Kairos Reflections | 2025

Applications are now open through November 16 for next summer’s Kairos internships—and we are taking this opportunity to share a glimpse of what this program is all about! As summer recently wrapped up, we heard from several Kairos interns about their experiences learning, growing, and serving alongside us the past several months.

Kairos is an internship for young adults ages 18–22 that allows students to spend their summer serving alongside Grace Church staff. Representing many different states and universities, interns brought their energy, skills, and passion to an array of ministry areas this summer—including Students, A/V, Communications, Outreach, Worship, and more.

Reflecting on their recent experiences, interns shared these takeaways:

It went differently than expected.

It was different, but in the best way! I developed a deep, genuine love for what I was doing, and enjoyed my time more than I ever thought I would! God grew a desire in my heart to be all-in on the mission of the local church—specifically for our students.

Relationships developed with host campuses left a lasting impact.

The relationships I built in Kairos were the most impactful part of the summer for me. Getting to learn from staff at my campus helped me to grow in so many ways. They were intentional in getting to know me and helping me think through what I was learning. Rubbing shoulders with people who are much wiser than me helped shape my perspective in many areas of my life. The daily conversations I had with other staff members and church members helped me learn about myself and grow in my faith.

Camp Griggs and BridgeBuilders were highlights!

My favorite thing that I got to do this summer was being a part of the Camp Griggs trip. I got to build relationships and see all the high schoolers grow as they were immersed in the truth of the gospel. On the last night, we got to pray and worship together and reflect on all that had happened throughout the week. It was a tangible moment where it was evident that hearts and lives had been changed that week—through the action of serving others.

My week with BridgeBuilders was absolutely incredible! I had an important conversation with a camper about how she viewed herself. At only 8 years old, she did not love the way that God made her. Together, we read through Psalm 139. By the end, she said that she’s no longer upset with the way God made her, but she’s happy because he made her rare and unique. Wow! God clearly worked in her heart for her to believe this truth. The next day, she encouraged another camper who was feeling bad about herself with the truth she had learned the day before!

Host families left a big impression.

Living with a host family was an incredible experience, and because of that, I now have a new family at my local church that I can go to and lean on. It was so impactful to live with a family whose primary mission was to give their lives away and serve God and his people. It has motivated me to remember how they surrendered their lives to God—and to try and live my life in the same way.

Faith was challenged.

Kairos has challenged me to be stronger in my faith. It has developed my curiosity and pushes me to obey what the Lord is calling me to do. Kairos is a life-changing discipleship program and my summer was better because of it! I loved every second of it and would do it all over again if I could!

As our interns head back to school or step into the workforce, please join us in praying for them—that they would continue to grow in their faith, and that the Spirit would continue to guide them as they live out all they’ve learned this summer.

We are thankful for our staff members, host families, volunteers, and everyone who took time to pour into an intern this summer. If you're a student who desires to grow in your understanding of the Bible, the local church, and what it means to be a follower of Christ, consider applying for next summer! Learn more by clicking below.