How the Leadership Internship sparked a musical mission




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David Lang was already an accomplished musician, father, and husband, but he felt like he was looking for something more. Another way to serve God, perhaps.

When it was suggested he join the Leadership Internship run by Baptist Churches SA & NT, he was hesitant. David laughs, “I wasn’t quite sure why I was doing this and that’s actually the best way to go into it… it’s really creating a space for God to speak to you and to see a wide range of things that are happening in God’s church and for you to find your place in it.”

Run by Mary Ackers and Elliot Keane, the Internship is a development pathway for emerging leaders, no matter their age or life stage. Interns attend in-person modules where they learn from experienced practitioners. They also work alongside a leadership coach, meet regularly with a spiritual mentor, and build strong relationships with other interns.

Our interns also visit a diverse range of churches and organisations. They are encouraged to imagine and try new opportunities in their local church and neighbourhood, and even explore global advocacy projects.

The highlight for David, however? “Hearing Melinda Cousins tell the whole story of the Bible in just a few hours. And just the fact that she would know it that well and love it that much that she could just tell it like that is really inspiring for me – that’s what I want to be able to do as well.”

After completing the Internship at the end of 2024, David set his sights on a new project: writing a musical score to accompany the entire book of Mark. In a leap of faith for David and his family, he has dedicated six months to making Mark Illuminated a reality. He notes that there are still things that are out of his comfort zone – the challenge of fundraising being one of them, but he is driven by his purpose, passion for music, and deep need to share the gospel.

David’s advice for anyone thinking about doing the Internship? “If you don’t know why you want to do it but you just feel like you want to, that’s a great place to be.”

Learn more about the Leadership Internship >

Learn more about Mark Illuminated >

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