Our mission at the Cathedral is to ‘glorify God together in response to his grace by making disciples of Jesus Christ’. In line with this mission, we aim to train disciple-making leaders who will love and serve God’s people, and one of our avenues is the Ministry Internship Training (MiT) scheme. This scheme provides one to two years of on-the-job training and hands-on ministry opportunities to those identified as potential church leaders.

We interviewed our current interns, Stephanie, Jef Fri, and Danielle, to find out more about them, what they are doing in MiT, and how they are getting on.

What made you decide to join MiT?
Stephanie Ong, a graduate in Business Management: I decided to join MiT to test out my suitability for long-term paid ministry. MiT helps me to learn more about and develop the gifts God has given me, and would give me a better idea of what the life of a full time ministry worker is like. However, whether I end up in paid full/part time ministry, or go back to secular work in the future, going through MiT will better train and equip me for a lifetime of gospel ministry.

Chiam Jef Fri, who practised as a corporate lawyer: God helped me to appreciate the great joy and satisfaction in learning His Word and seeing transformation of many lives as a result of deeper understanding and conviction of His Word. Also, with the encouragement of my wife, Lydia, and Rev Andy Ng, I saw MiT as a great platform for me to learn and serve.

Danielle Cheng, who worked as a research assistant and graduate tutor in local private universities: I decided to give it serious consideration when approached by pastoral team members to consider exploring and growing in word ministry. This period is a good time to work this decision out because I am still at a point where I am not too tied down by too many financial commitments, and can afford to make lifestyle adjustments that will not be too detrimental.

Describe your typical day at work
Stephanie: That depends on the day of the week; everyday looks quite different! There are several avenues where interns receive training for ministry, such as weekly pastoral team training & interns training. As an intern, I’m also assigned to a trainer who regularly meets up with me to guide, counsel, and equip me in handling God’s word better! Alongside that, I currently serve in various ministries such as Kids’ Church, Cathedral Women’s Bible Study, follow-up, and reading the Bible with other ladies (1-2-1); all of which seeks to grow other Christians in their knowledge & understanding of God and living a godly life.

Jef Fri: On weekdays, there are scheduled Bible study, team meeting, training and prayer meetings. Apart from the scheduled programmes, I work on my ministry assignments (i.e. sermon, growth group, Kids’ Church, etc) and meet up with others for one-on-one Bible study. I will also study for the relevant training courses which I have enrolled in (i.e. Tuesday Night Training (TNT), Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) courses, and Centre for Expository Preaching (CEP) courses).

Danielle: I begin my Sunday by attending the 830am liturgical service, followed by Youth Fellowship. I may then have a few meetings in-between, before attending my primary congregation, SMACC2. On weekdays, I am involved in a mixture of ministry and administrative work. Apart from attending meetings to discuss pastoral matters and training, I am also involved in women’s ministry (e.g. one-to-one meetings, attending Bible study).

How has MiT helped you grow in knowledge of God and love for his people?
Stephanie: It’s been wonderful to be trained and serve in word ministry, but I find myself often being tempted to look to my own efforts and ability to produce fruits in someone else’s life. How humbling it has been to learn again and again, that it is God who gives the growth! His word has helped me to see that He is working to gather His people through the good news of Jesus Christ and growing His church – even when I cannot see it. He does not need us (me) to accomplish His purposes, but has graciously included us to be servants of His gospel.

Jef Fri: CCEF courses have also been instrumental in growing my love for people, switching my attitude to be more people-centered rather than task-orientated. MiT has provided me many opportunities to know and reach out to others. Knowing them better and seeing God’s love and grace in their lives has encouraged me to love them even more.

Danielle: Being involved in ministries across the Cathedral has allowed me to meet many others from different congregations. I realised how ‘sheltered’ I have been, in a sense, and have been challenged to grow in understanding and showing love to people who come from different backgrounds. Despite the challenge, I have also been encouraged to see the various displays of sacrificial service shown by many in the Cathedral, which really reminds me that we can see Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12 in reality.

Do you have a favourite memory of your time in MiT?
Stephanie: Interns’ Training! We go through different topics such as Wisdom in Leadership, Calvinism, Anglicanism, the Apostles/ Nicene Creed, Gospel-Centredness, and I enjoy it as it is a place in which I get to ask any questions (Yes, ANY questions!) I have. I’ve found that to be really helpful in my growth as a Christian, and in serving others.

Jef Fri: Interns’ Training with Dean Andrew Cheah for sure! It is a time for us to share our joys and struggles; a time where we learn about interesting yet difficult topics, doctrines and ministry skills.

Danielle: I don’t think it’s fair to have a favorite memory yet, since I’ve only just started! But I do have many encouraging memories already. For example, I remember being warmly welcomed to the 10.30am newcomers lunch of the traditional liturgical services on the first Sunday I officially began my time as an intern. I was indeed feeling like a newcomer that day, as I was still getting used to many things happening in the Cathedral, and I am very thankful for the hospitality I received.

In your opinion, how can the church better love young adults?
Stephanie: By continually pointing us to God through His word because His word is still true, relevant, and applicable to all people of all ages, and encouraging us to keep looking to Christ as our only source of joy and hope and foundation!

Jef Fri: Young adults including myself would really appreciate deeper relationships with the older and wiser generations in our church. The sharing of lives, wisdom, and faith from the older role models will be a great encouragement to us.

Danielle: Try to ask beyond a “How are you?”, which can at times feel impersonal; Ask intentional questions to help us process the busyness of our lifestyles; Invite into your lives, so that we get to observe and model what godliness and contentment in Christ can look like.

You can partner with us in this scheme by praying for the interns, and supporting the scheme financially. More info on our website at stmaryscathedral.org.my/ministries/mit