2020-2021
RIVER VALLEY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
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OUR VISION We exist to equip leaders in their process
of discovering and developing their Godgiven gifts, to confidently pursue their next steps.
OUR MISSION We approach leadership development
through three distinct models tailored to provide character development and
an appropriate level of practical ministry experience.
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We are cheering for your success
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We have a culture of trust
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We share and keep information for the success of all
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We speak life and bring lift
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We promote, defer, and prefer
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We care more about who you are than what you do
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We move fast, not frantic
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We use relationship to influence others, not position
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We ask and listen, we don't talk and tell
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We will use our strength to serve
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We embrace the truth to make us better
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We believe the best is yet to come
C U LT U R E
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VALUES
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COMMUNITY
We believe the strength of each season is hinged on the quality of our community, and that the stronger the community, the more impactful that season becomes.
TEACHABILITY
We believe that a teachable heart gives us the
willingness to learn from others and the ability to grow into the person that God has created us to be.
LEADERSHIP
God has called each one of us to lead in our sphere of
influence through serving, inspiring, and empowering
others. We believe that good leadership is built upon the continued development of character & integrity.
COMPETENCY
Developing personal competency allows us to
operate in God’s calling for our lives with authority and influence.
INNOVATION
We believe pursuing innovation in the expression of
our calling is a vital part of living out our purpose in every season.
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MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS
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MODELS
Within the RVLI context, you have the option
to pursue leadership development through three models which provide tailored learning
environments where you will grow in knowledge and gain proficiency in your desired area of
ministry. Our hope for you, as you walk through
this season, is that you choose to lean into the challenge of growth and stay open to the work God has already started in you. Remember, this will be a season of meaningful refinement and we want to be your biggest champions through it!
DISCOVERY MODEL
Goal: To provide basic knowledge of the workings of weekend ministry and introductory leadership development resources.
For: Vocational Adults, PSEO Students, those looking to pursue college education through our extension site with Southeastern
University, Summer high school students and anyone else with limited time availability.
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Weekly hours primarily focus on weekend ministry
Weekend serving expectation: attend one service, serve the rest
o Youth Track: attend one service, serve one service (due to Wednesday evening involvement)
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Only available for the following tracks: Go Kids, Youth, Campus, Worship
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Periodic Track Lead Check-Ins
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8-10 hrs/week
Access to self-guided development resources
Option of pursuing your education through our partnership with Southeastern University Required Attendance: Weekend campus ministry, Wednesday Night service (Youth Track Only)
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Encouraged Attendance: Fall Retreat, Leadership Lab, All Staff
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Not eligible for: Cohort, Housing, Scheduled Office Hours
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Cost of $300 for the School Year Semester (Summers are free of cost)
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EXPERIENCE MODEL
Goal: To provide safety and flexibility in the discovery of your personal call and purpose in life.
For: This is for anybody who has graduated high school and is looking to gain more understanding of ministry and leadership.
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Program includes weekend hours and responsibilities along with scheduled weekly office hours
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Weekend serving expectation:
o Campus Interns: Attend one service, serve the rest
o Central Interns: Attend one service, serve one service
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All tracks and campuses are available Bi-weekly connect with Track Lead Weekly academic day at Central
Involvement in weekly department team meeting and monthly All Staff meetings
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Intentional mentorship and peer to peer collaboration in addition to self-guided development resources
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Option of pursuing your education through our partnership with Southeastern University
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20 hrs/week
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Required Events: Easter, Sparkle, River Valley Conference
Required Attendance: Fall Retreat, Weekend Campus Involvement, Leadership Labs, Cohort, All Staff, Weekly office hours Optional: housing available on a limited basis
Cost of $1000 for the School Year Semester (Summers are free of cost)
PROTÉGÉ MODEL
Goal: To provide well rounded equipping for ministry through intentional personal and spiritual development and practical hands-on ministry experience.
For: Those who have gone through at least one school year term of the Experience Model, are confident in their calling and are interested in pursuing full time ministry.
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Program includes weekend hours and responsibilities along with scheduled weekly office hours
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Weekly serving expectation:
o Campus Interns: Attend one service, serve the rest
o Central Interns: Attend once service, serve one service
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All tracks and campuses are available
Bi-weekly connect with Track Lead or mentor
Assist Track Lead in mentoring and leading Discovery and Experience Model Interns
- Assist in leading weekly academic day at Central - Occasional travel opportunities with track lead or campus team
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Opportunities to lead ministries and events alongside of Track Lead
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Involvement in weekly department team meeting and monthly All Staff meetings
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Gain a deeper understanding of organizational leadership through access to high level meetings
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Option of pursuing your education through our partnership with Southeastern University
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Option to start the process of becoming credentialed in the Assemblies of God
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Required Attendance: Fall Retreat, Weekend Campus involvement, Leadership Labs, Leading Cohort, All Staff, Weekly Office Hours, Weekly Academic Day at Central, weekly department/team meeting
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RVLI Housing available on a limited basis 24+ hrs/week
Protégé Model is a 12 month program and is free of cost
MODELS D I S C O V E R Y AMODELS ND EXPERIENCE MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS MODELS The Discovery & Experience Models operate on two terms: School and Summer. There is an entry point for
new student applications at the beginning of each term. We ask that you commit to completing the entirety of the
season you apply for in order to get the most out of the
experience. The Protégé Model operates on a 12 month
basis with primary onboarding taking place in September. Summer Term | June – August
School Term | Fall Semester (September – December), Spring Semester (January – May)
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MINISTRY HACKS HACKS HACKS
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1. VALUE COMMUNITY Be connected in a Lifegroup and a Lifeteam. Grow with others in this journey. Make
community a priority and you will grow in incredible ways.
2. BE DEVOTED We want you to be passionate about this opportunity and excited to be a part of
something bigger than you. Remember that doing ministry should never come before your personal walk with the Lord. We expect you to
have the highest standard of Christ in your life. Bring your servant’s heart and a great attitude and this will be the time of your life.
3. HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE We want you to elevate the attitude of any room you walk into. A good attitude is contagious
and unfortunately so is a bad attitude. Those who have a good attitude in all that they do stand out and can change the atmosphere of a situation.
4. DON’T SIT WHEN OTHERS STAND Lead by example. If you see something that
needs to be done, DO IT. If a leader says something needs to be done, be the first to volunteer. It’s important that you anticipate
needs and try to do things before you’re asked.
5. LEAD UP Keep your leaders informed of needs, issues, wins, etc. Great leaders don’t wait to report on progress until they are asked. They are constantly communicating and reporting things up.
6. BE PUNCTUAL AND PREPARED
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MINISTRY HACKS
Arrive
15
minutes
early
for
everything.
Punctuality is noticed and so is tardiness. Being
early will help you stand out and give you more opportunities. When you arrive to anything
pertaining to River Valley, be sure to be dressed
appropriately, have something to take notes with and be prepared to step out and act quickly.
7. COMMUNICATE WELL AND PROPERLY If you see an email or text from us, respond as
soon as you can, even a simple “Got it” to let
us know you got the message. As an intern, it is expected that you respond to emails from church members within 24 hours and from staff
within 12 hours. If you ever have any questions, issues or just want to process your experience
with someone outside your track or campus, RVLI staff would love to sit down and process with you. Their doors are always open!
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If you don’t know what to do, ask. We value
questions and want you to be prepared to ask good questions when you are in proximity to
leadership. Take notes during meetings and any time a leader is speaking. This shows that you are engaged and eager to learn.
9. ASK PERMISSION, DON'T ASSUME Leaders ask permission rather than assume it. For example, if you are needing or wanting to leave an event or service, ask, “Is there anything
else that I can help you with?” as opposed to, “Can I leave?” If you want to stand out, always ask permision rather than informing a leader you
are going to do something. It is often the “small” things like this that go a long way.
10. BE AVAILABLE As an intern, you will often be asked to help with a variety of tasks, which is difficult if we can’t find
you. As you are in proximity to other leaders at River Valley, you will have a chance to learn from
them. If you don’t have any responsibilities at an event or service, it is in your best interest to be there and be willing to serve.
MINISTRY HACKS
8. ASK QUESTIONS AND TAKE NOTES
SOCIAL MEDIA
LEAD BY EXAMPLE Remember that your social media pages
are a public space, not just a place for friends to keep up with your life. You are representing RVLI, River Valley Church
and ultimately Jesus. Beware of posts that
draw unwanted attention to the church
and take substantial time to manage and explain. People can read just one post
completely out of context, so think of your web space less like a family room and
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more like your front yard.
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SPREAD NEWS, DON’T BREAK IT It’s great and helpful when we can use
our personal web space to share the great things God is doing at River Vally Church. We ask you that you do not break the news before the appointed time.
Make sure what you talk about is ready
for public consumption. If we’ve talked about it from the stage on a weekend or online, you’re good to share it.
SOCIAL MEDIA IS EITHER THE GREATEST MINISTRY TOOL THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN OR THE GREATEST SHRINE TO OUR EGO, BUT IT CAN NEVER BE BOTH. - TERRY PARKMAN
ASK QUESTIONS AND BE SMART If you want to spur conversation about a topic,
think about open-ended posts and questions, not opinions. From a legal perspective, you’re responsible for what’s on your personal web
space, so make sure you follow copyright rules and any other relevant laws. Be particularly
mindful of video and music clips. As far as River Valley Church content goes, a good rule of thumb is to “point, don’t post” meaning it’s better to link
to the content on our established communication channels rather than posting it to your site.
DISCLAIMERS OR NOT, YOU REPRESENT Yes, a disclaimer is a good idea, but even with
that, what you say in social media is just as much of a reflection of the church as what you do in
your personal life. If you have a question about
how to post something or you are contacted about something you post, connect with our
Social Media Manager in the Communications
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Department.
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WHEN IN DOUBT, GO POSITIVE Whether you’re responding to a snarky comment, frustrated with a vendor, or trying to decide if you
should write about something that’s bothering you, you’ll never regret taking the high road (and sometimes that road is not saying anything at all).
Keep in mind that your presence on the web is an extention of your personal ministry.
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COMMUNICATION
Our multi-site church may be different from the style of church that you may be used to. It’s entirely normal to have two or even three or more people that you report to. As an intern, it’s
important to know who you report to, and when you are to report to them. If you are ever unsure of who to communicate to, always include your Track Lead and RVLI.
TRACK LEADS
You will have two primary bosses: Central (RVLI) and Department/
Campus (Track Lead and Director). Your Track Lead is the first person you should keep updated about what’s going on in your life, when an issue arises, or if you have questions about
projects you are working on. If you have any questions, concerns
or issues with RVLI, please communicate those to RVLI Staff. Your Track Lead and RVLI Staff will be engaging you for one-on-
one discipleship and encouragement during your internship. Remember, the best and most efficient way to learn is to ask
questions. Whenever you have a chance to spend time with your Track Lead, take it; pick their brain, ask lots of good questions and take notes.
RVLI CONTACTS Terry Parkman | RVLI Director terry.parkman@rivervalley.org
952.255.8816 (w) | 701.425.4198 (c) Dasha Polyakova | Assistant Director dasha.polyakova@rivervalley.org
952.255.8876 (w) | 763.703.8462 (c) Ashley Gamer | RVLI Coordinator ashley.gamer@rivervalley.org
952.255.8846 (w) | 763.402.5200 (c)
As we serve on the weekend, we always want our primary goal to be helping people connect to Jesus.
With that in mind, we want to honor God with how we dress and avoid drawing attention to ourselves. We want everyone to feel like they are able to be
themselves and dress according to their fashion preference, while at the same time not being a
distraction. We want to honor God in everything we
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say and do.
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MEN AND WOMEN -
Avoid clothes that are too tight
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As members of RVLI, we are ultimately
Do your best to look put together for
weekend services and in office hours accountable to our campus staff on issues of dress on the weekend
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For questions regarding midweek attire
Youth Pastor
for YTH interns, please refer to your
WOMEN -
No crop tops that show midriff
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Please make sure shorts are of a
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When wearing leggings please have
No cleavage
Please don’t wear skirts or dresses
shorter than about 4� above the knee reasonable length
your backside covered
MEN -
No workout attire on the weekends
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No sleeveless shirts on weekends or
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Do your best to keep your clothing
Refer to campus staff regarding shorts on the weekend
during office hours
clean and well maintained
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ALL CHURCH AND WEEKEND SERVING
ALL CHURCH AND WEEKEND SERVING
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ALL CHURCH
There are only a few times a year that the entire church gears up for some of our most impactful events. Some of these
are: Easter Services, River Valley Conference and Sparkle. All Experience & Protégé Model interns are required to be at and take part in these events unless given special permission to do otherwise.
WEEKEND SERVING
All interns are expected to serve during the weekend services. Your Campus Lead will be assigning weekend
serving (including Saturday and Sunday evening services if applicable). Be sure to stay in regular contact with them regarding schedule and parking guidelines. Team Rally is an
important piece of the weekend experience, so please make attendance a priority at least once per weekend and lead by example alongside your campus team.
For Campus interns, even though Sundays are Game Day,
we still put a high priority on you being able to attend and participate in a service. Specific serving needs may vary weekend to weekend so be sure to stay in regular communication with your Campus Lead regarding your schedule for serving and attending.
All Central interns and tracks that don’t have specific weekend requirements are expected to attend one service
and serve one service. Please connect with the campus lead in regards to your serving assignment for the weekend.
You are only allowed to miss two weekends per semester. Unexplained or unexcused absences are unacceptable. *Out-of-state interns may request a third weekend off during the school term.
LEADERSHIP LAB FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Leadership Lab is our favorite time of the month as we gather
together as family. It is a night for us to connect over dinner, celebrate what God is doing in and through one another, and grow together through teachings and group discussions. This
will easily be one of your favorite experiences of RVLI. Because we value community so much, we protect this time and take attendance and participation seriously. Community is built on trust with one another and these nights are consistent points of contact that bring us closer together.
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Central Ministries Office 12345 Portland Ave Burnsville, MN 55337
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OUR HEART IS GLOBAL Interns who are in their second year of Experience Model, are in the ProtĂŠgĂŠ Model or are a Global Project intern are
eligible to receive a matching scholarship toward a Global Team. Students are encouraged to go on a trip with their
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Track Lead or a primary ministry in which they are serving.
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1 . Global Project interns will work with their track lead to identify the appropriate Global Team to
join. The process of signing up for a Global Team
can begin after at least 90 days into the internship.
2 . Interns
wanting to go on a trip need to be
approved by RVLI Leadership and Global Project Staff.
3 . You
need to submit your top 2-3 trips of
interest to see if one has a greater need or would be a better fit.
4 . You are expected to help the leader on the trip. You would not necessarily lead the trip but would assist the leader. Whether or not you are eligible to
lead the trip would be decided on a case by case basis.
5 . The trip needs to occur while you are in the program.
6 . RVLI and Global Project will each match up to
1/3 of the cost of your trip and would ask you to
cover 1/3. This is a match scholarship and will be added dollar for dollar as you raise the money.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please discuss this with your Track Lead and email the RVLI staff informing them of your interest in the match.
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BEFORE YOU GO
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TIME OFF
Interns are allowed two absences per semester of RVLI
that you can use at your own discretion. Time off must be requested and approved through your Track Lead as well as RVLI Staff with at least two weeks notice. Unexcused
absences
for
Weekend
services
and
Leadership Labs are taken seriously and will only be
accepted for extreme and unforeseeable circumstances. Because this is a church internship it is important that your job can guarantee you time off on Saturday night and Sunday. Excused absences for Leadership Lab
include weddings, funerals, illness, and monumental family events.
SCHEDULE
RVLI LEADERSHIP LABS
Required for Experience & Protégé Models Encouraged for Discovery model First Saturday of the month 5:30 – 8:30 P.M.
Central Ministries Office
COHORTS (SCHOOL TERM ONLY)
Required for Experience & Protégé Models Third Monday of the month 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.
*Times may vary within
30 minutes of the given time based on Cohort start time Location TBD
ALL STAFF MEETINGS
Encouraged for all models
Once a month on a Tuesday 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Apple Valley, Crosstown or Shakopee Campus
RVLI START AND END TIMES
School Term | August 20, 2020 - May 22, 2021 Summer | June 5 - August 15, 2021
Please block these dates off in your calendar. The rest of
your calendar will be determined by your track and will be
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communicated to you by your Track Lead.
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REASONS FOR DISMISSAL -
Inappropriate or illegal behavior (impure
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Inappropriate use of social media.
relationships, swearing, smoking, drugs, etc).
Not fulfilling RVLI or Track Lead expectations.
Failure to live out or comply with the RVLI Covenant and/or the RVLI Housing Agreement.
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CAMPUS ADDRESSES Central Ministries Office
Crosstown Campus
Burnsville, MN 55337
Minnetonka, MN 55343
12345 Portland Ave
10801 Red Cir Dr
Eagan Campus
City Campus
Eagan, MN 55121
Minneapolis, MN 55401
875 Blue Gentian Rd #100
105 N 1st St
Faribault Campus
Shakopee Campus
Faribault, MN 55021
Shakopee, MN 55379
722 Ravine St
1350 Crossings Blvd
Minnetrista Campus
Woodbury Campus
Minnetrista, MN 55364
Woodbury, MN 55125
5595 Westwood Ave
7805 Hudson Rd #140
Apple Valley Campus 14898 Energy Way
Apple Valley, MN 55124
CAMPUS ADDRESSES
RVLI.ORG