The job of the Internship Committee, in simplest terms, is to guide and support our ministerial intern during this portion of their training in the quest to become a minister, and to submit an evaluation to the Ministerial Fellowship Committee at the completion of the internship.
As many members of the congregation have expressed, having Cheyenne as an intern minister at Foothills has added value to our worship and small group experiences. We have benefited from their preaching and enjoyed their warm presence among us.
Cheyenne has submitted the following statement which we share with you now:
“Hi everyone, I’m sorry to say that I am leaving my position at Foothills this week. I’ve sincerely appreciated the warm welcome I’ve received from this congregation, but unfortunately I’ve realized that this was not the right moment for me to pursue a full-time ministerial internship. I look forward to seeing the ways your congregation will continue to meet the challenges of our time with love and commitment, and if our paths cross again I hope you’ll say hello.”
While we are sad to end our relationship with Cheyenne prematurely, the members of the Internship Committee support Cheyenne’s decision and encourage them to take the time needed to find their path in ministry.
Wisdom from Rev. Sean helps us understand Cheyenne’s decision in the context of the work of becoming a minister.
“Cheyenne has decided to end their internship with us. This comes from recognizing where they are in terms of timing and readiness – both crucial parts of becoming a minister. Formation is a unique journey for everyone, and sometimes it needs moments of pause to make space for what is to come next. This isn’t uncommon, and it shows a level of discernment and integrity that are essential to any ministry.
You might be wondering what this means for Cheyenne’s path. This pause isn’t an end to Cheyenne’s journey towards ministry. It’s a step that will help them become an even stronger leader down the road. They can begin another internship at any time and continue along their formation journey.”
As for Foothills, though we have had many interns in past years, each experience offers us new learning. We remain grateful for the opportunities, past, present, and future.
If you would like to send Cheyenne a note, their email will remain open until Dec 7th.
Thanks to the Internship Committee for preparing this post: Margie & Bruce Wagner (Co-chairs) Christine Engelen, Jonathan Sherwood, and Andy Myers