A position in the ministry will require you to harmonize the truth and ideals of the gospel with professional competence and theory. Use your time at Bethel to develop sill in a variety of ministries to complement your coursework.
What is Your Focus?
Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you
to compete for some of the most popular Biblical & Theological
Studies jobs today.
Pastorate
Job Titles:
Senior or Associate Pastor, Campus Pastor
Potential Employers:
Churches, College Campuses
Strategies:
- Seek out pastors to serve as mentors
- Apply for graduate programs in your denominational seminary
- Earn leadership positions in your church and at Bethel
- Strengthen listening, public speaking, and organizational skills
- Read classic and recent works on the topic of church leadership
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Youth Ministry
Job Titles:
Youth Minister
Potential Employers:
Churches, Youth Organizations (Younglife, etc.)
Strategies:
- Pursue mentoring relationships with youth ministers you respect
- Gain experience working with youth groups in multiple roles
- Consider graduate programs in Biblical Counseling
- Explore career options with both churches and organizations
- Keep your finger on the pulse of pop and youth culture
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Professor
Job Titles:
Professor of Undergraduate, Graduate, or Doctoral studies
Potential Employers:
Universities, Seminaries
Strategies:
- Apply for graduate programs in your denominational seminary
- Gain research and written communication skills
- Practice public speaking and teaching
- Develop excellent time management and prioritization skills
- Explore theology to discover your calling in areas of specialization
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Missionary
Job Titles:
Domestic or Interantional Missionary, Missions Board Administrator
Potential Employers:
Churches, Mission Organizations
Strategies:
- Serve with as many short-term opportunities as possible
- Develop relationships with current missionaries and support them
- Pursue opportunities iwth a variety of mission boards
- Learn several lanuguages and study several cultures
- Prepare financially, emotionally, and spiritually for your ministry
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Biblical Counseling
Job Titles:
Counselor
Potential Employers:
Churches, Clinics, Counseling Centers, Hospitals, Private Practice, Colleges
Strategies:
- Consider a minor or double major in Psychology
- Apply for graduate programs in your denominational seminary
- Increase active listening and peer counseling skills
- Develop oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrate ability to work independently and in groups
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Recreational/Camp Ministries
Job Titles:
Camp Administrator, Camp Staff
Potential Employers:
Youth Organization Camps, Wilderness Organizations, Retreat Centers
Strategies:
- Acquire experience working on several levels of a camp staff
- Gain expertise in a variety of sports and outdoor activities
- Network with area camp directors and staff members
- Obtain experience with team building and leadership development
- Earn leadership positions on the Bethel campus
- Demonstrate ability to work independently and in groups
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Other Options
Writing and Publishing, Chaplain (armed forces, hospitals, sports teams), Music Ministry
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BTS Employment Web Sites
General Career Exploration Website - http://online.onetcenter.org
Spotlight on Careers Website - www.spotlightoncareers.org
For
current employment websites, type keywords such as "pastoral or youth ministry jobs" in an online search engine.
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Professional Associations
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Need More Info?
For more information or assistance with an internship,
graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment
with one of the Counselors in the Office of Career Services by calling
651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.
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Adapted From:
http://www.msj.edu/academics/career
