Do you know a gifted college student who is discerning where God is calling them?  Recruit that student to apply for an Elisha Project internship this summer.

I am Elisha from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.

The Elisha Project is an internship program that allows opportunity for students to explore, discern their call and discuss with mentors and peers where God is calling them.  

Students who have completed at least one year of college, completed the application process and selected by the Elisha committee will be assigned to a church and mentor.

The ten-week internship takes place in the summer.  March 1 is the application deadline.  Click here to apply.

Natalie’s experience

“Last summer was a chance to get better at giving a sermon,”  said Natalie Buck, an Elisha Intern.

Buck, a senior at the University of North Dakota, spent a summer as an Elisha Intern at Grand Forks Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Howie Baird serving as her mentor.

Buck hoped to gain a wide variety of experiences in ministry at a congregation but especially gain confidence at giving a sermon. She led  “Wesley on Wednesday” an evening of activities and a prayer-focused worship service. Natalie also helped to design and carry out lessons, video messages and sermons for all ages based on the author Dr. Seuss.

The summer experiences allowed Natalie to explore her talents and her call.  “I really love planning worship,” said Buck. “I was not as confident about visitations.”

Natalie grew up in Oakes, North Dakota where she was active in Oakes United Methodist Church.  She was a member of the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministries. Natalie has been wondering where God is calling her since her youth and camping experiences. The Elisha internship was a perfect fit. 

Rev. Howie Baird served as the mentor for Natalie.  “It was a pleasure to work with Natalie this past summer,” said Baird. “She has so much energy and creativity.  She added a lot to our Wesley community.  It was an awesome experience for everyone.”

If you know of a person who would like to consider the Elisha Project click here for details.

Elisha project—Natalie's experience from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.