What are coaches?

What does it mean to be a coach?

Coaching an intern is more than overseeing their work. It is an opportunity to intentionally invest in the next generation of leaders by walking alongside an intern throughout their Intern Academy experience.

As a coach, you will:

Build a genuine relationship with your intern and get to know them beyond their role.
Meet with them regularly to talk through ministry, life, faith, and leadership.
Provide encouragement, accountability, and honest feedback.
Help them process what they are learning and connect their experiences to their growth.
Pray with and for your intern as they grow spiritually and discern where God is leading them.
Model healthy ministry rhythms, including prayer, Sabbath, boundaries, and serving from a healthy place.
Create space for your intern to ask questions, make mistakes, learn, and grow.
Help your intern develop the character, skills, and leadership capacity they will carry into future ministry.

You are not simply gaining an extra set of hands. You are investing in a person and helping shape the kind of disciple and leader they will become.

Coaching Resources

Interested in coaching? Here is a sneakpeak at the resources all Intern Academy coaches receive.

COACH COMMITMENTS

I have had a minimum of three years paid ministry experience
I have previously had at least one intern under my supervision or commit to take the 1 year “Starter Internship Masterclass”
I will pay my annual membership fee of $400 annually by April 30
I will assure all my interns have filled out an IA application, including any intern I have hired on my own.
I will make sure my interns have appropriate housing during their internship, their ministry expenses are taken care of, and are paid a minimum of $500 per month or I will create a comparable financial package agreed on by the Intern Academy
I will make sure our ministry is committed to the Intern Academy values and partnership
I commit to teach the core values of Character, Leadership, and Mentoring to each intern

COACH BENEFITS

Each Coach pays an annual Membership Fee of $400 (50% off in 2026). With your membership, you receive these benefits ($3000+ value):

Registration to Intern Academy Retreat in May for you and your intern
Coaches Summit in October
IA swag and giveaways at Retreat and Summit
Promotion of your internships on IA website
Opportunities for "free agent" interns as available
Access to the network of veteran Coaches
Access to the network of Intern Grads
Training and resources for Coaching, including “Blueprint: Tips and Resources” the IA “Culture Guide” and Coaches Connection Calls
IA Manual and resources to teach the Core Values of Leadership, Character, and Mentoring
Access to Global Partners
Global Leadership Network Next Gen Toolkit
Called resources and access

Coaches covenant

WE BELIEVE

We believe in working together to help young people best pursue God’s call on their life. We believe young ministry leaders need veteran coaches investing in them not only during their internship, but throughout their ministry years. We believe a network of coaches gives young ministry leaders the best chance to succeed. We believe in coaches collaborating with other coaches strengthens both local internships and lifelong ministers. We believe non-profit internships and church-based internships are great training grounds for interns.

MEMBERSHIP

With your membership, you receive:

Registration to Intern Academy Retreat in May and Coaches Summit in October
IA gear and giveaways
Promotion of internships on IA website
Connection to "free agent" interns as available
Access to the network of veteran coaches, active coaches, and intern gradsTraining and resources for Coaching
IA Manual and resources to teach the Core Pillars of Leadership, Character, and Mentoring

Manuals & GLS

Coaches Manual

Intern Manual

GLS Nextgen toolkit

Education

Opportunities

Even as a coach, your education matters! You might be looking to get started in your education or even just getting your masters, but we would love to get you the hookup on some cheaper rates! Click the link below and get started today!

Sign up