The church where I work regularly has interns from the local high school The school sees value in allowing students to experience careers and jobs they may pursue. And since there are students who may work with writing or media or youth or children or music, we’re a popular internship site, particularly for people who attend our church.

So why we do it? Here are some of my thoughts

1. It keeps us honest. Not that we’re deceptive as a staff, far from it. But knowing that high school students are around every day means that we are paying attention to the connection between what we teach and how we act.
2. It builds relationships. When we see students regularly, we  get to listen.
3. It gives us help with the details. In any job, there are tasks that take more time than thinking. Cutting paper, moving equipment, updating PowerPoints, setting up rooms. When we explain why this matters and then the students do it, we all benefit.
4. It helps us think through our work. When we know that someone is showing up everyday needing work, we have to examine our tasks. It is easy to avoid this.
5. It gives them pride on when other people see their work. I know. There isn’t supposed to be pride around church. But when a high school student creates media that everyone sees on Sunday morning, there is a sense of doing something that matters to others.
6. They learn about life. We have funerals and broken copiers. We have bad days and bad communication. We get frustrated. It’s part of work and life anywhere, including church.
7. They give us joy. High school students laugh. They tease. They play. They get bored and create excitement. We need that.

It’s like having disciples. So, who are your interns?