Now that you have earned your Community Ministry Certificate you are qualified to apply for ordination by Cherry Hill Seminary if you complete this 20-hour supervised volunteer internship. The purpose of the internship is for you to apply the skills you have learned with direct service in a real-life situation, with a supervisor who can vouch for your successful completion.
Where will I carry out my internship?
You will investigate needs in your own community and inquire about the possibility of interning. Here are suggested categories for you to explore:
- Ministerial work with a group of at least 5 participants.
- Presentation of workshops, sermons, rituals or services.
- Social advocacy work, client assistance at a community nonprofit.
- Counseling or pastoral care services, social services work.
- Emergency/disaster relief work.
- Hospital, hospice or nursing home visits.
Do I need CHS approval?
Yes. Contact your CMC faculty-mentor by email with information about the work you wish to do, the organization that is involved, and who will supervise you and give you feedback. Once they approve it, go to the next step below.
What is the cost?
$100 for the one month module.
What if I need to take more than a month to complete my internship?
Talk about it with your faculty-mentor first. If you need more time, you will be charged for another month (as with the CMC).
Is there a CHS form to turn in at the beginning of my internship?
You must submit this form to initiate your internship BEFORE YOU START.
Does my internship supervisor have to turn in anything?
Yes. Ask your supervisor to turn in this form BEFORE YOU START.
How do I document my internship?
When you have completed your 20 hours of volunteer service, ask your supervisor to submit this evaluation of your internship.
When you are finished, and your internship supervisor has turned in the final evaluation, we will attach it to your ordination application for consideration by the Clergy Review Committee during their next round of applicant reviews.