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Career Services

Biblical & Theological Studies or Youth Ministry

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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

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

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

Missionary

Job Titles:
Domestic or International 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 with a variety of mission boards
  • Learn several languages and study several cultures
  • Prepare financially, emotionally, and spiritually for your ministry

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

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

Other Options

Writing and Publishing, Chaplain (armed forces, hospitals, sports teams), Music Ministry

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - http://online.onetcenter.org
Spotlight on Careers Website - www.spotlightoncareers.org (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "pastoral or youth ministry jobs" in an online search engine.

Job Search Sites Specific to Your Major

AWANA Clubs International - A nonprofit evangelical Christian organization headquartered in Streamwood, Illinois that works with more than 12,000 churches in 119 countries to equip them to evangelize and disciple children and teenagers by providing Bible-based weekly programs and leadership training. 

Bethel Seminary placement office site.

ChristianJobs.com - Search for jobs and post a resume.  Basic membership is free, premium membership is $15/mo.

Christianplacements.com  Job seekers can connect with Christian ministries and businesses, as well as access a variety of job search resources.

Christian University Jobs - Post resume, search for jobs, set up alerts.

Ministry Source - Find jobs, post resume.

Moody Bible Institute - Positions at Moody Bible Institute.

Northwestern College - Positions available at Northwestern College for faculty, staff, and radio personnel.  24-hour Jobline - 651.628.3389.

Wheaton College - For information on the positions available at Wheaton.

Professional Associations

Need More Info?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Services by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.

Adapted From:
http://www.msj.edu/academics/career