Spend a year living in intentional community, serving, worshiping and reflecting together. Dwell gives individuals, 19-30 years old; an opportunity to be part of God’s transforming work in the city. Living together in intentional communities, serving in local agencies and ministries, and worshiping in a local church community of your choice participants dwell in the city. It can be a period of residency to test, refine and prepare for a long-term call to urban ministry. The year in the city is mutually beneficial; with both the residents of the city and the participants helping one another to grow into the persons God has called them to be. Applicants can be members of any active Christian fellowship. We are accepting applications for the 2010-2011 year up to July 1.
Year Long Internships- Dwell at DOOR
Dwell participants agree to serve at a DOOR city for a period of at least one year. The individual is requested by and under the supervision of the site during the time of service. Participants will:
- Live as a group in a common household
- Spend 4 days a week serving at an assigned agency/church List of possible placements of 2010-11
- Each city also allows for participants that currently have their own employment and/or currently live in the city
- Spend time each week in directed study and reflection on themes of ministry in the city
- Receive modest stipend to support living expenses (unless otherwise employed)
- Engage in a local Church congregation
- Observe a weekly day of personal Sabbath
- Participate in 4 retreats over the year
Finances and Benefits: Financial details will vary depending upon the city of placement and your particular circumstances. All participants are either employed and contribute to the common expenses of the household or are matched and placed to served in a particular agency/ ministry. When DOOR can place a participant in a ministry internship placement, participants are asked to raise half of the year's expenses by fundraising from their home church and support networks. (Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Hollywood, and Miami $6500. San Antonio $4500) We structure the program so that the experience is equally supported from both the sending community and the receiving community.Benefits: All participants will have access to monthly stipend, housing and utilities, basic health insurance, groceries and transportation (most commonly public transportation but often personal vehicles. However, our program does not cover private auto insurance.)
APPLYING: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until July 1 or until placements are filled. However specific placements in specific cities will be filled as applicants are selected. Apply as early as possible.
The “Dwell” program is administered in partnership with existing denominational and para-church opportunities. Nationally, this program emerges out of DOOR’s partnerships with Mennonite Mission Network (MMN) and the Young Adult Volunteer/National Office (YAV/Nat) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) We are proud and excited to be partners with Volunteers Exploring Vocation (VEV) of the Fund for Theological Education funded by the Lilly Endowment. VEV helps participants explore the relationship between faith and work, and consider career paths geared toward serving others, lifting up Christian ministry in particular.
Visit our Blogs/Letters Page, and read what our past and current interns are experiencing.
Dwell programs by City Each city has it's own flavor and specifics. Positions vary from city to city. If you are interested in a specific location, look over the city information. If you are more interested in serving in a particular field, issue or population, email our National Director of Volunteers for which cities might best accommodate your desires.
Additional Dwell programs by Participants
Dwell for Married couples
Dwell for Second year participants (If you have completed a year long mission program before and you are interested in exploring vocational ministry further)