A year to grow
This isn’t a year off — it’s a year on mission, right here in the Bay of Plenty.
Are you keen for a real taste of ministry, a richer understanding of God’s word, and a chance to be discipled to grow deeper in your love for God? This could be your next step.
What is it?
The Orchard Church Internship is a one-year, full-time ministry training programme. It exists to grow each intern’s love for Christ, knowledge of God, and grace-shaped living — through teaching, mentoring, and real ministry responsibility.
What’s involved?
Study
Learn in community alongside other interns with a bible-centred curriculum involving a good mix of theology, practical ministry and leadership skills, and personal spiritual formation.
Ministry
Serve in our kids and youth programs to grow your leadership, love for the church, and heart for service. Gain hands-on experience with real responsibility that grows as you do.
Personal Development
Meet regularly with God in personal prayer and study, be discipled by godly mentors, fellowship with church staff and interns, and disciple others to grow deeper in their faith.
Who should apply?
- Young adults aged 18–25
- A committed, growing Christian already active in serving somewhere — you don’t need to already be part of The Orchard Church
- Teachable — someone keen to learn and wants to be mentored
- Comfortable and safe around children and young people (a background/safeguarding check is required)
- Willing to relocate to Te Puke, Bay of Plenty for the year, if you’re not local already
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Some of that working-out is exactly what this year is for!
FAQS
Your week will be a mix of ministry placement hours, learning blocks, study sessions, a weekly sit-down with each of your mentors, community outreach programs, and Sunday mornings at church. You’ll get at least one full day off and one lighter day every week — rest is built in, not squeezed out.
Throughout the year, you’ll have opportunities to serve and lead the Kids Holiday Quest programs and attend youth camps – so there will be variation week to week, but the exciting kind!
The Orchard Church covers the cost of the internship year. Interns are only responsible for their own food, petrol, and personal spending. Where possible, interns live at home or are billeted with a host family in the Bay of Plenty for the year.
- Applications open September 27, 2026
- Applications close November 22, 2026
- Interns start Early February, 2027
Email caitlin@theorchard.co.nz