Episode 10: Interns w/ Andrew Howell

Episode 10: Interns w/ Andrew Howell

Welcome to the I’m a YM podcast, a podcast by youth ministers, for youth ministers.

I'm A YM Podcast is proud to be part of the AIM Network of podcasts. Find out more at adventuresinministry.com. 

Also, check below for the resources that Andrew Howell is sharing with us!

QUESTIONS FOR ANDREW:

  • If you hadn’t become a YM, what would you be?

  • Tell us an intern horror story…

  • Why hire interns?

    • Ministers need training.

    • If you hire someone from your congregation, after 2 years encourage them to intern somewhere else?

  • What’s your interview process?

    • Try to find the best fit for your youth group, someone who’s been a leader in their youth group.

    • Candidates should write a letter to YM & elders why they want to intern with your church that summer. Letters should be turned in by Thanksgiving.

    • From Thanksgiving to Jan. 1, interview each candidate. Then name(s) of those chosen are brought to the elders by Feb. 1st.

    • Once intern(s) are hired, send them a job description/expectation sheet, summary about church, and contract they sign for the elders.

  • What jobs/responsibilities do you give interns?

    • Help lead trips and activities.

    • Have them write a letter to the students in your youth ministry. Guy intern to all the guys...Girl intern to all the girls.

    • Guy to teach at least 6 classes & preach once during summer.

    • Girl to plan girls retreat, some girl only events. Guy to plan one guys event.

    • Their main job is build relationships with students.

    • 2 books they are supposed to read. Books can change each summer. Plus a journal they should write in about their experiences during the summer.

      • One book for YM, one for life skill

      • “Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson

      • “In a pit with a lion on a snowy day” by Mark Batterson

      • “You Lost Me” by David Kinnamon

  • Are there any “rules” that you give your interns? If so, what are they?

    • Ask elders, youth deacon, etc.

    • Have an ongoing conversation with interns about what is expected of them.

    • EXPECTATIONS NOT RULES

    • No dating between intern and teens. Guy and girl intern not allowed to date each other.

    • Set the example all of the time.

  • What is the benefit from hiring a female intern?

    • A blessing to your female students.

    • Girl-specific events

    • Relationship they build with someone setting a good example...especially a college student setting the example.

    • We, as male YM’s, will not have the kind of relationship that a female intern can have.

  • What boundaries do you set as a result of having a female intern?

    • Make sure your wife is comfortable with hiring a female intern first.

ANDREW'S RESOURCES:

Wonder Fall Retreat Package

Click to download Youth Intern Job Descriptions & Expectations

Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

Our next episode will air on Tuesday, July 15th. You can find the show at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes.

You are doing a great work in youth ministry.