Regional Apologetics Internship
Help Equip Believers. Share the Gospel. Strengthen the Church.
Do you have a heart for evangelism and a desire to grow in your understanding of the Christian faith? The Regional Internship Program is designed to help you develop practical apologetics skills, serve alongside experienced ministry leaders, and encourage believers to confidently defend and proclaim the gospel. Most of the program is completed remotely, with one in-person residency in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Whether you’re interested in teaching, outreach, writing, speaking, or mentoring others, this internship provides practical ministry experience alongside biblical apologetics training.
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
A One-Year Commitment to Grow & Serve
The Regional Internship is designed to fit alongside your existing work, school, and ministry responsibilities while providing meaningful opportunities for growth, mentorship, and service. Before applying, please review the following program expectations:
One-Year Term
Interns commit to a one-year internship focused on personal growth, biblical training, and practical ministry experience.
Weekly Learning
Plan to invest approximately 4–5 hours per week in assigned reading, online interaction, and communication with the ministry team.
Monthly Zoom Meetings
Participate in a 90-minute online meeting each month for discussion, encouragement, and training with fellow interns and ministry leaders.
Summer Residency
Attend one required three-day residency in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where interns gather for in-depth teaching, fellowship, and ministry development.
Church Partnership
Interns are expected to secure the support of their local church, including a financial commitment of $150 per month (or $1,800 annually) for the duration of the internship. This partnership demonstrates the church’s investment in the intern’s development and helps support the training, mentoring, and resources provided through the program.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Multiplying Gospel Witness
Grow in Biblical Understanding
Deepen your understanding of biblical apologetics through guided reading, thoughtful discussion, mentoring, and practical training that equips you to confidently defend and proclaim the gospel.
Engage People with the Gospel
Put your training into practice by participating in evangelism, outreach opportunities, and meaningful gospel conversations within your community.
Equip Others with Confidence
Use what you’re learning to serve the local church by encouraging believers, assisting with ministry initiatives, and helping others grow in confidence as they share their faith.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Who Should Apply?
The Regional Internship is designed for believers who:
- Have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ
- Love the local church
- Have a heart for evangelism and discipleship
- Desire to grow in apologetics
- Are teachable and eager to learn
- Enjoy encouraging and equipping others
- Are willing to serve wherever needed
You don’t have to be an expert in apologetics to apply. A passion to grow, serve faithfully, and share Christ is far more important.
How You’ll Be Supported
As a Regional Intern, you’ll be personally mentored and encouraged by the Apologetics for the Church team as you grow in both your understanding of apologetics and your ability to apply it in real ministry settings. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive ongoing guidance and access to helpful resources designed to support your development. We desire to help you grow in confidence as a faithful ambassador for Christ while remaining rooted in your local church.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Presuppositional Apologetics
God's Word Is Our Foundation
Scripture is the ultimate authority for all truth. Rather than treating the Bible as one source among many, you’ll learn to begin with God’s revelation as the foundation for understanding the world, ourselves, and the gospel.
Every Worldview Has a Starting Point
Everyone approaches life with foundational beliefs, or presuppositions, that shape how they interpret truth and reality. You’ll learn to recognize these worldviews, evaluate them biblically, and thoughtfully engage others with the truth of God’s Word.
Point Every Conversation to Christ
Apologetics is more than winning arguments. It’s faithfully proclaiming the gospel. You’ll learn to engage difficult questions with gentleness and respect while pointing people to the only true source of hope and salvation: Jesus Christ.
Practical Ministry. Real Impact.
Here’s what our interns are saying about the program.
Brandon Anchant
LANCASTER, PA
My experience with the internship has been invaluable as it has helped shape my knowledge, confidence, and critical thinking skills making my engagement with unbelievers even more fruitful. I find that I don’t avoid conversations anymore due to hesitancy or fear that I won’t know how to answer tough questions. This internship has given me the tools to be bold in my faith and be active in engaging a lost world for Jesus.
James Hanna
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
My experience with this internship has been nothing more than amazing. Resources provided to sharpen myself not only in my theology but also in my approach to apologetics has been extremely Impactful. The fellowship and camaraderie with my brother’s in the faith, as well, have been a breath of God’s grace in this experience and journey.
Devyn Kintzer
MILLERSBURG, PA
As a young guy new to ministry, I have greatly appreciated the mentorship and wisdom that are provided through this internship! Through this, I have grown in my ability to defend my faith, which has led me to equip my own students to do so as well!
Colman Pease
HAMMOND, NY
Two things that I have really enjoyed about the internship with AFTC are the accountability from the team to witness to others and grow deeper in my apologetic. I also enjoy the opportunity to do breakout sessions and grow in my confidence of what I believe and share that with others. This is the kind of teaching that I really enjoy!
Josh Finkbeiner
KINZERS, PA
Mark Farnham has known Josh since he was a youth, and in recent years, he has shown a strong interest in gospel engagement, frequently sharing the gospel. We pray the internship fuels his passion.
Sam Gorla
OREFIELD, PA
Sam is the newest face to the ministry and is demonstrating real ability in gospel engagement. We are glad he has joined us on the apologetics intern journey.
Charlie Russell
CITY, STATE
Charlie holds evangelistic and discipleship Bible studies at a recovery residence for men returning from prison. We pray that his experience as an apologetics intern will enhance his ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the internship take place?
Most of the internship is completed remotely, allowing you to participate from your own community while remaining actively involved in your local church. Learning takes place through assigned reading, online discussions, mentoring, and regular interaction with the Apologetics for the Church team. Interns also gather for one in-person residency in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and are encouraged to participate in regional conferences and ministry events whenever possible.
How long does the internship last?
Each internship is tailored to the individual and the needs of the ministry. Details will be discussed during the application process.
Is prior apologetics training required?
No. While a foundation in biblical doctrine is helpful, the internship is designed to help participants continue growing in their understanding and ability to communicate the Christian faith.
Can I remain active in my local church?
Absolutely. We believe the local church is God’s primary instrument for discipleship and ministry. Our goal is to strengthen your service within your own church, not replace it.
Is this a paid internship?
This is not a paid internship opportunity.
Can I Receive College Credit for the Internship?
Possibly. We are happy to work with the college or university where you’re already enrolled to help facilitate internship credit when appropriate. We are familiar with the internship credit process. If you’re interested in earning academic credit, we’d be glad to discuss the options with you and your institution.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
If you have a passion for sharing Christ, equipping believers, and growing in apologetics, we’d love to hear from you. The Regional Internship Program is more than ministry experience. It’s an opportunity to invest in the Kingdom by helping others confidently defend and proclaim the gospel.
Contact Our Director of Internship Development
If you’d like to learn more about the Regional Internship Program, Jeff Mindler, Director of Internship Development, would be happy to answer your questions and help you determine whether it’s the right fit for you.
Whether you’re exploring the program for yourself or recommending someone from your church, we’d love to start the conversation.