Canada Covenant Internship Grant Program

The Canada Covenant is excited to support local churches as they invest in the next generation of pastors. By identifying and equipping women and men who are exploring a vocation in ministry, churches can participate in the formation and preparation of their next pastors. The Canada Covenant Internship Grant Program provides churches with programmatic and financial support as they identify, invest in, and supervise their intern(s).

The church, at its best, has always been a community where individuals can explore the particular ways God has made them to serve in His world.

Next Steps

Gather Key Leaders to prayerfully consider whether God is inviting you to start an internship program.
Key questions to consider:
• Is there someone in your context who you believe has the potential and gifting for ministry? Maybe they’ve expressed interest in ministry, or you've witnessed them gather and care for others. Or you've seen them teach the scriptures well or noticed how they draw people to Christ. Talk with them about their interest in being an intern.

• Is your church or organization willing to have interns explore multiple aspects of ministry without expecting perfection? In other words, is your context a safe and encouraging place for interns to learn about ministry?
• Is there someone able to mentor your intern? This can be a pastor or a layperson. Supervising an intern takes time.
• Are you financially able to support an intern for 14 weeks? Churches are expected to provide interns with a fair salary that accounts for the cost of living in their context (rent, meals, transportation).
We will discuss the Internship Grant Program and Process with you further. Planning ahead is encouraged.
Send an email to office@covchurch.ca to start a conversation.
Applications for an Internship Grant for the Winter Session (January to April) are due in November each year.
Applications for an Internship Grant for the Fall Session (September to December) are due in June of each year.
Click here to apply.

General Questions

Starting an internship program is exciting, but a yearlong program can seem daunting. Fourteen weeks is a good first step toward starting a new ministry. It is also more financially feasible. Lastly, fourteen weeks honours the limited capacity of the Canada Covenant staff members who support churches and their internship program.
Yes. We sincerely hope that a church or organization will take the step to participate in the second session of the internship program. Additionally, we hope that interns who have completed one or both sessions have a clearer sense of a call to vocational ministry, and that their pastors and/or leaders will invite them to ongoing ministry and learning in the church. Funding is available for both sessions and can be taken in one year or spread over two years.
The Canada Covenant does not fund current church staff. Our internship grant program is designed to encourage churches to provide a healthy learning opportunity for individuals to explore pastoral ministry.
Practical support. The Canada Covenant walks with churches and interns throughout the process of setting up and supporting the internship program within your church.
Teaching. The Canada Covenant offers each intern a 14-week-long learning experience. These weekly sessions focus on key topics and ministry skills: Spiritual Disciplines, Emotional Health, Leadership Vitality, and Core Pastoral Competencies.
One-on-one mentoring. In addition to the local church mentor, interns will receive one-on-one mentoring from a Canada Covenant mentor to facilitate deeper learning.
Financial. The Canada Covenant will provide ~$1,000 (adjusted for the provincial minimum wage) per intern, per month, to the local church.