Pam Lund, MNSOM Dean & Internship Director
Minnesota School of Ministry (MNSOM) held its first annual Propel Internship Summit on January 31-February 1 at Celebration Church in Lakeville. This is the first event of its kind among the 35 District Schools of Ministry in the U.S. The 77 students who attended could bring their spouses or their pastors, bringing the total attendance to 101.
The goal of the summit was to give MNSOM internship students practical, hands-on information and advice in ten different areas of ministry as they strive to receive AG ministry credentials. God was faithful to supply MN ministers who had a passion and the expertise to teach in each area.
The Friday night session covered pastoral care and end of life issues. It touched on the sensitivities of caring for people and their families in time of need, at death and beyond. HIPAA laws were covered. Real-world advice was given on how ministers can reach out to people without personally taking on the pain and heartache others are going through.
Water Baptisms and Communion were demonstrated, and ideas were shared on how these ordinances of the church can be done in many different settings. Premarital counseling and classes were discussed and how ministers can plant seeds that will bring about healthy marriages. Students were taken through a mock wedding rehearsal, and marriage preparation sheets were given to help a couple plan a wedding. Students were taught how to register their credentials with the state and the requirements to make a wedding ceremony legal.
Interns were given coaching advice on how to pray for those seeking the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and how to encourage those who have not yet received the gift. Additionally, important practical advice was given for the handling of a minister’s personal money matters, setting expectations of spending, and getting out of debt. The afternoon also rendered a discussion on assessing pastoral limitations and understanding when it is time to send a person from the pastor’s office to a professional counselor.
Throughout the summit, students were encouraged to put on a “pastoral hat” and look at each session not as a receiver of ministry but as one who will be the provider of ministry. Each candidate for credentials should be theologically and practically prepared as they enter full-time ministry to better meet the needs of people in this lost and dying world.
