Summer Pastoral Internship

Second Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, VA

This 12-week summer internship is open to current college and seminary students to provide a first-hand experience of pastoral ministry in a large congregation. Although there is a particular focus on Youth Ministry, interns will gain a broad perspective and a breadth of experience into all aspects of congregational ministry, including worship leadership, preaching, and visitation.

Primary direction and supervision for the internship will be provided by the Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults, Rev. Ben Brannan. Additional support will be provided by the Executive Pastor, Rev. Elizabeth Link, and the Senior Minister, Dr. George Anderson.

Second Presbyterian Church is a vibrant and mission-minded church on the edge of downtown Roanoke. Inside the church walls, Second Presbyterian provides theologically and biblically grounded opportunities for learning and spiritual growth for all ages as we inform minds, inspire hearts, and motivate learners to follow in the way of Christ. Some of the best pastors and scholars in the nation have been brought to Second Presbyterian to teach. Children and youth are an exceptionally high priority in receiving instruction and nurture. The goal of youth ministry here at Second is the transformation of lives through relationship with God and with one another. At Second, we believe that young people need opportunities for meaningful experiences of faith, authentic relationships with other youth and with adults, and the freedom to play joyfully together. We seek to provide these opportunities throughout the program year and during the summer for the 80+ youth who are involved in our programs.

Second is also dedicated to nurturing future leadership of the church. We support teaching and nurturing institutions like Union Presbyterian Seminary, and the Montreat and Massanetta Springs conference centers. We also host the Trent Symposium for Newly Ordained Ministers which has been praised and celebrated by the participants and the churches they serve. This internship is just one more way Second responds to the call to be a teaching church.

A Bit About Roanoke:

Roanoke is situated in the Roanoke Valley, west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is known as the “Star City of the South” and features the prominent Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain. The Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a wine making region are nearby. The Roanoke River runs through the town. With almost a population of 100,000, the city is a major center for health care and retail businesses for the region.

The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, camping and hiking, and the downtown scene offers excellent dining and cultural experiences as well.

All-in-all, Roanoke is a lively city with beautiful views, amazing food, affordable living, and outdoor activities galore. That’s why Roanoke has been named the “Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family” by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.

To apply for the summer of 2024:

Please submit a resume and cover letter. In addition, please submit responses to the Presbyterian Church (USA) PIF Narrative Questions listed below and a Statement of Faith.

Describe a moment in your recent ministry that you recognize as one of success and fulfillment.
Describe the ministry setting to which you believe God is calling you.
What areas of growth have you identified in yourself?
Describe a time when you led change.

Application deadline is February 26, 2024.

Applicants may be contacted for an interview later in the month and notified of their status by mid-March.

Applications should be emailed to Rev. Ben Brannan (benb@spres.org).