Opportunities often come quietly, through the routines of ordinary days. For Marc, pursuing the campus pastor internship began with simple observation. Last year, he roomed with the previous intern. Watching his roommate live out that role sparked an interest in the Campus Pastor internship.
“I saw the different work that he did, and this excited me,” Marc explained. “After talking to the campus pastor at the time, John Michael, and different leadership in student affairs, I applied. I said, ‘I want to be able to serve this campus in a more intentional way.’”
“I was super blessed and honored that I was able to step into a role where I could serve this campus and have the support of the leadership,” Marc said. “To be able to do the work that the Lord has put in my heart at Grace Christian University, it meant everything.”
What Does a Campus Pastor Intern Do?
Marc’s internship was a chance for him to step deeper into ministry life and strengthen his experience in leadership. He had already been faithfully serving in ministries at his church, Eastport Bible, but this internship allowed him to grow even further.
“Starting off every Monday, we have a meeting where we run through what chapel is going to look like and how we can best serve,” he shared.
That could mean setting up testimony appointments, preparing for Thursday chapel, planning formation or teaching chapels, preaching, or introducing speakers on stage. Alongside chapel duties, Marc met with five to six students weekly or biweekly for mentorship.
“I’m super blessed that I’m able to do that with the support of the campus pastor and student affairs leadership,” Marc said. “To see what it looks like to be a pastor, that’s why you do an internship. You get a base and a feel of what life is going to look like.”
His heart is for ministry and pastoral work. This internship grew his heart for ministry and pastoral work and gave him hands-on experience that he knows will help him in the future.
Learning the Importance of Showing Up
One of Marc’s biggest takeaways from this year was simple but profound: showing up matters.
“About two months ago, we had a meeting for chapel, and they really stressed that I should be at this meeting,” he said.
Marc was running late from another meeting but arrived to realize nothing discussed seemed relevant to him. Frustrated, he raised his hand and asked why he was even there. The answer was quick and dismissive. But afterward, campus pastor Danny G pulled him aside.
“He said, ‘Marc, in ministry, a lot of times it’s just about showing up. It’s about being a steady hand for people.’”
That conversation stuck with him.
“As I’m growing and maturing in different administrative roles, sometimes stuff just isn’t about you. But as a leader and pastor, you have to know when to show up. You have to be a friend, and a steady hand. You have to be there to support others in the ministry that they’re doing.”
Being Teachable
Marc describes himself as passionate, a go-getter by nature. But he admits that can hurt him sometimes.
“I can do things without thinking, or I can be a little rash,” he said. “To be in this position and under people, in an internship, to be checked, mentored, and continually poured into, it’s been huge.”
He’s learned the importance of asking for help and staying teachable.
“One of the biggest downfalls of pastors in America is their pride,” Marc said. “As I and other young men and women head into ministry, there’s such an importance on being teachable. You have to humble yourself in a position to allow people to breathe life into you, correct you, and reprove you so you can be effective in ministry the way Christ envisioned us to.”
He reflected on Jesus’ ministry, noting that even His disciples needed correction.
“If the disciples just went out there and Jesus never corrected them, it would be a pretty messy ministry. But you see Jesus doing it with love, but also with a firm hand.”
Looking Ahead
Marc graduated this past May with his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. After graduation, he plans to head into two residencies across the country for about a year as he prepares for pastoral licensing.
“During that time, I’m just being in continual prayer and networking to see what the Lord has for me,” he shared. “Whether that’s church ministry, missions work, or parachurch organizations, the experience I’m getting now is going to be priceless for what the Lord has for me.”
He feels blessed that so many people have poured into him and given him opportunities to grow.
“I’m so excited to keep taking opportunities to serve the Lord, to grow the church, and leave an impact for Christ,” Marc said.
A Word to Freshman Marc
If Marc could go back and speak to his freshman self, he knows exactly what he’d say.
“I would give him a hug,” Marc said with a smile. “And I would tell him that everything’s going to be okay. You’re going to mess up, and you’re going to learn a lot. Be confident that there are people who love you, who care about you, who want to give you wise counsel and see you grow and succeed.”
Above all, he’d remind himself of his identity in Christ.
“You are so loved by the Creator of the universe. He has such an incredible plan for you. Just keep being patient because it’s all going to be okay.”
Next Steps
Check out Why You Need an Internship on the Grace Christian University blog to see how internships can grow your skills, faith, and future opportunities.
