Engaging in local ministries proves to be a win-win for students, churches

Thomas is one of the dozens of UMHB students who serve in area churches as youth ministers, worship lead­ers, musicians, audio/lighting technicians, and more.

Dr. Bill Carrell, who teachers the Introduction to Christian Ministry course, requires all his students to en­gage in some type of ministerial work at least two hours each week either through a church or in a church-relat­ed benevolence ministry in the community.

"In the class, we cover the theology of ministry, calling to ministry, ethics in ministry, and the practice of ministry; however, the only way to truly learn how to minister is by actually engaging in ministry," said Carrell.

Some students are quick self-starters and are already volunteering or even employed by local churches. Other students have a more difficult time plugging into church­es and ministry when they first come to campus.

Carrell says the requirement for each student to be involved in a ministry gives the student the incentive to get involved and to volunteer.

"By engaging in a local ministry, students can better explore their callings and clarify what God is ultimately leading them to do," said Carrell, who also leads the Vocaré initiative, which helps students find a deeper understanding of their calling.

Marcy Mynatt, an adjunct professor of Christian Studies, says students pursuing a calling to ministry often come to UMHB with "rose-colored glasses."

"Some students discover through their church work that they are called to church vocational ministry. Oth­ers find they are more suited for teaching, missions, or the secular workforce," she said. "We try to help stu­dents see that all Christians are called to ministry, but that calling can be lived out in many different ways."

UMHB has earned a reputation among the com­munity churches who have come to trust the type of students UMHB attracts, Mynatt said.

"Our students bring a deep love for God and a heart overflowing with a desire to serve," she said. "Our students multiply the work that churches can do, as well, and our students are truly valued by these churches who experience great joy in seeing our students succeed."

For Hannah Glass ’21, who graduated in December with a double-major in art and Christian studies, getting involved in a church is essential to the college experience, she believes, even for students not planning to go into ministry.

"Whenever you leave high school, there's a lot of uncertainty and doubt, especially in your faith," said Hannah, who worked as an intern worship pastor at Canyon Creek Baptist Church her last few years of college.

"In the United States, we see numbers of Christians dropping in this age range," said Hannah. “Getting involved in a ministry as a college student surrounds you with people who are all there for the same purpose. They're all there to love the Lord and learn more about Him and have community. If you have the opportunity to serve in any capacity, you'll be blessed beyond all measure. Plus, it doesn't feel like work!"

As a worship intern, she learned to help plan the worship services. A couple of Sundays each semester, she even got to take the reins and lead. She's not a huge fan of public speaking, but singing and playing music comes naturally.

"It's a little bit scary sometimes, being in front of a bunch of people," she said. "But at the same time, I re­mind myself that we don't have to worry about anything because we're just out there worshiping the Lord. And there's a comfort in that. It's just an honor to praise Him on Sunday together with an amazing group of people. As long as I place my hope and trust in the Lord, He takes care of the rest."

When Hannah first came to UMHB, she was an ed­ucation major. But just days before her first class started, she felt the Lord tugging on her heart. She changed her major to Christian Studies and began "pursuing her passion."

Being a worship leader at her church was a "blessing."

"It allowed me to apply the knowledge I was learn­ing through my courses to a real-life church setting," she said.

Dr. Robert Pendergraft, assistant professor of church music, estimates that at least 20 or more UMHB stu­dents are working at local churches in any given semes­ter.

"That number doesn't surprise me, though," he said. "If we're serious about integrating faith and learning in the classroom, then our students will go out and serve the local church with their gifts and abilities that they are honing while at UMHB."

He said the local churches view UMHB as a place where skills and philosophy intersect, and churches are excited to engage our students.

"For the student, it is an opportunity to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in a practical setting while working with professionals in the field," Pendergraft said. "For churches, it gives an infusion of youth and ability that may be missing in their congre­gations."

Working and volunteering at local churches also give students a heart for service.

"It allows them to develop a pattern of service while they're in college that we hope will go with them upon graduation," he said.

For Dr. Frank Teat, pastor of First Baptist Church Hol­land, having students like Thomas at the church infuses energy, enthusiasm, and a "zeal for serving the Lord" that is an encouragement to many.

"It truly is a joy to have someone like Thomas on staff here and to be able to watch God work through him, and many others is a powerful encouragement to me as a pastor," Teat said. "It drives me to desire to be even more faithful in the passing on of experience and wisdom from the Lord that others have poured into me through the years."

Having college students involved in ministry is a win-win, said Dr. Tim Marrow, an area representative for Texas Baptist and former interim pastor for First Baptist Church Moffat. Not only does it help the college student gain valuable experience, it also helps supply a never-ending pool of energetic young workers to help in the church.

"It's an investment in both the church's life and the student's life, which is the greatest investment, to me, because it's an investment with the kingdom," he said. "These students are impacting eternity."

In 2020, Marrow hired UMHB student Sammy Castaneda as the church's youth minister.

Just as Thomas Kinnin loved "preaching" to his playground buddies, Sammy did too and was always sharing the Bible with his friends.

He says one of his goals as a youth minister is to always be available to his students. When he was growing up, his home church went through five youth pastors from his seventh- through 12th-grade years.

"Part of my call to ministry is because of what I lacked growing up," he said. "I want to amend that if I can."

When Marrow offered Sammy the job, Sammy wasn't even 20 yet. Sammy let the fear of doubt get the best of him, and debated if he should take the position.

"I've always felt like I'm unworthy of the things that I'm given and think, 'I'm not worthy. I haven't done enough yet. I haven't earned this spot yet. I don't think I can do it,'” Sammy said. “Then, a friend told me, 'Sammy, you're never going to feel worthy. You're never going to feel like you know enough. So, get over yourself!'"

Sammy said he turned his trust to God, and he has "loved every day since."

With a youth group that started with only three students, Sammy’s group now has nine regulars, and sometimes the classes push 14 or 15—many of whom have never been to church.

"It's been a testament to how the Lord uses us to bring about the change," said Sammy.

It's been an immersive experience that has helped prepare him for his future, he added.

"It's tough to know when God is speaking because it's really hard for people just to stop and listen," he said. "This has given me the tools I need to be flexible and know when God's speaking.”