Sumer Internships

You've learned so much in the classroom—now it's time to apply it in real life ministry!

Why Should You Apply

Make an Impact on Lives

Whether it’s camp, VBS, discipleship, or simply relationships being built, there are plenty of opportunities to leave a lasting impression for Christ on someone’s life.

Real Responsibility

We believe in letting you learn the real way—through success and failure. Only, we want to be there to help you learn the most from both!

Real Preparation for Ministry

Whether it’s from the pulpit, in a classroom, or behind the scenes, we want you to know exactly what it’s like to serve on a church staff.

Apply Now

Interns get opportunities to serve in a variety of ministry capacities, no matter their focus.

Simple Application Process

1

Choose Focus Area

Children
Teens
Worship & Technology
Other (ask us!)

2

Complete Application

Download and complete the application then scan and email it to caleb.surface@ohana.church

Download Application

3

Have References Complete Reference Form

You need personal references from your pastor, a professor, and a peer. Please ensure you choose people who know you well.

Go to reference form

What Past Interns Have Said

Amanda Burkhart

Summer Intern 2019

I loved being involved in different ministries. The internship had a great spiritual environment and a church family that was so welcoming and treated us like family.

Derek Thompson

Summer Intern 2016

Working here was one of the best summers of my life. We got to help with a new church plant and at Ohana. It’s exciting to see what God is doing here in Hawaii, and if you have the opportunity to come be a part of it, you should.

Information

In order to adequately decide if this internship is the right one for you, we understand you need information about what will be involved and required of you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have beyond the scope of the information below.

Requirements

Interns will be required to serve for eleven weeks.
Students will be required to keep a ministry notebook, participate in regular outreach and follow-up, and complete assignments. Assignments can include required reading, completing personal evaluations, turning in weekly sermon notes and lessons, memorizing verses, completing an end-of-the-summer paper summarizing your experience, and more.
Interns must have all of the following to be eligible for the summer program.
- Health insurance
- Round-trip ticket for the program
- Clearance from immigration if not a US citizen
- Financial support for personal needs
- No personal debt
- Agreement with the church doctrinal statement and program rules

Scope

This is an energetic and challenging 40 hours (or more) a week program designed to sharpen and train you to be fully equipped for serving God in every area of ministry from the mission field to your home church. We put you right in with our staff members ministering to people and doing to work of the ministry. The program itself will consist of the following breakdown:

11 weeks (May 22 – August 7)
Open to Men & Women
Scholarship & Weekly Stipend
Work at summer camp
Working with many cultures
Working with military members
Training and investing in younger Christians
The goal of this internship is to give hands-on experience, and that will be the primary assignment in most cases.
Each intern will be assigned to a specific area of service, working under one of the pastoral staff. Within this assigned area, interns will have opportunities to preach and teach, plan and prepare activities, work with all different age-groups, go soul-winning, disciple young Christians, and be involved with the practical everyday workings of the church.
- Children
- Teens
- Worship & Technology
- Other (ask us!)

Finances

All interns are required to provide their own transportation to and from the islands and support during their time in Hawaii. Depending on their personal spending habits, an intern can get by on as little as basic personal necessities each week. As you look to decide whether this program is right for you, please keep in mind these expenses and look at ticket prices to make an informed decision. The church will provide each intern with the following:

Housing
Groceries for all meals eaten in
Local transportation
Scholarship
Weekly Stipend
A love offering at the end of the program

Interns are encouraged to raise support from churches, family, and friends to gain the full experience of going to the mission field. If desired, we can assist you in creating support documents and information for raising support. Limited funds may be available for students based on need.

FAQs

When will I be informed if I am accepted to the program or not?

Within six weeks of receiving your application and all references, we will let you know whether or not you have been accepted into this year’s program.

What if I cannot afford the tickets and personal support?

Where God leads, God supplies. Part of the reason for participating in this internship is to experience a little of what it is like to go to a mission field. Raising support and trusting the Lord is part of that experience. Discuss your personal financial needs with your parents and your Pastor.

Would I be allowed to come early or stay longer than the 11 weeks required?

We are more than happy to allow extra time in the islands. Please inform us at least 45 days prior to the start of the internship of plans to be more than three days earlier or later than the dates of the internship. However, we cannot guarantee the availability of housing for more than three days extra.

I am married. Would my spouse and I be allowed to participate in the program?

We are not opposed to having married couples intern, but due to the logistics involved, they will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What if I am not a US citizens?

We welcome your interest, but you must fluently speak English and be legally in the United States for the duration of the program. We live in a multi-cultural environment and offer unique opportunities to those with a multi-cultural heritage.