Internships/Research
If you’re interested in Christian ministry, consider participating in the Ministry Inquiry Program one summer. MIP is open to students of any denomination. You’ll be placed in a Mennonite congregation where the pastor and people will mentor you as you learn what it’s like to preach, lead worship, plan youth activities, and visit members.
Seniors in the department must complete a year-long research project on a topic of their choice. Some recent senior seminar topics have included:
- Principle and Process: The Call of a Church Document
- The Lord’s Resistance Army and Religious Rhetoric in Uganda, 1980 to 2000
- Fragile Bonds and Global Fellowship: The Ninth Mennonite World Conference in Curitiba, Brazil, 1972
- Emplaced: A Personal and Scholarly Exploration of Sacred Space
- A Church Divided: Fundamentalism and Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, Neb., 1934-1950
Study Abroad
Bethel College has offered a 3-week travel course to Israel/Palestine every other year called the Jerusalem Seminar for over two decades. The seminar involves visits to archaeological and historical sites, meetings with Jewish, Arab Christian and Muslim spokespersons, and field visits to various organizations and projects.
The objectives of the seminar are:
- to explore the biblical text in the context of the history and geography of Palestine;
- to learn about the religions of the Middle East – Judaism, Islam and Eastern Christianity;
- to develop an understanding of the conflict in Israel/Palestine by meeting with spokespersons from different perspectives;
- to focus on personal spiritual renewal by experiencing the land and setting out of which our Judeo-Christian faith has come.
Vocation Seminar
The seminar is an informal gathering of people who want to explore the meaning of Christian vocation or calling. Who are we called to be—in relationship to God, ourselves, other persons, and the cosmos?
Students with all kinds of interests are welcome to join the seminar. The seminar is mainly designed for students:
- With interests in religious studies
- Committed to nurturing their Christian faith
- Wanting to dialogue with persons with similar interests
- Interested in serving in the life of the church as a lay person
- Considering full-time professional work in a church vocation
- Bible and Religion majors or minors, or those considering a major or minor
Students receive 1/2 hour credit per semester. Auditors are welcome.
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Expand your campus experience with internships or service placements, building networks with professional contacts. Complement your academic preparations with career readiness through resume and interview guidance. Find an on-campus or off-campus job that provides you with relevant real-world experience and financial resources.
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