They led worship, helped with Bible school, sat in church leadership committee meetings, worked with youth, visited the sick and elderly, met regularly with the supervising pastors, learned more about their own interests and abilities, and, of course, preached a sermon or two. They found pastors and congregations eager to welcome and encourage them. While neither Tim nor Jon plans definitely to enter full-time ministry, they both now have experience that will help them make a decision if such a call comes. Both congregations benefited from the energy and enthusiasm of Jon and Tim. The MIP program gives congregations a specific way to be involved in encouraging youth to consider ministry.
Students receive a stipend which comes from the conference, the congregation and the college.
Eight Mennonite colleges, including Goshen and Eastern Mennonite University, cooperate in the MIP program. Interested students who have completed two or three years of college may contact the MIP representative at their college. An encouraging word from a pastor may help. Last Christmas Joe Sherer, pastor at Mount Joy, invited all college-age youth to consider participation. Tim Godshall took the challenge and spent the summer at East Chestnut Street.