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The Center for Youth Ministry Training accepts nine to twelve student interns each year. Students are matched with partner churches through our application and interview process, where they serve 25 hours per week as the youth director. All student interns receive training and are provided housing and a yearly $12,000 stipend for their work in one of our partner churches.

You will receive:

  • Training - as a part the Certificate in Youth Ministry program or Masters degree at MTS

  • Support - from a community of youth ministers

  • Coaching - from a veteran youth minister

  • Job Experience - working 25 hours per week as a youth director

  • Stipend - $12,000 per year

  • Housing

About Internships

CYMT partners with churches from different denominations in Nashville and Memphis regions including North Alabama, North Mississippi, Eastern Arkansas, Southern Kentucky, and Middle and West Tennessee.

Students are matched up with partner churches following acceptance to the CYMT. Several factors determine which partner church is a good match for each student, including denominational background, theology, personality, and experience. Students do not choose the partner church, but they do have the opportunity to participate in an informal interview with the church to make sure it is a good fit prior to starting the CYMT program. Partner churches apply to the CYMT program as well. We are looking for churches that have a heart for youth ministry. We expect our partner churches to meet certain expectations as well as agree to be a part of the CYMT coaching process.

On the Job Training

CYMT believes that if you are going to learn how to swim, you have to get in the pool. That is why we require all of our students to be working at churches while they are in our program. The best way to learn about youth ministry is to do youth ministry. We also value practical theological training—and working in youth ministry allows you to immediately put in to practice the knowledge you are gaining and to test out your own theories and philosophies of ministry.

Learning from the Leaders in Youth Ministry Education

CYMT’s retreat based learning approach allows our students to learn from the leaders in youth ministry education—from professors to veteran youth ministers. At each retreat, you will have the opportunity to learn from experts from across the country. Students in other seminaries and programs learn from one or two professors; with CYMT students get a chance to learn from a variety of experts at one of our weekends. Click here to see a list of the youth ministry educators who have lead retreats for us in the past.

Retreats and Cluster Groups

We value communal learning at CYMT. Our students teach us and each other about youth ministry. Our retreats and conferences are a wonderful time of learning, laughing, playing, and worshiping together. They provide an incredible opportunity to be revitalized for ministry. Additionally, our cluster groups provide discussion-based learning among peers. One day a week between retreats, we gather in cluster groups for accountability and support and also to discuss our readings for class. This small group of peers provides you a place where someone can say, “I know what you mean,” a group that prays for you, a group that celebrates with you. To learn more about the retreats and conferences click here.

Coaching

Every CYMT student receives a coach with at least 10 years of youth ministry experience to work with them as they develop their ministry skills. These coaches walk alongside students as they navigate relationships within the staff and leadership of the church; as they learn to recruit, train, and manage volunteers; and as they help the church learn how to support and develop a strong, sustainable youth ministry. Click here to meet our coaches.

Housing

All student interns are provided housing and utilities. CYMT utilizes the Tyne House on Nashville First Presbyterian Church’s campus for housing some of the Nashville area students. Partner churches are responsible for providing suitable housing in their areas beyond the immediate Nashville area.

Requirements

  • Minimum age is 22 years old

  • BA or BS undergraduate degree

  • Note: Applicants who have not completed an undergraduate degree will be considered with demonstrated life experience. These students will not be able to receive graduate level credits or complete the M.A. degree, though they can still earn a certificate

  • Click Here to Read the Student Intern Job Description and Expectations

Student Intern Costs

The student intern tuition associated with receiving a certificate is $1,000. The tutition can be paid up front or $250 each semester over the two years. The CYMT program and your partner church will invest $52,000 in you. Your tuition and partner church agreement cover all your training costs (tuition at MTS, retreat expenses, conferences, books) and provide you with housing, utilities, and a $12,000 a year stipend. For only $1,000 out of your pocket, you will receive what would cost you $19,500 worth of training (tuition, travel, youth ministry events)—plus you’ll have veteran coaching and on-the-job experience throughout the whole process.

If you desire to complete the M.A. degree, you will have the option to complete the degree as a part of a 3rd year or you could choose to pursue it on your own.

Application Deadlines

November 30 - Early acceptance Dealine: Students wishing to be considered for early acceptance to the program must have completed the application process by November 30 including all references, forms, and fees. Students interviews will take place December 7-18. Students will be informed if they have been accpted, deferred to the Spring deadline, or not accepted by January 6. Students interested in early placement at a church in January or May will be given that opportunity if partner churches are available at those times if not students will be placed in August.

March 31 - Admissions Deadline: Applications and supporting documents completed and on file by March 31 will receive preference.  Applications received after March 31 will be considered if space permits. 

Once all of your application materials are received, it will be reviewed at the next admissions committee meeting.  The committee meets regularly and you will be contacted shortly after the group meets.  An initial phone interview with each applicant will be scheduled to narrow down the list.  The top 12 applicants will be invited to interview for the available positions.

To have a CYMT staff member contact you to discuss a potential internship, email us at info@cymt.org