We have been blessed at our church to have had student interns in ministry for many years from Columbia Theological Seminary, Johnson C. Smith Seminary, and Candler School of Theology. They have been all varieties of cultures, genders, ages, outlooks, and approaches. As a multicultural church, we like to think that we have broadened their view of themselves and of ministry. I know that they have greatly enriched our lives.

We ask our interns to lead all parts of worship over the course of their time with us. Some parts obviously can be intimidating — the sermon, the time with the children, and the sharing of concerns and joys. In our sharing time, people often get up to ask for prayers for certain issues in their lives or in the lives of others. To repeat these and to weave them into the …