Intern Program Elements
The purpose of our INTERNS acrostic is to explain the elements of an effective internship experience. The program elements of this acrostic are essential to a positive, developmental learning experience. Whether you use these program elements or have your own, the important thing to consider is what elements are essential to your program. Make sure you’re asking the question “How are we delivering a developmental learning experience to an intern?”
Monthly Training Events
Check out the events below and RVSP at any time to whichever topics you’re interested in. Each gathering includes live teaching, connection and discussion time, and Q&A time. This is a great way to learn from and connect with churches all over the country about internships and residencies.
Meet the Team
Dave Alford
Pastor of Leadership Development
Dave Alford Is Pastor of Leadership Development at Saddleback Church where his team oversees small groups, next steps, interns, and ministries to men, women, and singles. Dave’s background includes experience in business, pastoral ministry, and higher education. He worked as an investment consultant for Mercer Consulting, served for 10 years as executive pastor and lead pastor at churches in the San Fernando Valley, and served for 12 years at Vanguard University first as Vice President for Business and Finance, and later as Dean of the School of Business and Management. Dave also writes, coaches, and speaks about leadership. Dave has a Bachelors degree from UC Davis, an MBA from USC, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Dave and his wife, Molly, live in Irvine. They have three adult children. E-mail him at dalford@saddleback.com.
Lisa Birle
Intern Program Minister
Lisa Birle grew up in Lake Forest, California and has served on multiple teams at Saddleback Church for over 15 years including college ministry and small groups. Currently, Lisa is the Intern Program Minister, overseeing Saddleback’s internship program across nineteen campuses. She is grateful to be able to pour into college students as she was poured into as a new believer in her 20s and has been serving students for 20 years. Her passion is to equip students for the ministry and leadership God has called them to, and to help churches develop effective internship and residency programs. Lisa has a BFA in art history from the University of California--Irvine and a Master of Theological Studies from Gateway Baptist Theological Seminary. She loves National Parks, museums, college students, and Wordle. E-mail her to talk about any of these things at lisab@saddleback.com.