Just as the Intern Scheme is not a one-size-fits-all programme, so the paths and plans that different churches and individuals take beyond the Scheme vary too.
Overview
Local Church Ministry
Be it women’s worker, pastor or small group leader, many individuals already held paid or unpaid roles within their church when they joined the Intern Scheme. During their time as Interns, they were given additional support and resourcing to develop their ministry within their church. Upon finishing the Scheme, the majority continue on in those paid or unpaid roles, often with a reshuffle of responsibilities to allow more time for pastoral work. A number of those in unpaid roles saw the creation of new paid pastoral roles within their church as a result of the Scheme.
Regional Growth
As interest in biblical counselling continues to grow across the UK, more and more regional hubs have sprung up in part due to the Intern Alumni. Between starting local interest groups and organising day conferences in their area, Alumni have played a crucial role in introducing more individuals and churches to biblical counselling.
Training & Equipping Others
A few Intern Alumni have gone on to play a role in training and equipping others in biblical counselling. For some, that has meant stepping into the role of grader for the Certificate Course. Others have become Mentors for the Intern Scheme or Certificate Course tutors., passing on all they have learned to the next generation of people who are passionate about connecting the riches of Scripture to the reality of life.
Resource Development
Ongoing Study
Parachurch Ministry
Alongside ongoing roles within their church, a small number of Intern Alumni have gone on to set up private fee-for-service counselling ministries to serve the wider body of Christ. Often drawing upon other additional training or experience, they are able to meet with a wider constituency of individuals seeking help.
Informal Peer Groups
The friendships nurtured with fellow Interns over the course of the Scheme continue long after the two years finish. While Biblical Counselling UK cannot offer ongoing oversight of Alumni peer groups, Alumni often regularly connect informally with their peers for continued support and prayerful encouragement of one another’s ministries.
Ongoing support from Biblical Counselling UK
“It’s been great to stay in touch with other Alumni, to continue to sharpen each other and to look together at issues facing those in pastoral care. The book clubs have spurred me on to read books that I probably wouldn’t otherwise have got around to reading and have most definitely fed into my care for others.”
An Alumnus
Ongoing Support
Book Clubs
Zoom Webinars
Residential Conference Drinks Reception
