Running to Finish the Race: CIP 2025

Our Cornerstone Internship Programme interns tell us about the most memorable experiences they had!

Faith Chong:

I thoroughly enjoyed my ministry experience in the Children’s Church department, from lesson planning and packing camp items to serving on Sundays and at camp itself. There was always something new to learn. Seeing the commitment of the staff behind the scenes and their genuine care for the children truly warmed my heart. Visiting the Orchard Towers unit to worship and pray also gave us a unique chance to witness the early stages of the property and to bless the atmosphere. Being there felt surreal, and together, we sensed the presence of God as one body. If you’re looking to grow in the Word, gain a better understanding of what the church does, and not only that, but get to know people from different generations and walks of life, this is the thing for you. It stretches you, but you’ll gain so much as well! I enjoyed myself, and I’m sure you would too.

Magdalene Cheng:

I joined this internship to gain practical ministry experience, learn from seasoned pastors, develop my skills to serve effectively, and grow personally and spiritually, hoping to better live out and share my faith. Although I was a little nervous before coming, I joined with a teachable heart, ready to listen, obey, and grow. One of the teaching sessions that really impacted me was “Becoming Like Jesus”, by Pastor Wai Leng. She began her teaching by challenging us to examine our hearts, and that session gave me a fresh revelation of the love of God. We lingered in His presence, immersed ourselves in His Word, and listened closely to His voice. Gradually, as the Holy Spirit touched my heart, what grieved Him began to grieve me as well. I saw a vision of a soldier piercing Jesus’ side with a spear when He was on the cross, and that caused me to tear up non-stop. I was so overwhelmed by how great and deep the love of God is. Another memorable moment I had at CIP was the bonding time for the interns. It was an indoor activity filled with unforgettable fun, laughter, and joy. It created lasting memories and strengthened the bond we shared across different generations, truly showcasing the incredible potential, personality, and passion within the internship group. This internship provides a Christ-centred, spiritually rich environment where one can be challenged, encouraged, and transformed. I’ve personally seen how impactful it can be, and I believe it could be a powerful next step in your journey with God.

Karl Elijah:

Pastor Kevin’s session on having a spirit of excellence was deeply impactful. I’ve always been inspired by how Cornerstone embodies this spirit – seen clearly in how the ministries collaborate, the way services are conducted, and the dedication of the church staff. It challenged and motivated me to grow personally and serve with greater intentionality. Pastor Kevin reminded us that excellence isn’t just a skill – it’s an attitude. I will strive to honour God by being excellent and faithful in the little things – in my home, my work, and my ministry – knowing that He delights in using small acts for His greater purpose. I am grateful to also have Pastor Bob as my mentor. In the interactions that we had, he always exemplified worship as a lifestyle. There was a worship night that Pastor Bob organised, and his attention to detail, the way he carried and shared his burden and vision, really inspired me.

Throughout my department attachment with the Sound ministry, the whole team guided me through all my doubts and questions, and shared the knowledge they had. CIP is an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the Word, grow personally, and understand the church better. This unique programme – something few churches offer – has been an incredible blessing to all its graduates. Whether you’re in a period of transition or simply have two months available, I encourage you to sign up and dedicate this time to the Lord. You’ll be blessed with the chance to serve in God’s Kingdom.

Faith Soh:

My journey to CIP is an interesting story because I actually signed up for CIP back in the years 2020 and 2021, but the doors were closed to me due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A good 4-5 years later, I found myself walking into CIP, in God’s perfect timing!

One class that impacted me was the teaching about the Holy Spirit. After the lesson, there was a growing desire within me to get to know more about the Holy Spirit, to be more aware of Him in my life, and live in a manner that pleases and doesn't grieve Him.

For department attachment, I was with the Connect Team under Pastor Wai Leng. Even though our job was to make phone calls to connect with new visitors to church, I learnt that our role was also to be a representative of the Father, to be a channel of God's love and blessing, and not merely to serve the function of gathering information. This completely changed my whole perspective on making phone calls.