Preaching, Adult Education, Church Council & Confirmation

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Bethel belongs to the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ. We are an Open and Affirming Church. We have an average worship attendance of 80, made up of people from Elmhurst and surrounding communities. We are a congregation of Christians open to all and extending Christ’s welcome to everyone.

Our church has a strong music ministry, a commitment to outreach (10% of our pledged income is distributed to ministries outside of our church), and a economically and politically diverse membership. Bethel is a progressive, warm-hearted community with big dreams. We are in the midst of a building project to make our facilities accessible to all.

STUDENT PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Ministry opportunities would include, but not be limited to, opportunities for at least two preaching turns, adult education , Church Council (serving in an ex officio capacity) , and confirmation. Our hope is to give the student diverse exposure to local church ministry including worship leadership, education and administration. Our church is open to new ministry ideas and appreciates intellectually rigorous sermons and classes.

STUDENT PLACEMENT EXPECTATIONS:

We would expect the student intern to be present in worship an average of 3 Sundays a month. We hope he or she might work with our adult education program on Sunday mornings before worship and also participate in worship. We would like the student intern to take an active role in other church activities, such as meetings, book studies, etc. as time permits.

PHILOSOPHY OF STUDY SUPERVISION:

A supervisor has the responsibility of giving a student meaningful ministry opportunities, coaching him or her, providing opportunities for reflection and feedback and supporting his or her professional growth.

I believe in equipping and encouraging my co-workers in ministry. I support independent thought and action. I try to provide resources, encouragement, support and constructive feedback. I welcome new ideas. Throughout the internship, the student intern will be encouraged to reflect on what is working and what could be improved. Mistakes are not only inevitable; they are our best opportunities for growth. In all things, we turn to God for support, encouragement and guidance.

I expect professional and ethical behavior. A student intern will be expected to understand and follow the UCC code of ethics for ministers.

I hope Bethel can be a supportive, challenging, and responsive community for a student to share gifts for ministry and his or her honest faith in God.

STIPEND AVAILABILITY:

We offer a $1,000 stipend.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:

Bethel Church is located 1.2 miles from the Elmhurst Metra station on the Union Pacific West line.