Every Baptist church in every region is unique. When the Western Districts began talking about a local internship process, they knew it would need to be unique to suit their unique ministry contexts.
Wayne Spencer, Regional Minister, had noticed a trend of people leaving the region to go and study ministry, but then not returning. When Wayne got to know Pav, who was living in Molong and studying his Master of Theological Studies at Morling College via distance education, they saw the potential to work something out.
“I was really loving the academics and theology of study, but I knew I was lacking the practical side,” explains Pav, “my concern was that I’d finish my studies and have a degree but still feel inadequate and unequipped. I wanted to hit the ground running and with a bit of confidence and an understanding of what to expect.”
After having a conversation with Pav about what was next for him and Pav’s desire to stay in the region when he finished his study, Wayne reflected on some of the other training and internship initiatives he’d heard of from other regions. But after exploring some of the structures already available, it became clear that nothing was going to fit what the Western Districts were looking for.
Wayne talked to his regional team, and they reflected on what it was like going into your first church after Bible college. “When you first lead a church, you feel like your thrown in the deep end,” explains Wayne, “it would have been so helpful to have sat with different pastors to see how they do things and to find your own leadership style in that”.
Reflecting the diversity of churches and ministry contexts in the region, the Western Districts settled on a model where the intern would rotate between four different churches, completing a three-month placement at each. The placements would be relationally and experientially focused and would also increase the intern’s network of pastors they can call on in the future.
“This is a grass roots initiative,” explains Wayne, “we’re not trying to pull something in from outside to fit us. This has grown from us and people are getting behind it.”
When Wayne pitched the idea to the Elders Meeting at Blayney Baptist Church, one of the placement churches, one Elder said, “how can we not do it? We’re in a good healthy space; how can we not bring someone in and give them that opportunity to have the experience?” The financial contribution being asked of them would be a challenge, but they wouldn’t let money stop them making the investment in Pav and the region.
Pav’s first placement has been with Brad Hewitt at Blayney Baptist, a medium-sized church with an average of 60 people each Sunday. Pav has found the congregation at Blayney really welcoming and is enjoying the opportunity to try new things, including leading communion and being part of the service at the local nursing home. In return, the church has found Pav’s preaching and contributions more broadly encouraging.
Brad has taught Pav how to always find a way to put people first, whilst still working within the procedures of the church. Pav can see how Brad’s relational approach has supported and grown his congregation.
“I’m looking forward to synthesising all these experiences together into my own approach,” says Pav.
