The Contextual Learning office has the following requirements for potential internship sites:

The congregation/site

• Every congregation requesting an intern must have a current application on file with the Contextual Learning office. Site applications must be updated and resubmitted every year.
• The congregation’s financial obligations include:
  • stipend
  • FICA
  • housing and utilities and/or housing and utility allowance
  • work-related expenses
  • car/mileage reimbursement
  • cluster meeting expenses
  • new supervisor orientation registration fee (when applicable)
  • travel pool fee
  • administration fee
  • moving expenses.

Please refer to the Internship Handbook for details on these financial obligations.

• Luther Seminary requires that every congregation which hosts an intern must have in place a policy against sexual harassment. The text of the congregation’s policy is a required part of the congregation’s application form. View a sample policy. If you have any questions about the formation of such a policy for your congregation, please contact the Contextual Learning Office.

The supervisor

• Supervisors must attend a Supervisor Training facilitated by Contextual Learning prior to the beginning of internship. If you have not attended in the last 5 years, you must complete the training again.
• The supervisor is responsible for forming and educating the internship committee.
• The supervisor will arrange at least one hour per week for a supervisory meeting with the intern, concerning theological reflection, pastoral identity and ministry. This time should be kept free from external interruptions and routine calendar planning, and should focus on the intern’s development as a pastor.
• The supervisor will attend fall and spring internship cluster retreats with the intern.
• The supervisor will complete the evaluation forms as required by the intern’s judicatory body.

The internship committee

• An internship committee, usually consisting of five to eight congregational members, will be a special resource to the intern. The committee will observe the intern’s work, engage in regular discussions with the intern, and provide feedback and evaluation. Please review the Committee Handbook.
• The internship committee and the committee chair are designated prior to the start of the internship and will welcome and launch the intern and their internship.
• The internship committee will meet at least once a month with the intern. (Every two months for 24-month, half-time internships)
• The lay committee chairperson will complete online the mid-point and final evaluations of the intern.