Well, this is it. The day that I have been dreading the past few weeks is finally here - my last day interning at my home church, Calvary Assembly of God. I am feeling very...sad. I actually was shedding a few tears as I headed home last night. Cheesy, I know...but I have developed some close relationships here at the church - especially within the church staff - and I cannot imagine not going to church in the mornings throughout the week, not attending meetings, not planning Sunday services, not singing and/or playing on Wednesday nights and/or Sunday mornings, not directing the orchestra, etc...the list goes on and on.
What. An. Incredible. Summer. Experience.
That basically sums it all. I really cannot begin to describe how this internship has changed me. God literally showed up throughout the 12 weeks that I was a music intern. First off, I am so thankful for Calvary - a healthy church that really welcomed me with open arms when I first set foot in that office. The staff and pastors were very kind and caring that they quickly became my second family by the 1st or 2nd week!
I am also feeling very, very blessed to have such an incredible mentor, Pastor Dan Schmalz - who is truly a humble man of God. He has shared and given me countless advice and wisdom based on his past experiences, as well as given me opportunities that challenged me, yet allowed me to learn and grow at the same time. There may have been frustrations along the way, but looking back, I couldn't ask for a better person to intern with. I have learned a lot from him this summer and have taken away many of his words of wisdom towards my future career. I have shared many of my personal challenges and struggles not only as an intern, but also as a music student, with him and have received great encouragement from him. He is very kind-hearted and is always willing to listen and give advice when needed. I am incredibly blessed and thankful!
The most memorable thing about this internship is that God's calling in my life to be a worship pastor continues to be confirmed throughout my 12 weeks. In fact, more than ever do I feel anxious and excited to be done with school so I can start doing this for a living! It has truly been a passion of mine since I was 12 years old to be a worship pastor who uses her gifts and talents to lead the people of God in worship. Obviously, it is far from being a 'perfect job' because there are still ups and downs in ministry as I myself have experienced even just as an intern. But honestly, I have felt a sense of joy and peace the past 12 weeks as I do what I am passionate about. It is truly a blessing to be a part of life change in the church. Most of all, it is a blessing to do - for the rest of my life - what we will all be doing in heaven: worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ! I have also received many encouragements this summer, not only from the staff and pastors, but also from the congregation, that continued to motivate me to run after my passion of being a worship pastor. What an incredible feeling!
Through this internship, my eyes have definitely been opened to my strengths and weaknesses in ministry. I begin to learn more about myself - my character, personality, and flaws - through the tensions of ministry. These tensions will never disappear but I have been challenged to live and be present within those tensions in order for me to grow and learn how to best work in ministry.
Things have been somewhat crazy around the church because of the transition that we will be making in the next few months to a movie theatre. There has been lots of renovations and constructions going on in that facility and I feel very sympathetic for the pastors and staff who have worked endless hours in trying to get everything figured out in that building. They attended and sat in numerous meetings that last at least 3-4 hours, on top of their own responsibilities for the church. I know they will all be glad when this is all over! I continue to pray for each of them as they make final decisions leading up to the first services in the new building. Nevertheless, it was so cool to be a part of all of this process and witness the construction that is going on! I know that God will do great things through Calvary in the future and I am so very excited to see how it all enfolds!
All in all, I have truly enjoyed interning at Calvary, not only because of the experiences I'm encountering but also because everyone who I work with truly show Christ in all that they say and do, in their character and personalities. What also surprises me the most is that, working in an office is really not all about work and busyness! In fact, even though everyone does their own work, they also have a lot of fun, doing pranks to each other once in a while! What a fun environment to work in...seriously! It really gives everyone a break from their work and just have a little fun - I really love that!
To sum it all up, I just had one of the best summers of my life. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world! I'm so thankful to have been given this opportunity and I will definitely remember the past 12 weeks for the rest of my life - so memorable! Thank you so much for your prayers and support this summer...and of course, for reading this blog and following my journey as an intern as I learn more about being in ministry.
And with that, that's a wrap! To God be the glory!
With love in Christ,
Andrea
P.S. Just a few pictures from my internship...
My mentor, Pastor Dan Schmalz, and I on my last day as his intern...bittersweet!
(Proof that I actually did an internship!)
Doing a quick run-through at 7:30 AM for the 2nd orchestra performance!
They all did a wonderful job! I'm so proud of all of them!
The group of orchestra members who I was blessed to work with this summer!
Unfortunately, 4 people were not able to make it that Sunday.
Singing and playing for worship - what I get to do for the last half of my internship, which I really enjoy!
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