Discipleship is a vital aspect of training, whether training concerns the sphere of the home, employment, a sport, a hobby or the ministry of the church. I have heard the old adage many times: See one, Do one, Teach one. It's the principle of discipleship - we show someone how to do it, let them have an opportunity to succeed and fail, and then allow them to pass it on.

The Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:6-7 recognized that the ministry of the Church at Colossae was deeply impacted by the personal discipleship of Epaphras. Paul writes, "Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing - as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf." (Colossians 1:5-7)

In light of OBC's commitment to discipleship, we wanted to remind the church of the ministry internship program. What is a ministry internship? It is not a pastoral position, rather, the ministry internship is focused on affording members of the body a unique opportunity to see one, do one, teach one in a particular area of church life and ministry.

The internship also provides an opportunity for accountability in the learning process. Interns read and interact with some 30 books and journal articles tailored to their respective ministries. It goes without saying that each student will receive hands-on ministry experience.

Jay Wipf has been approved for the Ministry Internship Program. He began his internship September 2016 and has been serving alongside of Todd Swift in the administration of the Institute for Biblical Studies on Wednesday nights. We trust his ministry experience over the next few years will both edify the body of OBC and encourage him in the ministry of the gospel.