150 per month which the congregation will provide up to an agreed number of Interns. We will gladly provide advice on how to raise funds for support. Accommodation is provided for the interns, but residents of the UK and wider European Union are required to apply for volunteer housing allowance.
The Interns are a team and are expected to act as such and take self- responsibility for organising themselves, taking turns to lead the team. They will live in community in accommodation provided by the church.

What Would I Be Doing?

Interns will be able to participate in several of the following:

  • Leadership of the Alpha programme.
  • The Discipleship Course team, including leading small groups and participating in Prayer Triplets.
  • The Prayer Ministry team and its associated Prayer Ministry training course.
  • Youth or Children’s ministry.
  • Pastoral Visitation.
  • Leading worship and possibly preaching.
  • Small group leadership.
  • Student Lunches, Nightreach and other community outreach initiatives.

How Will I Grow?

The programme focuses on Discipleship, in all that it entails. We want to help you grow closer to God. We will also provide ‘on the job’ training for the various roles undertaken in four ways

  1. A weekly meeting at which worship, prayer for one another and the reading of the scriptures sit alongside training in spirituality, ministry specific skills and the necessary administrative competences.
  2. Time off to attend courses at Union Institute for Christian Training for which fees will also be covered.
  3. Opportunity for participation in staff retreats in September and January and also, if desired, one week for personal spiritual development through ‘A Wholeness through Christ Prayer School’, or ‘Ignatian Silent guided Retreat’ or similar.
  4. Each Intern will be given a ‘Mentor’ and “Host Family” from outside the staff team with whom they can reflect upon the experience in all its aspects and in particular seek to discern what God is saying for their lives and futures.

How Do I Apply?

Potential applicants are invited to submit the following:

  • A letter outlining (a) their reasons for applying along with (b) what they believe they can offer the programme and (c) what they would hope to gain from it.
  • A current Curriculum Vitae (Resume in American)
  • An outline of their Faith Journey to date.
  • The names, addresses, emails and contact numbers of two referees who can speak of your aptitude for the role. At least one of these should have known you for a considerable time.
  • A medical certificate from your doctor covering any matters that the church should be made aware of.
Applicants should be aware that because of the wide variety of age-groups involved in a congregational setting, a Police Pre-employment Check is necessary, and those appointed will be required to undergo Child protection training or supply recent evidence of such a check and/or training.

Fisherwick Church invites enquiries about its Intern Programme for 2008-9. Ordinarily applications should be received by 31 March 2008 but those intending to apply are encouraged to do so when ready either before or after that date. Interviews and acceptance are decided when applications are received and when all posts are filled no further applications will be considered for that year.

Applications should be sent to:
The Intern Programme
Fisherwick Church
4 Chlorine Gardens
Belfast BT9 5DJ
UK

Or by email to office@fisherwick.net

For further information contact Raymond Robinson, Church Administrator, at +44 (0) 2890 666683 or email raymond@fisherwick.net.