New Life Internship 2026

A year of learning, studying, developing and growing closer to Jesus.

Read below

Certificate in Christian Ministry

The Internship offered at New Life is a one-year programme providing accredited Christian theological study alongside practical ministry training.


This partnership offers a specifically crafted  and well rounded learning environment to grow in faith, leadership, and your personal relationship with Jesus, while gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible alongside hands-on ministry experience.


The Internship is a programme provided by New Life in partnership with Emmaus in Palmerston North and Laidlaw College. New Life provides the practical ministry, supervision, and pastoral mentorship, while Emmaus delivers the face-to-face academic teaching for the Laidlaw College qualification.

What does the Internship look like?

It’s a powerful combination of learning,
practical experience, and mentoring.

Learning:
Participate one day a week in a welcoming and relaxed learning community at Emmaus  (6 hours).

Practical Experience:
Work 20 hours per week in practical ministry at New Life across areas such as:

  • Life Groups

  • Pathways (Next Steps, Alpha, Night Classes, EHD etc.) 

  • Generations (Treehouse, Life Kids, Intermediates, Youth, Young Adults)

  • Programming (Services, Events, Team, Worship, Production, Creative)

Coaching & Mentoring:
Receive dedicated support and guidance through a rotational coaching model under Staff, and a year-long Pastor or Elder mentor.

Academic Learning through Emmaus

The academic component is the NZQA Certificate in Christian Ministry (Level 4), delivered by Emmaus in partnership with Laidlaw College.

Schedule:
Classes are held on Thursdays

Study Commitment:
All academic learning, including coursework and assignments, is to be completed during Thursday block courses and outside of office hours.

Semester Course Lecturers:
Semester 1 — Pauline Simonsen & Nevin Beukes (Discipleship & Encountering the Bible)
Semester 2 — Pauline Simonsen & Nevin Beukes (Basics of Christian Belief & Faith in Action)

How Does It Work?

Compulsory Commitments

Sunday Services:
Full involvement in services and on the Team.

Key Events:
Leaders & Team Day (14th February)
New Life Youth Camp (8th to 10th April)
New Life Conference (5th to 9th October)
Soul Tour (6th to 10th June)
Leaders & Team Nights
Good Friday Service
Saturday Events (Men’s/Women’s/Young Adult’s/Community Outreach)

There are no additional costs for these events during the Internship.

Core Courses:
Attendance at Night Classes, and Emotionally Healthy Discipleship (EHD) if not completed previously.

2026 Key Dates

  • New Life applications close — Sunday 8th December 2025 (Applicants must be accepted by New Life before applying to Laidlaw College)

  • Laidlaw College Application Deadline — Friday, 16th  January

  • Staff Day — 20th January

  • Internship Orientation —  21st January

  • First Day at Emmaus — Thursday, 12th February

  • Last Day of Internship — To be confirmed (mid-December)

Weekly Schedule

Tuesday:
Full day in the office (9am to 5pm) including Staff Meeting & Practical  Ministry

Wednesday:
Full day in the office (9am to 5pm) for Practical Ministry

Thursday:
Emmaus Block Course (9:30am to 3pm) and study time

Sunday:
Services (8am to 1pm) and Team involvement

Monday & Friday:
Ideal for part-time work, study, and assignments.

Internship Fees & Financial Support

The total Laidlaw College course fee for 2026 is $5,857.00.

As this is an NZQA-accredited programme, interns are eligible to apply for Government  Student Loans and Allowances.

All New Life courses, conferences and camps the interns are required to participate in will be paid for by the church.

Application:

If after reading through this information, you have further questions or you are interested in applying for the internship at New Life for 2026, please email hello@nlc.nz and the Internship Coordinator will contact you.