Ministry Internship Description

Sunrise International is an evangelical Christian mission agency that focuses on evangelism, disciple-making, and church planting. Our program allows you to live and serve alongside us in our local community, proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Internship Purpose

The goal of an internship is to understand Sunrise and our local ministry, be equipped to serve in Japan, experience personal growth, and explore long-term opportunities in Japan. We focus on the following:

• Maintain and grow in a love relationship with Jesus through discipleship with Sunrise missionaries. Gain a solid understanding of the beliefs and values of Sunrise, including our model of house church, discipleship, and emphasis on the love relationship with Jesus.
• Begin to build a strong foundation in Japanese language and culture by spending time with Japanese people.
• Receive training and engage in relational outreach. This will include, but is not limited to, teaching English classes, joining after-school programs for children, leading/participating in hobby classes and outdoor activities, men’s/women’s ministry, youth ministry and outreach events.
• Begin to identify how one’s talents and passions may be fully used in Japan.
• Participate in local worship; including, but not limited to, helping to lead worship, giving testimonials, facilitating prayer, and Scripture reading times.
• Be part of a team. We expect to learn as much from our interns as they do from us. We aim for team relationships to be safe, honest and transparent so that we may all share and learn from each other.

Application Process

Applying to this program is based on a personal relationship with us. We will not consider unsolicited applications. Before applying, we want to get to know you, including prior ministry/work experience. Participation in the internship program requires prior experience, solid references and a demonstrated passion for Jesus and people.

Pre-Field Preparations

1. Regular communication with Sunrise staff, giving and receiving regular preparation status updates.
2. Read and discuss books from a pre-selected reading list.
3. Raise up a strong prayer and financial support team. Funds must be raised prior to coming to Japan.

Equipping Process

We follow a five-step equipping process with all interns. Each step is a combination of training, application and reflection.

• We do – you watch
• We do – you help
• You do – we help
• You do – we watch
• You do – a new person watches

This process is applied to all aspects of equipping, and reflects a commitment to hands-on training that is easily reproducible. Learn to equip others while you are being equipped!

Training Topics

1. Theology:  We work together to explore theology in the context of missions so that our lives and outreach are soundly based in Scripture.
2. Culture:  Presentation of Japanese values, mindset and worldview that interns will encounter while here. We will read through and discuss multiple books, as well as hold live lectures and discussions with Japanese nationals. In addition, interns will explore both city and countryside in order to better understand the Japanese people.
3. Language: Training in language acquisition models and practical Japanese. All interns will work towards a mutually decided upon set of Japanese language goals, based on each intern’s Japanese ability upon arriving in Japan.
4. English Ministry (if applicable): TESOL philosophy and practical training on teaching English classes. Because English is our first point of contact with many in our local community, we have a solid commitment to excellence in teaching as part of our proclamation of Jesus. Training includes lectures on TESOL, developing lessons, shadow teaching, and practice teaching in actual classes. As part of the English Ministry, interns will plan and hold weekly outreach events that are meant to foster relationships and provide opportunities to display the love of Christ.
5. Discipleship (English & Japanese): Presentation of the Cross Bible Study as one method of personal devotions, and as a resource for disciple making. Interns will have opportunities to practice leading others through the CBS.
6. Listening Prayer: We hold regular, consistent team meetings to hear from God together, discuss what we are learning, seek answers to questions we have, map out course changes, and plan activities.
7. And more: Interns will learn about leading Bible studies, worship through music, Japanese cooking, and Japanese cultural activities. Most interns will experience a short homestay with Japanese families while here. We also will explore issues related specifically to being a missionary, such as communication with supporters and donor relations.

Finances

The cost of the internship is born by the intern. Price is basically this simple formula a+b+c=cost of internship.

• A: Roundtrip airfare to Japan.
• B: Travel insurance for the internship period.
• C: Daily expenses x number of days in Japan.

Living Situation

We believe the best internship experience happens via home-tays with Japanese families. We will do our best to set-up home-stays. In addition, some ministry locations have housing available for interns.

If you would like more information, contact us.

Internship flyer for Kansai ministry site. International A4-size | US Letter-size