Intern with us!

Join us in prayerfully working together to see gospel-centered churches planted and people in Japan living to follow Jesus! Gain real ministry experience while learning about cross-cultural ministry and church planting in a team-based environment at one of our local churches in urban Japan.

Interns are highly engaged in learning, prayer, and supporting long-term church planting teams. You will be given real ministry tasks as part of a team where you will have the opportunity to make an eternal impact for God’s kingdom while gaining new skills, experiences, and relationships.

 
 
 

SUMMER 2026

May 18 - August 3 (11 weeks)

  • All potential intern candidates must go through our application process. Applications are due by October 31, 2025.

  • Interns are placed at one of our local churches throughout Japan. Placement is based on the needs and availability of the local church. All interns will arrive in Tokyo for orientation before being sent to their church. Interns will also have an opportunity during their time to visit another city and church.

  • Ministry tasks will vary based on location, ministry experience, skill, and need. We hope to help you find a place to make an impact, thrive, and learn while being challenged to grow and serve in a new ministry context.

    • Examples of tasks include helping with weekly worship services, participating in English-language outreach programs, participating in Bible studies, helping launch new outreach events, creating relationships, and skill-specific tasks in areas of worship, media, kids ministry, etc.

  • Interns will be living independently or with other interns while in Japan in provided housing. While receiving preparation and support from our team, you will be expected to manage your own schedule and keep regular work hours while a part of our ministry team.

  • All interns and staff are expected and required to live in line with Mustard Seed’s policies and employee manual which outlines Biblical expectations for Christian living as well as best practices and standards of working in a professional environment.

  • Interns are not paid, but our team is available to meet with you to discuss support-raising options and strategies to help equip you to build a support team of people behind you as you work among the unreached in Japan.

  • Interns can participate in the program if they are at least 20 years old by the time the internship starts on May 18.

 
 
 

PROCESS

We hope you will prayerfully consider applying to intern with us! Applications for Summer 2026 Internships are due by October 31. Read through the steps below to apply. Internship availability is limited and not all applications will be accepted.

  • PRAY
    Join us in seeking God’s wisdom before applying.

  • GET TO KNOW US
    Get to know who we are, what we do, and what we believe.

  • WHO CAN APPLY?
    Those who are eager to learn about cross-cultural ministry and gain hands-on experience in a church planting environment in Japan. Interns must be 20 years of age or older by the time the internship begins.

  • APPLICATION・DUE OCT 31
    Take time to submit a thoughtful application and let us know who you are, how God has been working in your life, and what you hope for the future.

  • APPLICATION REVIEW
    We will review your application and contact you with more information and next steps in the interview process.

  • INTERVIEW・SCHEDULED NOV 5-12
    We will conduct interviews for potential applicants after the application deadline, between November 5-12, 2025. You may also be asked to complete a second interview later in November.

  • SUPPORT RAISING & TRAINING
    After interns have been offered and accepted positions, you will be able to begin support raising and working through a few training items before arriving in Japan. There will be required reading, learning, and training before and after arrival in Japan.

  • ARRIVAL & ORIENTATION・ARRIVE MAY 18, ORIENTATION MAY 18-21
    All interns will arrive in Tokyo for a few days of orientation, learning, and preparing for your summer with us in Japan.

We are so excited for whoever God may be preparing to come to Japan and already praying for our summer 2026 interns!

Donate

Mustard Seed Network is a U.S. 501(c)(3), non-profit organization so all donations are U.S. tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. View our Charitable Giving Policy. To make a donation to the Mustard Seed Network general church planting fund, fill out the form below or send a check to:

Mustard Seed Network
P.O. Box 32
Oronogo, MO 64855