Ministry Interns: Embracing an Adventure That's More Than a Job

Published: April 13, 2021

Forbes Magazine ranks the leadership role of pastor as Tougher than corporate CEO and tougher than U.S. congressperson. It's no wonder, either, when you consider the hats a pastor wears: teacher, public speaker, counselor, accountant, manager of volunteers, not to mention expert in ancient texts, the human soul, and God.

Greenville University's Ben Wayman, assistant professor of theology and director of GU's Ministry Internship Program, says internships provide ministry students with critical education that cannot be learned in the classroom.

Wayman helps students find internships that are a good fit for them, offer various experiences, and allow them to explore and deepen their areas of interest.

"My main goal," he says, "is for them to clarify their calling."

This summer, Wayman supervised nine interns serving throughout the U.S. and extending even to Russia. Among them, Panther football defensive lineman and captain Mark Barigye ministered to adults, youth and children at Living Spring Church, a Free Methodist congregation in Garden Grove, California.

Ministry interns often serve in pastoral ministry or pastoral ministry combined with a focus, such as youth, childrens or college ministry. Students this summer also gained experience combining pastoral ministry with sports and with administration. OneDani Pearcedeveloped a sports ministry for her semi-pro soccer team.

G.U.s Ministry Internship Program directly supports the Universitys strategic plan by offering experiential learning opportunities and developing compelling academic programs that meet student needs. For information about coming alongside a ministry intern, contact Ben Wayman at ben.wayman@greenville.edu.

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