Areas of Interest
SMI allows for both traditional ministry settings as well as creative, non-traditional ministry environments – whether in a church or volunteering with other ministry organizations, ministry-directed students can explore a variety of ministry experiences or specialize in one area. The goal is to gain relevant ministry training that is intentional in preparing for the future. Within SMI’s guidelines, student ministers can seek approval for ministry involvement. Perhaps one of the following areas of interest is beneficial for consideration, but the possibilities are endless.
The Possibilities Are Endless
Apartment LifeSMI and Apartment Life have strategically partnered to foster mutual success for student minister participants. Apartment Life promotes relational ministry through resident chaplaincy in apartment complexes located in various metropolitan cities in the United States. Student ministers can garner additional compensation through SMI as required by Apartment Life and maximize their time, income and ministry while serving with Apartment Life. For additional information, click here.
Because SMI allows compensation for ministry involvement during the journey of educational preparation and possibly even one year beyond graduation to allow for transition into full-time ministry, the opportunity through SMI for those called to plant a church could be especially beneficial. Without burdening the budget of a newly begun church and with freedom from denominational polity, the possibility exists for a student minister to continue with SMI for up to one year allowing the tithe of the church to directly fund its expansion rather than balancing this responsibility in conjunction with funding the salary of staff. The initial year then provides opportunity for the church plant to establish stability and gradual transition in assuming the task of compensation.
While church planting may be well known, church reforming may not be so familiar. Well grounded, healthy ministers who understand themselves and possess social skills of diagnosing factors that prevent church growth are ideal for church reforming. With a willingness to lead through change and an openness to be available to God, church reformers can lead existing churches who have stagnated or are in decline to greater health and assist them in re-forming, re-imagining and re-casting the gospel in their culture. For more information, click here.
Missions
Perhaps missions is an individual passion and long term calling. Educational preparation as well as securing funding is a prerequisite for mission placement. SMI provides an avenue through which ministry partner development and team building takes place simultaneously with ministry involvement and educational preparation. The opportunity exists to graduate with both practical ministry experience and a foundational team of ministry partners for the future.