by Hannah Gruber ’10

Antioch. It’s the church where the early Christians gathered and were equipped for ministry. In fall 2007, a present-day Antioch—Antioch Way—launched to spur undergraduates to consider careers in pastoral ministries in hopes of breaking the seminary enrollment decline. Now, celebrating the completion of its first year with 26 involved students, Antioch Way is recapturing the early church’s same desire and mission for enabling Christians to minister effectively to the world.

Students who join the program are required to commit for two years, taking the recommended courses, meeting with mentors in various ministries both on and off campus, and taking two paid internships—one on campus their junior year and one off campus their senior year. The program is underwritten by the generosity of The Kern Family Foundation.

Program Director Dale Durie explained that the program isn’t limited to students in any one major. The 13 men and 13 women who have joined the program have majors from many different departments, including communications, psychology, biblical and theological studies, and social work. Durie hopes Antioch Way challenges students to pursue avenues they might not have considered before.

“There’s a need to help students experience through internships what it’s like having this type of job. It’s different then going to school, seminary, and then getting a job and realizing ‘whoa, this is it?’” said Durie.

Antioch Way has partnered with churches across the Twin Cities to provide internships and job shadowing opportunities that are vital pieces to the ministry puzzle. Junior Aaron Damjanovich, a biblical and theological studies and communications double major, job shadowed the youth pastors at Eagle Brook Church this past year; the experience led to a full-time internship with Eagle Brook.

“If it weren’t for Antioch Way, I would have never have met with my mentor or been plugged into the church right now,” said Damjanovich.

Antioch Way students also build community by participating in social gatherings and retreats. Last fall Durie hired Vision Trekk, a leadership training organization, which led activities similar to the Amazing Race to help gauge students’ leadership qualities.

Durie is encouraged by Antioch Way’s success. With a budget for 30 students, he is currently recruiting and has 28 prospects for the upcoming year.

“At the beginning of this year I had my mind set on the idea that there was no way that I would ever go to seminary or be a pastor,” said junior Laura Anderson. “In fact, even the word ‘pastor’ scared me for some reason. However, over the course of this year—through times with Antioch Way members and leaders, retreats, mentoring, and job shadowing—I am now considering both seminary and being a pastor.”