Athens First United Methodist Church
College Leadership Residency
Intern Application | 2026–2027 Program Year
About the Program
The Leadership Residency at Athens First UMC is a year-long, paid internship program for University of Georgia students. Designed at the intersection of vocational development, faith formation, and adaptive leadership, this program pairs your academic expertise with real ministry experience and equips you to lead with integrity in whatever space God is calling you toward.
Interns are placed in ministry areas that align with their skills and vocational goals, participate in a shared cohort experience throughout the year, and develop leadership practices that integrate faith and professional formation. Whether you are discerning a call to ministry or preparing to lead as a Christian in a chosen profession, this program was built for you.
Placement Areas for 2026–2027
Children's Ministry | Example Majors: Early Childhood Development, Elementary Education, Family Science, Social Work, Special Education, Counseling, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Music Education, Theatre
Youth Ministry | Example Majors: Education, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Recreation & Leisure Studies, Public Health, Communications, Kinesiology, Youth Development, Parks & Recreation
College & Young Adult Ministry | Example Majors: Religion, Theology, Philosophy, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Public Relations, Political Science, Communications, Sociology, Public Administration
Hospitality & Events | Example Majors: Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, Interior Design
Communications & Marketing | Example Majors: Marketing, Journalism, Digital Media, Public Relations, Graphic Design, Advertising, Communications, Photography, English
Accounting & Business | Example Majors: Office Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Information Technology, Risk Management, Mathematics
Don't see your major or area of study listed? We want to hear from you anyway. If you believe your skill set could serve the mission of Athens First UMC, tell us — we are open to conversation and don't want the right person to talk themselves out of applying.
Program Expectations
Time Commitment
- 10 hours per week during the academic year (fall and spring semesters)
- Excluding the Accounting/Business Administration Placement, all placements will require Sunday morning participation, allowing 3 Sundays missed per semester in addition to the Sundays following Fall Break and Spring Break.
- Internship runs aligned with the UGA academic calendar
- Internship begins week of August 10th through December 9th
- Internship resumes week of January 11th through May 6th
- University holidays are honored, including Labor Day Weekend and GA/FL Weekend - Interns are expected to be present and engaged in their ministry area each week
- All interns will participate in a shared weekly cohort meeting focused on leadership development
- An Intern Retreat will be held in October 23-25, 2026— attendance is required to participate in the Leadership Residency program.
Compensation
- This is a paid internship.
- A stipend of $750 will be distributed in four installments each semester.
- The fall semester pay dates will be: September 1, October 1, November 2, and December 1.
- The spring semester pay dates will be: February 1, March 1, April 1, and May 3.
- Retreat costs, program materials, and leadership development resources are fully covered.
Expectations of All Interns
- Maintain a consistent, reliable presence in your ministry placement area
- Engage authentically in cohort meetings and leadership development sessions
- Complete beginning and end-of-semester self-assessments
- Communicate proactively with your ministry supervisor and program coordinator
- Represent Athens First UMC with professionalism, integrity, and care
- Approach this year with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to grow
Complete the Application
Please complete all sections of this application. Applications are reviewed by the program coordinator, Rev. Dr. Natalee Dukes Hamby, and ministry supervisors. Finalists will be invited for an in-person interview with Natalee and the prospective ministry supervisor.