Beta FAQ

Who is this program for?
BETA is for young adults, ages 18 to 24, who are interested in pursuing vocational pastoral ministry. The program is designed to give robust exposure to three areas of ministry practice: the Creative (preaching, teaching), the Relational (discipleship, mentoring), and the Visionary (administrative, planning). Interns and residents will be immersed in opportunities to practice ministry along these areas of focus with feedback and coaching along the way.

How many hours a week will I work? What would my schedule look like?
The weekly hours and schedules are determined by the ministry supervisor in conversation with the BETA intern or resident. Expectations for weekly hours differ between interns and residents.
Interns – 10 hours per week
Residents – 20 hours per week

Is it paid?
The BETA Internship & Residency is a scholarship program. Scholarships will be directly distributed to the school and program of each participant. Information about this can be obtained further along in the interview process.

What’s the difference between Interns and Residents?
The BETA Internship is designed for students in undergraduate programs to gain practical ministry experience alongside their time in college. Interns are expected to work 10 hours a week to accommodate other studies and work assignments.

The BETA Residency is designed for students in graduate-level programs. Residents are expected to work 20 hours a week to complement their ministry-specific degree program.

What kinds of tasks will I do, and what types of opportunities will I have?
BETA is designed to invest in you as you invest in others through Dawson. You will have a ministry guide that will serve as a conversation partner as you navigate your ministry experiences. This mentor will provide feedback and coaching, prayer, and other tools and insights to help clarify where God may be leading you. You will participate in hands-on ministry tasks that will give you meaningful experiences to grow and sharpen your gifting.

Additionally, we learn together at ongoing training meetings, we read books together, and we meet for one-on-one conversations to process through your ministry experiences. Our prayer is that through BETA you will be challenged to grow more into the image of Christ and be equipped to serve His Church for years to come.