School of Ministry Students Step Boldly into the Future of Church Leadership

This week, the Concordia University Texas community gathered in celebration and prayer as students from the School of Ministry received their church placements and internship assignments during the annual Ministry Placement Day.

Each year, this sacred moment marks a significant milestone for ministry students. It is a time of commissioning, sending, and recognizing the calling God has placed on each of their lives. For these students, it is the start of their real-world ministry work and a bold step into the roles they've been preparing for throughout their time at CTX.

“This is how we help students step into their first ministry role,” said Dr. Jacob Youmans, Professor of Religious Education. “They’re placed in churches and ministries around the world, where they can begin applying everything they’ve learned over the past four years. It’s the first step in what we hope will be a lifelong calling.”

Dr. Grant Carey, Professor of Education in the School of Ministry, added, “It’s a chance to gain real-world experience while still staying connected to the university and being supported by mentors during this important transition.”

For students like Krista, placement feels like home. "I absolutely love my church placement," she said. "They're such a wonderful group of people. It's a second home to me... it's been such a healing journey."

She credits CTX with preparing her for the emotional and relational challenges of ministry. "The classes were helpful, but the relationships I built here helped me through this journey. I know now that I'm not alone in my Christian faith."

Sophie Lee, now returning to her home church in a new capacity, reflects on the shift from student to professional: "I'll be the full-time worship leader, doing it all on my own. It’s a really good atmosphere to grow and it’s comfortable to make mistakes because it's a loving community that I’ve already grown up in."

Sophie said her experience leading worship through Chapel and Refuge at CTX has prepared her well for the technical and spiritual leadership aspects of her role. "The professors helped me grow relationship-wise, and I've learned how to help others grow and find their potential."

Major Smith and Raley Ehlers will serve together in Illinois—an uncommon opportunity for an engaged couple in ministry. "This is where the Lord is leading us," Major said. "It has nothing to do with us. That idea of being a fool for Christ—leaving Texas, going to a new state with no family—that’s being a fool for Christ."

Raley added, "It’s such a blessing that we get to do ministry together as a couple. The Lord really provided a place for both of us."

Reflecting on their time at CTX, they both pointed to the influence of campus ministry, mentorship from professors, and hands-on experience as vital preparation. "Ministry is not just a job," said Major. "It’s every Christian’s calling."

Chad Kelly shared that his internship represents God's faithfulness in unexpected ways. "It’s where God is calling. And so, where God calls, we’re going to go."

He also echoed the theme shared by so many of his peers: "Ministry is relationships. It’s loving people in every circumstance. It’s not a profession, it’s a way of life. It’s being a fool for Jesus."

As these students step into new communities and new responsibilities, they do so with the support and prayers of the Concordia Texas community. They go not alone, but as called and sent servants of Christ, ready to lead, to learn, and to love.