Pastoral Internship

Covenant Life Pastoral Internship Program

Equipping men for the work of ministry

The Covenant Life Pastoral Internship Program is a 40-week program that meets for three semesters between January and November each year. It is designed to prepare and equip men aspiring to the work of pastoral ministry for a life of faithful work in the local church. Through immersive mentorship, rigorous study, and hands-on experience, interns grow in their understanding of ecclesiology, pastoral qualifications, church leadership, and disciple-making. 

Men who have completed the internship often go on to serve as faithfully active members of our congregation. Others serve as deacons and pastors of Covenant Life. Other men have been sent to pastor church plants or have gone to serve internationally as church planters among unreached peoples. We believe a program such as ours helps to develop the next generation of Christ-treasuring pastors to serve the church in Tampa Bay and unto the nations.

Program Overview

As noted above, the internship consists of three semesters, each focused on a specific aspect of pastoral ministry:

1. Semester 1: Character & Qualifications
   Interns explore the biblical qualifications and character of a pastor, focusing on personal holiness, gospel fluency, and shepherding principles. Books aligning with a biblical vision for these traits in a pastor will be emphasized. 
   • Books on the nature of pastoral ministry, including development, ministry philosophy, and the nature of the shepherd will be assigned.
   • Focused Activities: Weekly study of 1 Timothy, mentorship with elders, book reviews, and a theology of the pastor paper.
2. Semester 2: The Church – Ecclesiology & Ministry of the Word
   This semester examines the doctrine of the church and the ministry of preaching, with an emphasis on expositional preaching and biblical church governance.
   • Books on the philosophy and purpose of preaching, as we as on the nature and mission of the church, will be assigned.
   • Focused Key Activities: Weekly study of 2 Timothy, book reviews, debates on polity and ordinances, and preaching method discussions.
3. Semester 3: Leading the Church – Counseling & Mission
   Focused on biblical counseling and evangelism, this semester equips interns to shepherd the church in disciple-making and missions.
   • Books focusing on pastoral counseling and evangelism will be assigned.
   • Focused Activities: Weekly study of Titus, mentorship with elders, preaching opportunity, audio lectures by brother pastors, and a final paper on pastoral leadership.

Interns will commit to weekly group meetings with an elder to engage in Bible study and discuss the readings and sermons for the week. Periodically, they will also engage in friendly, structured debates on issues of polity and the ordinances, present papers, and offer feedback on sermons and worship gatherings.

Program Highlights

• Mentorship: Interns meet regularly with Covenant Life elders for accountability, discipleship, and guidance.
• Theological Study: In-depth exploration of pastoral epistles, church doctrine, and pastoral theology.
• Hands-On Ministry: Opportunities to lead Bible studies, teach, preach, and support church initiatives.
• Engaging Resources: Texts and lectures from respected theologians, pastors, and leaders in the global church.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for men discerning a call to pastoral ministry who desire theological training, practical experience, and mentorship within the context of a gospel-centered local church.

For more information or to apply, contact Charlie Jackson.