The Bartimaeus Internship: Mentoring in "Movement Christianity"
Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries offers two seasonal internship opportunities for young adults (ages 23-30) interested in a work-and-study program focused on building capacity in the radical discipleship movement. See links below for testimonies of our 2010 interns. Note: The Winter 2012 intern position is filled.
I. The Winter Bartimaeus Internship: This is a 1 or 2 month program for one person or a married couple.
A. The shorter program involves a 6 week (early Jan-end of Feb; dates are flexible) residency at Ched & Elaine’s home in Oak View, CA in a one-room backyard cabin. Four days a week the intern(s) will help stage (and attend) a Bartimaeus Institute (see Institute page on this site), working out of the BCM office, as well as some tasks in our 1/8 acre garden. Two days a week will be spent in guided study in scripture and theology, movement history and/or social analysis, following a program we work out together that focuses on the interns' interests. One day a week is free.
B. The longer program begins with a 6 week stay at the Open Door Community in Atlanta, GA (mid-Nov to early Jan ), before traveling to Oak View for the above described program. The Open Door works with homeless persons on the streets of Atlanta, prisoners on Georgia's Death Row, and builds Christian community in the inner city (find out more here). Alternatively, stays for this period could be arranged, subject to mutual agreement, at the Beloved Community Center in Greensboro, NC or at Spiritus Christi Church in Rochester, NY. This initial period can also be longer if desired, or commence after the Oak View program.
II. The Summer Bartimaeus Internship: This is a 4-6 week program for one person or a married couple, from the beginning of July through mid-August (dates are negotiable). It also involves residency at Ched & Elaine’s home in Oak View, CA in a one-room backyard cabin. Four days a week the intern(s) will help with BCM office work (with specific project assignments depending upon the intern's skillset), as well as significant work in their 1/8 acre garden. Two days a week will be spent in guided study in scripture and theology, movement history and/or social analysis, following a program we work out together that focuses on the interns' interests. One day a week is free. The month will also include visits to either the Los Angeles or Guadalupe Catholic Worker communities.
Terms: This internship trades work in exchange for study/ mentoring, room, and board. There is no stipend involved. Interns must cover their travel expenses to and from Oak View; (and the other community in the longer program). Room and board are covered while interns are resident in the program.
Application & Timeline: To request an application or more information, email us at inquiries@bcm-net.org. Applications for the Winter Internship are due in by Nov. 1; for the Summer Internship, by May 1. Applications must include 3 references. An interview will be conducted by Skype if possible.
Qualifications:
1. Commitment to Christian discipleship and to social justice.
2. Office and/or media & communications skills preferable.
3. Self-direction and internal motivation.
4. At least 23 years old, preferably with a valid driver's license.
Questions? Call us 323-449-5170.
Note: If you are interested in this discipleship study program, but can't make the residency requirements, check out the year long Word and World Mentoring Program.
Click the links below for testimonies by past Bartimaeus Interns.