Missionary Internships


Grow as a disciple. Support ongoing ministry.
Explore the fukuin no seikatsu (gospel lifestyle)
through one of our internship programs.

Internship Tracks

SummerSummer

Learn more about missions in Japan while growing your faith.

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OneYear

Explore additional opportunities for minstry.

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TwoYears

Target your area of expertise or prepare for career missions with full-time language study.

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Missionary Internship Program

Engage in a holistic program designed to help you identify and refine your gifts while you grow closer to Christ.

3M

Ministry

Receive training for outreach and discipleship. You will have the opportunity to build relationships through CBI partnerships and placement within a local church.

3m

Muscle

Test and develop your gifts through service projects that also serve the overall ministry.

3m

Mentoring

Participate in regular mentoring sessions to grow and abide in a fukuin no seikatsu.

3m

FAQs

The best Missionary Interns are:

  • Humble — Missions is one long humbling process; you should be eager for this even with all its challenges.
  • Holy — Missions is spiritual warfare; any area of sin or weakness will be exposed. The goal is not perfection, but constant reliance on Christ.
  • Gospel cherishing — Missions is sanctification. We are looking for those committed to growing as disciples by living a fukuin no seikatsu.
  • Gospel proclaiming — Missions means sharing the gospel, so we are looking for those who are already seeking to do this.
  • Loving — We are a team made up of sinners from many different backgrounds. Serving together requires a lot of patience, grace, forgiveness, and love. But the reward is amazing.

Couples and families are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities will be adjusted to balance additional needs that couples and families may have.

Yes! All interns are encouraged to participate in Japanese language study. We will assist you in selecting the program that best fits your needs.

  • Part-time classes
  • Private tutoring
  • Language exchange

You are provided 10 hours each week of official work time for studying language (2 hours for Summer Interns).

Internships may be extended if approved by CBI leadership and your sending agency, however, they are rarely renewed beyond 2 years. Interns who have completed 2 years of service can discuss transitioning to career ministry with team leadership.

Summer internships are handled by MTW directly and are limited to US citizens. Please see the MTW site for more information on summer internships.

  1. Contact us! We're here to help and can answer any questions you might have as you get started.
  2. Join a call with CBI staff so we can get to know each other and talk through your interest in ministry in Japan.
  3. Interview with CBI Leadership.
  4. Complete the sending agency application process.
  5. Raise full support.
  6. Get final approval from both the sending agency and CBI.
  7. Join the team!

Those desiring to serve as career missionaries with CBI should already have ministry experience and be proficient in Japanese (based on the needs for their role in the ministry). We encourage those who are interested in long-term service with us to begin serving as interns, but we are always glad to discuss career opportunities.

Only a basic understanding of Japanese written language (hiragana and katakana) is required. This can typically be learned with one week of study.

Further knowledge opens up more opportunities, but is not required.

CBI Interns are considered a full part of our team. You will participate in all team meetings, retreats, and other activities.

  • Summer Interns always come through Mission to the World (MTW).
  • For longer terms, CBI leadership will recommend an agency during the interview process.

MTW does not require any specific denominational affiliation for service as an intern.

Support amounts vary greatly depending on individual situations and needs. While final support figures will be determined by your sending agency, we can provide you an estimate based on our initial conversations with you.

CBI Interns need to have completed at least one year of college (or equivalent), though exceptions may apply.