By Eliza Rohda ‘26
Last week, York University’s Center for Ministry held its first internship fair in the Campbell Activity Center. Eleven churches and one camp from 10 states were represented, eager to share summer opportunities with students.
“As this was our first ministry fair, we were uncertain about what to expect, but we were really pleased with the outcome,” said Dr. Anessa Westbrook, Co-Executive Director of the Center for Ministry. “The students displayed genuine interest, and attendance at the event was strong.”
Students were able to learn more about a variety of internships, ranging from work in youth and children’s ministry, to camp counseling and church planting. Some positions were close to home—Camp Sonshine in Roca, Nebraska, was represented, as well as Nebraskan churches like Heartlands Church (Lincoln) and Southwest Church of Christ (Omaha). Churches from across the Midwest attended, such as East Point Church of Christ (Wichita, Kansas), Eastside Church of Christ (Colorado Springs, Colorado), Elkhorn Church of Christ (Elkhorn, Wisconsin), Linder Road Church of Christ (Meridian, Iowa), Northpoint Christian Church (Spearfish, South Dakota) and Odessa Church of Christ (Odessa, Missouri). Other churches came from as far as Grapevine, Texas (Grapevine Church of Christ), Knoxville, Tennessee (West End Church of Christ) and Bowie, Maryland (Bowie Church of Christ).
According to Dr. Anessa Westbrook, recruiters “reported receiving promising leads, and they were encouraged by the level of student interest here at York.”
Coinciding with the fair, the Center for Ministry also hosted a free youth ministry workshop led by Dr. Dudley Chancey. The co-founder and director of Winterfest and the Intergenerational Faith Center, Dr. Chancey brings 25 years of youth ministry experience with him, as well as 25 years of experience in training youth ministers. Attendees were able to learn from him on topics such as spiritual development and teaching.
Dr. Dudley Chancey
Looking forward, York University students can expect to attend events like these in the coming years. Dr. Anessa Westbrook emphasized that “both the Center for Ministry and the Bible department are committed to serving as a bridge between students and churches, helping students gain practical ministry experience opportunities through internships and visits to area churches.”