Internships
Grow at Westwood
Hiring for the September 2026-2027 group will open April 1st, 2026, and close July 31st, 2026. The hiring process consists of two in-person interviews that will take place at the Westwood Chanhassen Campus.
Areas of Development
Professional
Gain skills and experiences for vocational ministry.
Focus: teamwork, meetings, volunteers, events, budgets, career path
[1 Peter 4:10 | Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.]
Personal
Mentorship to become transformational leader.
Focus: identity, strengths, personality, communication
[Romans 12:2 | Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.]
Spiritual
Grow in your ability to be and love like Jesus.
Focus: fruits of the spirit, core practices
[Ephesians 5:1-2 | Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.]
Ministry Areas
Middle School Ministry Intern
Do you love student ministry? Do you want to help set the foundation for faith in the next generation? An internship in middle school ministry is the right next step to achieve that. Through this internship, you will be equipped to know God and share Jesus with volunteers and middle school students. You will have opportunities to share the Gospel, equip volunteers, teach students the fundamentals of the Bible, and build relationships. This internship will report to Dan Johnson.
High School Ministry Intern
As an high school ministry intern, you’ll dive deep into the world of youth ministry, engaging with high school students in meaningful ways. Under the guidance of the high school pastor, you’ll develop leadership skills, craft inspiring messages, and organize impactful events aimed at nurturing spiritual growth and fostering community. Through dynamic teaching, mentorship, and service opportunities, this internship equips you to become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of young people, while deepening your own spiritual journey. This intern reports to Dan Johnson.
Kids Ministry Intern
The Kids Ministry role provides hands-on experience in planning and executing engaging programs for children from birth through 5th grade. This role will develop leadership skills by recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. This role offers opportunities for teamwork, event planning, and ministry coordination, equipping interns for future service in children’s ministry. With a focus on personal, professional, and spiritual growth, interns will gain valuable experience in leadership, administration, and relational ministry. This intern reports to Carly Setterstrom.
Design Intern
As a design intern, you’ll merge your passion for design with a heart for ministry, crafting visual narratives that resonate with our congregation and beyond. Under the mentorship of skilled professionals, you’ll hone your skills in graphic design software, develop branding materials for events and ministries, and contribute to the creation of compelling visual content for digital and print platforms. This internship offers a unique opportunity to blend artistry with purpose, as you play a vital role in communicating our church’s message of being and loving like Jesus through captivating visuals. This intern reports to Cheri Whisler.
Film Production Intern
Do you have a heart for ministry and love creative story telling? Do you want to grow in all areas of professional video production and learn how to work within a larger organization? As a member of the creative team, you will contribute significantly to all areas of the creative process from pre-production ideation, filming, editing, animation, studio management and everything in between. Being part of the internship program means that you will be poured into both professionally and spiritually and have the opportunity to hone the skills you will need to thrive wherever God calls you. The video intern will report to Kari Tverberg.
How do I apply?
The first step is to read through the information provided on this page and pray about the possibility of becoming an Intern at Westwood.
If you feel God has called you to apply, please fill out the application. The hiring process consists of two interviews that will take place at the Westwood Chanhassen Campus.
Don’t just take our word for it.
Hear from past interns and what they learned during their time as a Westwood Intern.
“I gained leadership skills, pastoral skills, a mentor, a new community, a career, and a Church home.” – Dan Johnson, Middle School Ministry Intern Graduate
“As an intern you will build and become an active member of a community, gain reputable work experience, become a stronger Christian, and get exposure to people who will be your cheerleader.” – Caleb Van Natta, Worship Intern Graduate
“This internship changed my life. And that’s not me being dramatic. My team poured so much into me – they helped me begin my journey into both professional videography and adulthood.” – Kari Tverberg, Video Intern Graduate
“I never expected to work in a church, yet this internship has provided me with so much passion for vocational ministry. You don’t have to be a future pastor to benefit from the leadership and development of this program.” – Emma Freebersyser, Kids Ministry Intern Graduate
FAQs
What is the purpose of the internship?
We develop young adults by growing them professionally, personally, and spiritually in order to send transformational leaders here, near, and far.
We want to encourage your spiritual development, personal development and professional development through:
- Personal attention // Be coached by a dedicated ministry leader who invests in your development, growth, and success.
- Future focus // Discover more about who you are and develop a vision and purpose for your life.
- A growth environment // Absorb the culture of Westwood and experience strong leadership, innovative perspectives, and holistic development.
- Real world experience // God has given you strengths and skills, and we want to give you the opportunity to use them to make a difference.
What areas are available for the internship?
- MSM Intern
- HSM Intern
- Kids Intern
- Design Intern
- Film Production Intern
How do I know if I should apply?
Great reasons to apply for this internship:
- To gain hands-on ministry experience
- To serve the local church through the “behind the scenes” details
- To learn how to use your time and talents to glorify the Kingdom of God through the local church
- To learn and discover where God is calling you
It is not time to apply, if:
- You are seeking full-time employment at Westwood
- You expect full-time employment at Westwood at the end of this program
- You have not yet committed your life to God
What is the length of an internship?
The program begins in September and ends the following August. You will be asked to commit to the full year long program.
How many hours per week are expected?
20 hours/week including attendance on Sunday mornings. You will work out a specific schedule (days and time) with your supervisor.
Are there age limits?
Interns must be graduated from high school and preferably between 20-25 years of age.
Are housing or transportation provided?
Interns must provide their own transportation. There is no intern housing.
Can I participate remotely?
In order to gain the maximum professional, personal, and spiritual growth from this program, you will want to plan to work in-person. Remote work opportunities will be decided on an individual basis.
Will I receive payment or benefits?
You will receive hourly pay. You will also gain valuable education and experience over the course of the program.
Will I get a job at Westwood after completing the internship?
Our vision is to send transformational leaders here, near, and far. The internship does not guarantee you a position on staff. You are free to apply for openings at Westwood, but the program is designed to equip you for a range of opportunities that serve God’s Kingdom.
Can I have another job or attend school while participating in the internship?
Yes! This program is excellent for undergrad/graduate students. You are welcome to have an additional job as long as your internship requirements are being met.
Is this internship for people who want to be a pastor?
This is a great opportunity for individuals who are interested in vocational ministry. This is also a great program for those that want to develop as a Christ follower as they pursue a career outside of the local church.