Internships/Apprenticeships
Creative Media Apprenticeship
Worship and Creative Arts Internship
Creative Media Apprenticeship of Resurrection Life Church
If you are looking for a place where you can run errands, make coffee or otherwise “do your time” then look somewhere else. There are no office grunts in the Creative Media Apprenticeship program.
As an apprentice you will immediately be learning and working hands-on with projects that are part of the weekly media and communication production shop at Resurrection Life Church.
The apprenticeship is a balanced program of training, mentoring and practice where you can grow professionally, mentally and spiritually while helping Resurrection Life Church develop totally committed followers of Jesus Christ to reach a lost and dying world through a variety of media and communication.
Now recruiting for Fall 2008
Download application & info packet or contact us.
The Apprenticeship
Creative Media Apprenticeship is a hands-on learning experience. As an apprentice you’ll spend a year not just learning, but also producing high-quality products in written, design, photographic, print and digital media.
By the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll be able to pursue future work in churches, businesses and wherever creative media is used to present a message.
This apprenticeship is part of the vision at Resurrection Life Church to train people to know Christ, to share Him with others and to do so with excellence.
An apprentice learns not only how to creatively use their skills and computers, but also how to relate to and communicate with people on a variety of levels.
What former trainees had to say:
Andy H — "Not only did I learn to use technology, I also learned to work with people. I actually enjoyed learning how to interact with people. It’s a constant learning experience."
Ericka E — "From the experience and things I’ve learned here, now I’m going forward and have a job in that area from the things I learned here. This is a great opportunity where you can get hands-on learning. It was really valuable and it’s fun to do."
Chris S– "[It] was an experience of a lifetime. The apprenticeship enhanced my ability to produce presentations for different ministries and I am getting to use my skills within a growing ministry."
Cost
Apprenticeship fee: $1,850
This fee helps cover equipment and software that the apprentices will be using throughout the apprenticeship. This fee must be paid by the start date of the apprenticeship.
Apprentices receive: an initial stipend of $100/week to help cover living expenses. Upon successful completion of the initial training and evaluation, apprentices will be upgraded to $200/week stipends. Apprentices are responsible for their own food, gas, housing, insurance and regular living expenses.
To apply download the info packet and fill out the application form or contact michaels@reslife.org for more information.
Qualifications
Each potential apprentice should have a desire to learn and grow and demonstrate communication and creative abilities with their portfolios or work samples. Familiarity with Macintosh computers and experience on Adobe's Creative Suite software is preferred. The ideal candidate has completed or is in college in a communication-related field. A willingness to develop in the ResLife environment and good communication and relational skills are important. Physically, apprentices should be able to carry 25 pounds.
Purpose
The vision of the Creative Media Apprenticeship—the communications training program at Resurrection Life Church—is three fold:
- to develop hearts that live for and communicate Christ,
- to train individuals to use media communication at a highly professional level, and
- to actively communicate and advance the mission of Resurrection Life Church. We do this using media technology and planned creativity to achieve professional and effective communication.
On successful completion of the program, an apprentice will:
- be prepared to go out and serve in a professional communication environment.
- be able to develop, implement and sustain creative processes and efficient communication systems
- recognize that communication is more than technology, more than words and more than a product. They will know that communication is about a message and about people; that the most important message ever communicated is the Gospel.
THE PROGRAM
Creative Media Apprenticeship begins with orientation classes to get new apprentice(s) up to a basic working level so they can start on projects that contribute to ResLife as a whole. Throughout the apprenticeship there are training opportunities that cover Photography, Print Design, Software training, as well as special topics like writing, interviewing, lighting and other specialties.
Video training and book reading are also important parts of the apprenticeship. Apprentices use video curriculum and tutorials to learn Adobe’s InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator and other useful programs.
Creative Process
"Created" is the first verb used to say what God did in Genesis. By using the creativity He put in us to honor Him, we are living out part of His character. By developing your creativity and applying creative processes to your work, you will see your ideas grow from concept, to prototype, to a finished product that can help draw people into relationship with the Original Creative.
The Creative Process is a set of principles you will be taught as a guide for creative development.
Training
After an introduction to the Creative Process, you will step into an integrated training and hands-on program where you start producing photographs, written and graphic design products. Training may include instruction, book reading, classes, seminars, and mentoring sessions. We may also attend occasional conferences where apprentices get to interact with professionals in the industry.
As you develop and demonstrate your skills, you’ll receive more creative freedom to put your training and skills to work. This is a highly interactive course where questions are encouraged. So, ask 'em!
Duties
Besides writing, design, and photography projects, you’ll also carry out weekly tasks that are regular services we provide to ResLife.
Each apprentice is assigned a final project and personal portfolio to be completed by the end of the apprenticeship.
Apprentices are in the office Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and some weekends and evenings depending on need.
Each week, apprentices complete regular tasks like: updating service announcements, developing design concepts, producing graphics for Web and print applications, and various other ongoing tasks using a variety of software and tools. Apprentices take ownership as they develop and refine their assigned projects and work under staff leaders.
Apprentice’s responsibilities vary depending on events and projects. Your coordinator will delegate various projects to you based on skills and workload. You are expected to finish projects on time. There are always opportunities to ask questions and evaluate your work throughout the process of the project. It is very important that you know that we want to see you learn all you can, so please ask questions.
Equipment
At the beginning of the apprenticeship, each apprentice is assigned a laptop computer and software for their use during the apprenticeship. Upon completion of the apprenticeship the laptop is theirs to keep so they can continue creating media and putting their training into practice. Besides the computers, apprentices use a variety of design software and photo equipment ranging from film to digital cameras, scanners, printers, lights and various support equipment.
LOCAL LIVING
Grand Rapids, Michigan is where industry and ingenuity combine to make this metro area a hub for creative ideas and training that is making a difference around the world. A jogging/biking trail is just around the corner from the church and Lake Michigan is only 30 minutes away with a variety of outdoor activities available throughout the year. Shopping and several coffee shops are also nearby including a restaurant and coffee bar within ResLife.
Beyond the involvement in the Communications Department, apprentices have many opportunities to get involved in other ministries and outreaches of the church.
Description of ResLife
Resurrection Life Church was founded in 1967and has been developing as a place of spiritual growth, fellowship and practical training that is reaching out locally and internationally. Reaching more than 7,000 people each week, Resurrection Life Church is a church where individuals can learn and grow and connect with God and people.
The church is located at 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, Michigan 49418. Visit www.reslife.org for additional information and a our Statement of Beliefs.
FAQ
Q. How do I apply?
A. Download the info packet and fill out the application. For more info contact michaels@reslife.org
Q. What happens when apprentices finish?
A. As technology continues to grow, companies and organizations are looking for people who can make it work for them. With increased interest in communication and technology there are opportunities for apprentices to pursue following their apprenticeship. While ResLife does not provide job placement services, we do offer advice and help for apprentices preparing to present themselves and their work to potential employers. Past trainees subsequently worked in a variety of organizations including churches, a television ministry, and a studio.
Q. When is the apprenticeship?
A. Apprenticeships are offered starting throughout the year. Applications are reviewed on a bi-annual basis to find apprentices for the positions available.
Q. Where do I get an application?
A. E-mail michaels@reslife.org to request an info packet.
Q. Do I have to be a member of ResLife to be in the apprenticeship?
A. No. However, apprentices will need to become members at ResLife for the duration of their apprenticeship and accept our statement of beliefs. A statement of our beliefs can be found at www.reslife.org. This does not require you to leave the membership of a home church. You will be expected to attend at least one service at ResLife each week.
Q. Do we get vacation or sick leave?
A. Apprentices each receive two (2) weeks of paid vacation time (8 work days). Vacation times must be scheduled with and approved by the Apprentice Coordinator at least 2 weeks prior. Follow Resurrection Life Church employee manual.
Q. Is there a dress code?
A. Monday through Thursday office attire is Corporate Casual although the nature of our work sometimes will require variations. When covering various events we try to dress appropriately to match the participant’s attire.
During church services here, you'll see a whole variety from jeans to suits and ties. For off duty church services you may dress however is comfortable for you. Modesty should be considered at all times.
Q. What does communications have to do with ministry?
A. Using a variety of communication tools the Communication Department at ResLife plays a vital role by serving the other ministries of ResLife and keeping a clear and consistent message in front of the church family and the public. This helps each department share the Gospel with others. ResLife Communications is part of the team of individuals God brought to ResLife to develop fully committed followers of Jesus Christ.
Q. What will I get from the apprenticeship?
A. Hands-on experience and real-life training in visual and written communication relating to photography, graphics for print and Web designs. Training helps build an innovative understanding of how communication can be used to share the Gospel creatively and efficiently.
Q. Can I get college credit for the apprenticeship?
A. We do not offer credit but participants have opted to take an apprenticeship class at a local college or university and receive credit in that manner. We highly encourage apprentices to continue their education through college courses in their field of interest.
Q. What happens after I complete the apprenticeship?
A. Throughout the apprenticeship we encourage and help build relationships between apprentices and other churches. While we encourage apprentices to look for ways to use their growing skills in churches and ministries, we train apprentices to be ready to go anywhere God calls them because the mission field is everywhere the Gospel needs to be communicated.
Q. Can I get a job or go to school while in the apprenticeship?
A. Yes. We expect you to keep your regular office hours and be available for weekend assignments but we can work with you if you have a part time job. Specific schedules can be discussed individually.
Q. What expenses would be mine beyond the Apprenticeship fee?
A. Each apprentice is responsible for their own daily living expenses, rent, transportation and the like. Work-related expenses including training costs, conference fees, and books are covered by the program unless noted otherwise.
Worship & Creative Arts Internship
