Christian Ministries Careers
Goshen College Alumni
Here are some current positions held by alumni:
- Associate Pastor
- Cancer Research Technician
- Chaplain
- Shelter Manager
- Elementary School Teacher
- High School Teacher
- Lawyer
- Missionary
- Photographer
- Policy Advocate
- Property Maintenance Manager
- Senior Pastor
- Service Adventure Leader
- Social Worker
- Winter Shelter Coordinator
- Youth Pastor
Overview
Christian ministry is a challenging calling that requires broad preparation — from studying theology and church organization to learning about worship planning to understanding the pressures affecting youth today. To make a difference in the lives of young people through Christ-centered leadership, effective youth pastors need to know how to build relationships, motivate people, handle conflict, counsel individuals in crisis, work with small and large groups and create vision for a purposeful ministry.
The theological studies and Christian ministries minor is designed as pre-seminary preparation for work in youth ministry or other church ministries. However, regardless of their future occupation, majors are given a strong foundation for careful reading of texts, thinking theologically, considering the relevance of faith for their daily lives, and active participation in congregational life.
About the coursework
The youth ministry major is designed to provide students with an introduction to biblical studies and the academic study of Christian and other religious traditions, while affirming their faith and orienting them toward the value that the Anabaptist tradition places upon the Bible and the church.
In addition to the coursework, youth ministry majors will be expected to take part in the life of a local congregation, to meet with the pastor on a regular basis, and to observe a local youth ministry program over a one- to two-year period — evaluating the program, helping plan an event and perhaps providing some leadership. These experiences will help shape the student’s emerging pastoral identity.
Possible courses include:
- Jesus and the Gospels
- Hebrew Scriptures
- Religion and Sexuality
- Christian Faith
- Worshipping Communities
- Spiritual Care and Healing
- Transforming Conflict & Violence
- Contemporary Issues in Youth Ministry
For a full list of requirements and courses, refer to the course catalog.
Possible career paths
Recent graduates from the Bible and religion department have gone on to become pastors, service workers, professors, hospital chaplains, teachers, journalists, public relations consultants, lawyers, farmers, computer analysts, musicians, artists, business executives, translators, and church administrators.
The list below provides several career options, but it is not exhaustive. Please note that some positions require additional education.
- Campus Religious Coordinator
- Chaplain
- Church Administrator
- Church Camp Director
- Community Organizer
- Community Relations Specialist
- Director of Social Service Agency
- Editor
- Family Counselor
- Grant Writer
- Guidance Counselor
- High School Teacher
- Human Rights Advocate
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Middle School Teacher
- Missionary
- Music Minister
- Non-profit Worker
- Pastor
- Peace Corps Volunteer
- Policy Analyst
- Professor
- Public Relations Specialist
- Religious Bookstore Manager
- Religious Education Director
- Residence Hall Director
- Social Worker
- University/Seminary Administrator
- Women’s & Children’s Shelter Worker
- Writer
- Youth/Child Advocate
- Youth Emergency Shelter Worker
- Youth Pastor
Additional resources
- Explore Ministry from the Fund for Theological Education
- Youth Specialties
- Mennonite Mission Network
- From the Occupational Outlook Handbook: