Elisha Project

The mission of the Elisha Project is to create a Culture of Call for our students and provide an environment to uncover prospective ministerial leadership for our churches and other ministry settings in the Dakotas Annual Conference.

The Elisha Project is an internship program that allows the opportunity for students to explore, discern their call and discuss with mentors and peers where God is calling them.  

Students who have completed at least one year of college, completed the application process and selected by the Elisha committee will be assigned to a church and mentor. *Please note interns will not necessarily be assigned to their home church or the church that recommends them.

Internships will be ten weeks in length; interns will attend annual conference in June. During Annual Conference students will attend and represent their host church as a young adult lay member.

View Elisha Intern profile videos here. 

Students will participate in a kick-off retreat during Annual Conference. Details of the kickoff will be available once the interns are selected.

Students selected for an internship will receive a stipend of $4000 for 40 hours per week from the Dakota Annual Conference and the Board of Ordained Ministry. Other compensations such as travel, housing*, possible moving allowance and meals are the responsibility of the host church.

Download an internship application here or complete the online form below. 

Churches interested in hosting an intern should contact their district superintendent.  

Churches hosting an intern need to provide housing for the intern that includes access to the internet, cell phone service and ensuring the intern feels at home. Here are the guidelines for churches.

Synova Geranen, a past Samuel intern at Watertown First UMC, visits with youth on a Wednesday night at the church.

Samuel Project

The Samuel Project is a 10-week summer program for high school students - specifically Seniors before or after their senior year - who already feel God's call of ministry.
The key points of the Samuel Project are:

• To provide an opportunity for high school age youth with a desire to experience  what a calling into ministry might feel and look like, prior to beginning higher education

• The project is designed to take place at the intern’s home church

• It is for a unique individual who desires a deeper look into ministry at a young age

The Conference envisions one to two individuals each year in the Samuel Project. The Samuel Project is another building block in creating a culture of call throughout the Dakotas Conference. For more information, or to apply for this opportunity, contact the Office of Leadership Development by e-mail or phone 605-990-7796. 

Download a Samuel Intern Application here.
Download a Samuel Internship Reference Form here