LEARN HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF URBAN POVERTY
Servant Partners Internships develop emerging leaders to minister alongside the urban poor
"To move here is to find yourself, lose yourself, and find her once again..."
Interns live, learn, and pursue God together in order to discern a call to urban poor ministry
Do you want to be a part of the exciting work that God is doing in urban poor communities, but aren’t sure where to begin?
In our short term internships, you have a unique opportunity to step into the world of the urban poor, to experience their day to day realities, and ask God to show you how you can make a significant contribution.
Are you seeking deeper experience with the urban poor, and want to gain the skills and know-how to minister effectively?
In our one to two year internships, you can grow in the skills, character, and spirituality needed to thrive in urban ministry. If you love Jesus, want to make a difference in the lives of the urban poor, and enjoy learning through doing, then this internship is for you.
Many of our intern graduates join full-time staff teams in the U.S. or overseas, but our vision is to raise up a generation of believers who will effectively serve, advocate for, and influence the church toward action on behalf of the poor, regardless of career path.
Short-Term (2 - 6 Months)
INTERNSHIP SITES
US Two-Year Internships — San José
San José
Interns live together in an urban poor neighborhood near one of our partner churches. This is an intentional community living experience where interns are eating together, praying together, serving their neighbors together as well as learning to love and reconcile with one another.
Interns will be open to hearing the voice of God in new and unexpected ways--in the Scriptures, from staff members, from neighbors, and from each other. We begin in the early fall with a three week trip to an overseas slum to give interns a vision for urban church planting and holistic community transformation. Upon returning to the US, interns serve and live among their low-income neighbors to personally understand the needs and struggles of the neighborhood. As they participate in the ministry of a local church in their communities, interns receive practical training on the ins and outs of church planting and community organizing among the urban poor.
International Internship — Vancouver (BC), Canada
Vancouver (BC), Canada
International Internship — Manila, The Philippines
Manila, The Philippines
International Internship — Marseille, France
Marseille, France
International Internship — Middle East
Middle East
live in a densely populated working class Arab neighborhood with a high
percentage of refugees. Its specific religious context is Muslim and our
staff are focusing on building relationships in the refugee community.
Refugees in this context are always living for the hope of leaving, whether
to Europe or the United States. Many are stuck with a sense of
hopelessness.
Our team has worked alongside the local refugee community to build a
community center directly in contrast with this spirit of hopelessness to
work towards building a sense of hope-filled community right where they are
living.
We are looking for individuals to come encounter God while serving
alongside our refugee friends. The interns would live in the community and
learn some Arabic. The primary role would be working at the community
center providing English language classes and potentially getting to
participate in other programs offered there (including fitness and art).
The interns would join in some of the team life as they work, pray and
worship together for the community. Applications are currently closed and will reopen when there is availability.
FMI: internationalinternships@servantpartners.org

INTERNSHIPS FAQ
How long has Servant Partners had an internship program?
In 1995, Servant Partners started the internship program in the Los Angeles area (Pomona, Northwest Pasadena, Lincoln Heights) and Manila, Philippines. Since then, internships has partnered with Servant Partners sites in Lincoln Heights, California, San José, California, Vancouver, B.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Middle East, Marseilles, France, South Africa, Nicaragua, and Thailand.
How many interns are at each site?
The exact number of interns will depend on the site. The class size has ranged from one to eighteen per site.
How long is the internship?
Our short term internships range from 2-6 weeks and longer term internships range from 6-22 months.
How much does it cost?
When are applications due?
Applications are due: March 7, 2021.
Who is a good candidate for the internship?
We look for interns who are serious about four things:
-
Willingness to live and serve in an urban poor context for two years -
Willingness to make the internship the top priority -
Openness to a call to minister among the urban poor overseas after the internship -
Openness to church planting after the internship
What happens after I apply?
After processing applications, the staff will issue invitations to our Interview Weekend. These interviews will be held April 9-11, 2021. All applicants are required to attend.
Is there an orientation or training time before the internship begins?
There is an orientation in the States as well as an international immersion trip at the beginning of the internship experience.
Can I have a job while in the internship?
Domestic US Interns are responsible for daily living expenses by working part or full time. International Interns raise a budget that covers their full-time engagement in the neighborhood.
What about church attendance?
Given the immersive nature of the internship, we ask that you come in with no prior commitments, including church. There will be opportunity during the internship to connect with a local church.
How often will I meet with other interns?
Interns usually meet two evenings a week for three hours each. These meetings mainly involve scripture study, book reading/discussion, workshops (e.g. race and culture, poverty, dating, etc.), gifts assessments, and leadership development. Also, interns usually live together.
Are there staff members who work with interns?
Yes. There are local Servant Partners staff members at each site who facilitate learning and ministry opportunities.
How exactly will I spend my time as an intern?
Outside of bi-weekly meetings, interns also receive local ministry assignments, practice spiritual disciplines (e.g. Sabbath, prayer, silence and solitude), engage in peer accountability, and receive regular mentoring. The internship experience is designed to help interns grow in their connection with God, each other and with the poor. It is a powerful, life-changing two-year experience for maturing in your faith and discerning next steps in serving the poor.
How much free time will I have?
Likely much of your time as an intern will be spent at work, with neighbors and with your housemates and teammates. There are longer breaks periodically throughout the two years and often a free day during the weekend.