Calling Asian American Youth into Ministry (East Region internship)

From Andrew Lee (ISAAC East Region Director)

There is an overwhelming need for clergy to lead the second generation, English language ministries of immigrant Asian churches.  Few from this generation go into ministry, many opting instead for high salaried professional careers at the urging of their parents.

In order to assist Asian American congregations in the CT/NJ/NY areas to address this urgent need, a summer internship program will be offered for college aged young adults who are considering full-time vocational ministry.  Successful applicants will serve in their respective churches and be mentored by a team of pastoral and lay leaders at their church, as well as by the ISAAC project coordinator.  Furthermore, the interns will meet weekly for support and peer mentoring.

At the end of the internship, there will be a worship service with the theme of calling at each participating church.  Interns will share about their experiences and members of the mentoring team will also have an opportunity to address the congregation and advocate the pursuit of God’s call.  Public conversation will be initiated on a topic that is seldom broached in the immigrant church.

Program Highlights

• Summer internships jointly funded by ISAAC and the church.[1] College students will serve in various ministry capacities at their respective churches for approximately 8 weeks from June to August.
• An English Ministry pastoral staff member will oversee the work and mentor the youth for the summer.  A learning covenant between the two will serve as the basis for their working relationship.
• There will be a Lay Mentoring team of three people from the church with representation from both genders.  The intern with meet with this team as a group and not individually.  A learning covenant will be set up.
• ISAAC staff will coordinate the entire project and meet with all the interns.  The interns will gather as a cohort to receive guidance, eat, pray, fellowship with and support each other.  This weekly meeting takes precedence over any church activity or responsibility.
• End of summer service where the intern and mentoring team will share about calling with the congregation.
• End of summer banquet/evaluation for all the mentoring teams
• Application forms will be posted on the ISAAC website and can be downloaded here [download Application for ISAAC Summer Internship Program.2011].
• Interns will be accepted beginning March 1 until all five are awarded.

ISAAC Project Coordinator: Rev. Dr. Andrew Lee

[Email Andrew] or call Phone: (718) 317-7930

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[1] Students will receive a $1,500 stipend.  ISAAC will contribute $1,000 and the church $500.  In addition, there will be transportation, food and book subsidies from ISAAC.