Intern Reflects on Explore Experience

I was in seventh grade the first time someone told me that I should go into the ministry, but I never considered that it could be an option for my life until the end of my first year of college. The EXPLORE summer internship program gave me the opportunity to question and discern what a call to ministry really entails. As an EXPLORE intern serving at Mt. Pleasant UMC, I led children’s Sunday school, preschool VBS, and a middle school small group bible study. I also preached, chaperoned the youth’s mission trip, made home/hospital visits, and attended other various church-related meetings and functions. Everyday my love for humanity deepened as I learned how to serve and understand different individuals within the church and community setting. I learned how to live a more examined life that is centered in Christ and overflowing in grace and mercy as I visited homebound elderly and those sick in the hospital. I also redefined my definition of ministry. I discovered that, as Christ-followers, we are called to be in ministry in everything that we say and do. Our lives are our ministries to shape, mold and transform the world. I learned that one does not need an order of ordination to be in the business of ministry. As an EXPLORE intern, I built life-long friendships with church members, leadership, and fellow mentees that I will always treasure and hold dear to my heart. I struggled with what God’s call is for my life, I prayed, I sought out guidance and I prayed some more. While I did not necessarily receive a “yes” or “no” as to whether I am called to ordained ministry, what I did receive is a rejuvenated spirit that is full of hope that God has a plan for me. I have a peace in my heart knowing that God has a plan for me greater than anything I could ever dream myself. If that plan for me happens to be ordained ministry, then I will joyfully say, “…put me to what You will.” I continue to respond to God’s call by leading a bible study on my college campus, practicing my pastoral skills as a Resident Assistant, and allowing myself the space and time to discern God’s call for my life. Tiffany Jones is a student at High Point University and participated in Explore in 2014.  She was placed at Mt. Pleasant UMC in Sherrills Ford in the Catawba Valley district.  Make an Application for 2015