Training the next.
A thirty-week internship for men aspiring to pastoral ministry — reading deeply, writing weekly, preaching occasionally, and living the life of the local church.

At First Baptist Church of Artesia we recognize a weighty responsibility to help raise up the next generation of pastors and lay leaders. The internship exists to give men a concentrated season of Scripture, ecclesiology, and gospel formation inside the ordinary life of a local congregation.
The program runs for thirty weeks — two semesters — and requires roughly twelve to fifteen hours per week. Books are provided by the church; travel for select conferences may be reimbursed on a case-by-case basis.
What an intern does.
- Reading
Weekly assigned readings at a relatively fast pace.
- Writing
Weekly papers submitted on Notion — Times New Roman, double-spaced.
- Discussion
Three-hour weekly discussions facilitated by the pastor.
- Observation
Attendance at membership classes, Bible studies, pastor meetings, Sunday services, and shadowing of church staff.
- Service Review
Post-service feedback sessions on Sundays.
- Preaching Prep
Training in sermon preparation worksheets and potential teaching opportunities.
- Prayer
Regular prayer for the church members.
- Accountability
Mutual encouragement toward spiritual growth and the pursuit of holiness.
- Travel
Optional conference attendance, including a Simeon Trust Workshop in February.

