Ministerial Internship Program Celebrates 50 Years
Cleveland, TN—More than 620 students and spouses from the 2023–2024 cohort of the Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) made history as they joined 49 previous classes to complete the MIP, being set forth into ministry during Commissioning on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
In the summer of 1974, the first class of seven graduates were prayed over as they completed an intensive program of training that included reading of multiple ministry texts, a complete read-through of the Bible, mentorship, and an internship. The inaugural “Christian Internship Program” took place in the state of Hawaii and was led by the Church of God state overseer at the time, Dr. Robert E. Fisher.
That humble beginning in Hawaii was celebrated all weekend with special recognitions and remembrances as the MIP candidates, supervising pastors, MIP coordinators, administrative bishops, and family members gathered at the International Offices and North Cleveland Church of God on May 17 and 18.
At 11:00 a.m. on Friday, special guests gathered for a luncheon to remember the vision and diligence in launching MIP. Dr. Fisher’s son, Cameron, who was a boy when the program was started, presented an in-depth recollection of the events surrounding the inauguration of MIP in 1973–1974.
“The summer of 1973 was perhaps the height of the Hippie Movement and the Jesus Revolution,” Cameron Fisher stated. “There were young people being radically saved from worldly lifestyles who were eager to soak in all God had for them. It was fertile ground for an intensive discipleship training program.” Fisher said of the seven interns from that first class, five of them had just recently been saved. The luncheon included more than 100 leaders, including greetings by four members of the Executive Committee.
Mary Fisher is greeted by Dr. David Ramirez during the May 17 presentation honoring her late husband, Robert E. Fisher. Looking on is her son Cameron Fisher, and daughter Lorri Wickam (click photo to enlarge)
On Friday night, more than 1,800 gathered at the North Cleveland Church of God, including special guests Mark and Yvonne Knock, two of the original interns from Hawaii. Mary Fisher and family members were recognized with a special video and presentation honoring Robert E. Fisher’s vision and legacy. Dr. Fisher passed away in 2005 at the age of 74.
Bringing the message that evening was Dr. Hugh Nelson who shared a powerful message on reaching the lost with compassion. Also part of the service was the announcement of a new ministerial development program launched in October 2023 called CAMS for Students (Calling and Ministry Studies for Students). Fifteen states/regions participated in the first year, and 123 students from nine of those states attended the MIP weekend.
The 50th Commissioning Service on Saturday morning honored the record number of MIP candidates and spouses. The main floor of North Cleveland was packed with graduates, supervising pastors, coordinators, and spouses, as well as more than 30 state/regional overseers. Several supervising pastors and coordinators were honored for their tenures. General Overseer Tim Hill preached a powerful message on keeping the foundations of the faith and commissioned both MIP graduates and the first class of CAMS for Students. Prayerful hands were placed on graduates from North America, Canada, Bahamas, Romanian territories, and Hispanic regions.
The weekend of May 17–18, 2024, served as a launch of the second 50 years of the MIP, as the past was celebrated, and the next generation was commissioned into ministry.
