The Commission Intern Year: My Experience
Citygate are passionate about seeing men and women built up in their faith as their biblical understanding deepens, and as such, we support the Commission Intern Year which is for those of any age willing and able to take a year out of study or work to devote themselves to completing bible training and serving the local church.
Here at Citygate you could choose to serve across a number of ministries, or in a specific area of church life - kids, communications, operations…and more!
Hannah Jackson served at Citygate as part of her internship in 2023. Read more about her experience below:
How did you serve Citygate over your internship year? Who did you work alongside?
I served alongside Natalie Ellerby, Citygate’s Communications manager, as her intern. I helped her with creating digital content and running the Students’ social media channels.
What were some of the highlights of serving at Citygate during the internship year?
A highlight of serving Citygate in my internship was getting to know the Citygate Eldership and wider staff team and making some deep and meaningful relationships. I even felt I could ask difficult faith questions of my colleagues - which really helped me grow as a Christian.
Another highlight was planning the scavenger hunt staff social!
What did you find challenging about the internship year?
I was initially worried about finances as the internship is voluntary, however, God provided for me. I was provided with affordable accommodation, I was invited to many people's homes for dinner and I got a part time job with Commission which allowed me to pay bills and have some money leftover!
How did you find the Commission Theology Training? What was a highlight of that?
I loved the Commission Theology Training. I loved reading and studying my bible before my internship, but the training took it to a whole new level!
The Commission team were amazing teachers. They managed to get us excited about reading the laws in Leviticus and Deuteronomy and I learned things I’d never even considered before - such as what happened between the Old and New Testament.
The internship also gave me the skills to effectively read my Bible, to know the context of what I am reading and how to apply it to my life. I now have a better understanding of WHAT I believe and WHY I believe - and my relationship with God has grown deeper.
Another major highlight of the training was the friendships made with the other other interns people walking alongside me.
What did you go on to do after the internship year? What did it lead to?
After my internship I went back to university to complete my final year of Marketing Communications with Public Relations. I have also kept my part time job working for Commission as their Communications Assistant.
Since going back to University, I have used the design and communication skills I learned serving at Citygate in my degree. I’ve also been able to talk to my friends and course-mates more freely about my faith; I even had six of them come to the one of our church events!
What would you say to someone else considering the Intern Year?
I would encourage everyone who is able to consider doing the Commission Internship year! You get a develop your skills, grow in your faith, make new friends and help grow God’s Kingdom by serving the local church.
— Hannah Jackson
