One of our most significant priorities as believers is to invest in raising the next generation of Christian leaders. First Church has embraced the ministry of mentoring future pastors who are completing Master of Divinity degrees. We pray this experience will help to equip them to move others toward a deeper faith. Western Seminary students Rebekah Taylor and Josiah Huisman interned with us in May 2023. The Epistle asked them to share some of the highlights of their time at First Church.
How did your internship experience impact your view of ministry?
Rebekah | My internship experience allowed me to expand my view of ministry. I grew up in churches that are considerably smaller than First Church, so getting a glimpse at how a ministry staff operates in a church this large and how they relate to the rest of the church body has helped me see just how diverse the ministerial styles of churches can be.
Josiah | It was so interesting to see how God moves and works through large churches and systems to accomplish good and faithful work in this world. The capacity of a larger church to
dream big and tackle large issues is something I haven’t seen utilized often.
What was the most surprising thing you experienced at First Church?
Rebekah | I was surprised at how seasonal the church membership/attendance tends to be. I grew up in a coastal church with seasonal dynamics, but about 85 percent of our congregation is present year-round. First Church flips that script and has considerably more seasonal attendees than permanent year-round members. That has a significant impact on how church programming and discipleship take place.
Josiah | I was surprised by how people still found and felt they had a space to be known and seen, even in a large community.
At First Church, members were connected and had deep relationships. What would you share with the next group of interns, if possible?
Rebekah | Do not be afraid to ask questions and compare notes! This internship is a great chance to experience another church context, allowing you to step away from your own and allowing
you space to evaluate your values and pastoral priorities. You may learn something surprising about yourself or your leadership style!
Josiah | If you come from the North, it is hotter than you currently imagine!
What is a virtue God is developing in you as you prepare for ministry?
Rebekah | God has been developing the virtue of charity in my life. Charity comes in two parts: love of God and love of people (including love of your neighbor and yourself). To stretch out your arms in service to God, you must love your fellow image-bearers who are walking the same path of faith alongside you, and to serve your neighbor, you must love your common creator. Seeing how a love of God and love of neighbor is embodied differently in various local church communities is quite beautiful. It has helped me reflect on what giftings and skills God has granted me so that I may step charitably in faith.
Josiah | The spirit has been forming in me a posture of slowness, to learn that often God moves slowly and more gently than we imagine. Resting and moving at a pace that allows those around us to see, know, and love us is good.
