Ministry Inquiry Program
07/29/2019
Jenny Dorsey explored her future through the Ministry Inquiry Program.
Summer Program confirms calling
Jenny Dorsey ’21, a Bible and theology major, from Hilliard, Ohio, is living out her future this summer as a participant in the Ministry Inquiry Program (MIP). For 11 weeks, she interned at Sharon Mennonite Church in Plain City, Ohio, to experience the many aspects of a minister’s life and work.
Dorsey’s future goal is to be a youth pastor. Through MIP, a partnership between Bluffton University and Mennonite Church USA, she’s learned “this is definitely the right path for me.”
One of the most impactful projects for Dorsey, so far, has been preparing for and participating in the congregation’s week-long Work Camp.
“I have been pleasantly surprised by the level of service from this congregation. They have a very strong belief in service and that there are needs to meet within their own community,” explained Dorsey. “So instead of going on a mission trip abroad, they do missions within Plain City. I think that’s awesome.”
Dorsey was placed with Sharon Mennonite back in the fall for the summer opportunity. This allowed her to be part of the planning committee for Work Camp. She attended meetings by Skype during the academic year and was in charge of developing daily devotionals and the accompanying curriculum.
Since the church does not currently have a youth pastor, Dorsey has also been working to keep the youth connected over the summer.
“Part of my job has been filing in that gap and to make sure the students are meeting and growing together,” said Dorsey. “We have Bible studies and game nights, and I’m planning a lot of other activities for the students this summer.”
While Dorsey is most interested in youth ministry, she has been exploring all aspects of the calling.
“Just because I love youth ministry right now doesn’t mean it will be my forever so I’ve been doing visitations this summer, sitting in on worship ministry meetings and going to council meetings for the church.”
On campus, Dorsey is also engaged in growing and sharing her passion as president of the Spiritual Life Week (SLW) committee, which organizes two large-scale, faith-filled weeks on campus each year.
She’s used skills developed in Dr. Alex Sider’s classes as well as Dr. Jackie Wyse Rhodes’ classes to “take a diverse group of people and perspectives and help them come together as one to be transformed by God’s love.”
Through her work in both MIP and SLW, she is gaining the experience to make her greater purpose in life a reality.
“My goal is to lead youth groups that are loving and accepting, open and inviting.”