CCYM gathered together at this year's DakYouth event.

For Adam Bergman, the Samuel Internship was an opportunity to take a closer look at the career he hopes to pursue: pastoral ministry. With a desire to one day serve as a United Methodist pastor, Adam wanted to better understand what happens behind the scenes of a church and gain firsthand experience in the many responsibilities of ministry.

“I wanted to see what it is like on the office side of things,” Adam said.

An active member of Bismarck McCabe United Methodist Church, Adam is involved in several areas of congregational life, including the praise band, youth group, and volunteer opportunities. He also serves on the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) as vice chair.

Throughout the summer, Adam experienced a variety of ministry responsibilities. He helped with Vacation Bible School, assisted with office projects, and even had the opportunity to preach during a Sunday worship service. One of the most meaningful parts of his internship, however, came through accompanying the church's chaplain on visits to people who were unable to attend church.

“I really enjoyed visiting people. I really loved hearing their stories and learning about their faith,” Adam said. “This is something that I really want to continue in the future.”

During one of his final visits with the chaplain, Adam was given the opportunity to do more than simply observe. He was invited to serve communion and pray with several individuals.

One of those visits would leave a lasting impression.

Adam shared communion with an individual during the visit, not knowing it would be the last time that person received communion. A few weeks later, the chaplain pulled Adam aside at church and shared that the individual had passed away. The communion Adam had served that day had been their final communion.

The experience offered Adam a meaningful glimpse into the responsibility and privilege of pastoral care. It was an opportunity to be present with someone, share in a moment of faith, and offer comfort through one of the church's most meaningful practices.

For someone considering a future in pastoral ministry, the experience also reinforced the importance of the relationships that come with serving a congregation.

Adam's internship gave him opportunities to explore both the practical and personal sides of church leadership. While he initially hoped to learn more about how churches operate, he discovered an even greater interest in the work of connecting with people and hearing their stories.

Through his involvement with CCYM, Adam is already finding ways to serve and lead within the wider Dakotas Conference. His experience as a Samuel Intern has added another layer to that involvement, helping him better understand the many ways pastors serve their congregations and communities.

As Adam continues discerning his future, the people he visited and the stories they shared will remain an important part of his internship experience. What began as an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a church became an opportunity to experience the heart of pastoral ministry firsthand.

The Samuel Internship is part of the Dakotas Conference's commitment to helping young people explore their gifts, grow in faith, and discern God's call in their lives. Through hands-on ministry experiences, mentoring, and opportunities for leadership, participants gain a deeper understanding of what it means to serve in the church and beyond.