Greenville University’s Theology Experience Track Helps Students

Published: October 15, 2026

Author: Liz Dowell

The Theology Major Experience Track is made possible through the generosity of Lilly Endowment, Inc. and its 2025 Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, awarded to Roberts Wesleyan University in partnership with Greenville University to create the Free Methodist Theological Connection.

When Ella Hudspath left for a summer ministry internship in Texas, she had never visited the state and knew no one in the community where she would serve. She also faced a practical question familiar to college students: How would she afford the experience?

Greenville University’s Theology Major Experience Track helped answer that question. With funding to cover living and travel expenses, Hudspath could focus on learning what pastoral ministry might look like in her own life.

“I was able to focus on what God’s doing in me and the work in the church,” she said.

The track supports theology majors pursuing a call to ministry, connecting classroom learning with practical experience, mentorship, and opportunities to develop ministry skills. Any GU theology major can apply to join. Once accepted, students may apply for up to $5,000 in funding for experiential learning opportunities, including summer internships, study abroad, and conference attendance.

According to Aubrey McClain, associate professor of theology and chair of the humanities division, the first group of students benefited from the track in summer 2026. Funding helped cover internship-related tuition, housing, travel, and groceries.

Room to Explore a Calling

Hudspath, a senior double majoring in worship arts and theology, completed her internship at First Methodist Conroe in Conroe, Texas, through the Global Methodist Church’s Trinity Conference.

Much of her previous ministry experience had centered on worship. As a pastoral intern, she had room to explore other aspects of her calling among people who had not first known her as a worship leader.

Church leaders welcomed her questions, shared their time, and helped her experience ministry beyond her familiar responsibilities.

“My eyes were just opened to the fullness of my calling in so many ways,” Hudspath said.

To apply for funding, she submitted a proposal outlining the internship, its connection to her studies, how she would track her growth, and how she planned to use the money. The support covered food and transportation, letting her participate without the same financial pressure.

The community she found also changed the experience.

“The hardest part was going, and then the hardest part was leaving,” she said.

Learning What Ministry Requires

For senior Margaret Bellew, the track helped make a summer internship at Christ Community Church in Columbus, Georgia, possible.

Bellew, a Liberian proud of her African heritage, is double majoring in social work and theology with a concentration in ministry. She hopes to serve as both a social worker or therapist and a pastor.

Her connection to the church began through a GU opportunity to participate in an African Heritage Network gathering. That introduction led to an invitation to apply for the church’s internship.

During the summer, Bellew participated in pastoral care, worked with high school students, attended board meetings, and helped host a conference. She also preached her first sermon and witnessed her first ordination.

The experience revealed the daily work behind pastoral leadership and strengthened her confidence in pursuing ministry. One meaningful responsibility was helping three students prepare to share Scripture with their peers at Bible study, giving her an opportunity to support the next generation’s growth.

Funding helped cover her internship courses, food, and travel expenses.

“I was really able to be all in with my internship because I wasn’t worried about my finances,” Bellew said.

Returning with Greater Purpose

Both students expect to graduate in spring 2027. They returned to GU with practical ministry experience, new relationships, and a clearer understanding of where God might be leading them.

For Bellew, the summer was edifying and strengthened by a conviction that has shaped her college journey.

“Where the Lord leads, he provides,” she said.

For Hudspath, stepping into an unfamiliar community became an opportunity to discover more of her calling. For Bellew, learning the demands of ministry strengthened her desire to serve. Through the Theology Experience Track, both had the support to take that next step—and return better prepared for the work ahead.

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