“The internship completely reshaped how I understand prayer, fasting, Sabbath, and engage with God’s word.”
Radi moved to Bournemouth in 2022 to study Computer Animation and quickly found a home at Citygate Church. Her love for graphic design led her to the Commission Inter Year - an experience that has been truly transformative, sparking in her a passion to use her creativity to reach people and share the gospel with them.
Hey, my name is Radi! I moved to Bournemouth in September 2022 to study Computer Animation, and joined Citygate Church almost straight away! The students’ ministry was especially formative during my student years - I made lifelong friendships with whom I journeyed through uni, had transforming moments of encounter with God, built open and honest relationships with the leaders, and most importantly, grew more into the image of Christ.
In my third year of uni, I started serving on the student team, helping in particular with the social media. This was a great joy and delight to me; I had so much fun with it, and it never felt like a burden. Around December, a leader in the church asked me whether I had ever considered doing the intern year. At that point, I basically knew nothing about it. But that question took me on a journey, with God opening doors along the way, that has led me to where I am now.
How have you been serving Citygate over your internship year? Who have you worked alongside?
I’ve been serving in both Comms and Students, working alongside our Communications & Engagement manager, Nat, and our student leader Katie. So far, it has been a very enriching year. I’ve done all sorts in Comms - from designing slides and social media posts, to laying out webpages, creating reels, taking and editing photos, and even putting up toilet posters!
As part of the student team, I have been managing the students’ social media account, and helped with leading a small group called “On The Job”, 18-25s who are not necessarily students. I have also recently begun leading a student girls’ ‘Freedom in Christ’ course, which has been a wonderful opportunity for students in the community to connect on a deeper level with one another, and has facilitated some enriching conversations.
Student girls’ Freedom in Christ course.
What have been some of the highlights of serving at Citygate during your internship year?
One of my highlights has definitely been living with a family from the church. They have 4 children, and I have loved getting to know each of them. Particular highlights are dinner conversations, kitchen karaoke, and sweety bowls on a Friday night.
Another highlight has been getting to see more behind-the-scenes of church life - it’s so much more complex, organised, and intentional than I could have imagined! I’ve also gotten to work alongside a team of truly exceptional, hard-working, wise people, yet who walk with such humility that they have become role models to me.
How do you feel you have grown?
One of the things I’ve valued the most about the internship year is how I’m gently stretched and encouraged by leaders around me to step out of my comfort zone. Left to my own devices, I probably would choose not to.
I have definitely grown in my confidence, whether speaking from the front, talking to a group of people, or even in ways as small as sharing my ideas and taking initiative in organising social gatherings. These are not things that at all come naturally to me, so I’m thankful for all that God has done in me. I’ve also grown in practical skills to do with comms, communication skills, and breaking off perfectionism (not spending too long on a task that simply doesn’t require it, and allowing myself to make mistakes, because it’s all part of the growing process!).
What have you found challenging about the internship year?
Something that’s definitely been challenging about the intern year is how busy it is, especially alongside my part-time barista job. I’m naturally quite an organised person, but I’ve had to learn to manage my time well, to say no to things and prioritise rest when needed, and to under-promise yet over-deliver.
How have you found the residentials? What has been a highlight of that?
The residentials have absolutely transformed my understanding of prayer, fasting, sabbath, and how I approach the word of God. Our passionate Bible teachers (Simon, Tom, and Bekah) have pointed us to tools and resources, and taught us to look at the details (nothing is there for no reason!), opening my eyes to God’s extraordinary intentionality and design. The whole Bible truly points to Jesus! Reading my Bible has gone from being rather routine to a new adventure with God each day, as I ask myself, “What will God show me today?”
Another particular highlight has been ‘Wisdom Wednesdays’ as they are called, where our leaders bring in somebody to teach, who we then get the opportunity to ask any questions to, and end by sharing communion. We had one couple prophecy over each of us, and more recently, Guy & Heather Miller (founders of Commission) shared 16 pieces of wisdom with us that they have learned over many years of serving the church.
Special mentions - meeting and getting to know lovely, passionate people my age, intern socials, and Simon & Tom’s homemade pizza, of course!
2026 Commission intern group enjoying a pizza and games social at their leader Tom’s home.
What are you hoping to go on to do after the internship year?
I would love to go on to work in the digital, creative field, potentially in graphic design, social media management, or advertising. This internship has definitely given me invaluable experience when it comes to that. To my surprise, I would particularly love to work for a church full-time. Knowing that everything I’m doing this year is ultimately gospel-focused and for the Kingdom of God gives me a fresh sense of passion and purpose. I now have a passion for using social media and my creative gifting to reach a new generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What would you say to someone else considering the Intern Year?
I would say…If you’re passionate about serving the local church, have a particular interest in one of the intern areas (comms, kids, youth, production, worship, etc.), want to be stretched and challenged in your faith, or even just want a deeper understanding of the Bible, GO FOR IT!
I guarantee that you’re going to grow in one way or another, especially if you go into the year with the mindset of wanting to make the most of it. It’s a commitment for sure, but a very worthwhile investment into your relationship with God, with others, and your future!
— Radi Mateeva