Developing Ministry Leaders
Through spiritual and workplace discipleship, monthly seminars from experienced church leaders, and hands-on ministry opportunities, Ministerial Assistants gain valuable experience, equipping them for their future ministry.
Leadership training
Each month, MAs meet for training designed to equip them for ministry both now and in the future. Practical and philosophical topics will be covered as a part of ongoing development.
Examples of topics covered: Levels of leadership, ministry budgeting, navigating change, how to prepare a message/lesson, how to recruit and retain volunteers, how to manage conflict, racial reconciliation in the church, and how to lead when you’re not in charge.
Discipleship
Growing in your walk with the Lord is just as important as helping others do the same. In order for MAs to be poured into as they are pouring out to others, MAs regularly meet for discipleship. This includes prayer, sharing a meal, and a time of study and discussion, as we pursue Intimacy with Jesus.
Hands-on experience
Alongside training and discipleship, MAs have the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience. MAs assist and lead in many areas of ministry as we pursue the Mission and Vision of our church. As valuable team members, MAs take an active role in ministry, practicing what they learn and observe.
Types of MAs
Summer MAs work a 12-week period during the summer months (May–August). They typically work 25 hours a week, but this can be dependent on involvement in camps and other ministry opportunities. These are paid positions and housing is provided for MAs moving to Memphis from out of town.
Year–long MAs work in a way that is similar to a residency program. Year-long MAs serve for the duration of a year with designated start and end dates. They typically work 25 hours a week. This can be dependent on involvement in camps and other ministry opportunities. These are paid positions. Housing is provided for Year-Long MAs moving to Memphis from out of town.
Year–round MAs have no designated end date. They typically work 29 hours. This can be dependent on involvement in camps and other ministry opportunities. These are paid positions. There is a transportation/relocation stipend for MAs moving to Memphis from out of town.
Opportunities for everyone
Bellevue’s year-long internships run January through December OR May through April. Summer opportunities run May through August.
FAQs
MA is short for “Ministerial Assistant.” We believe the title “MA” better represents the role that we desire to see filled while serving here. Ministerial Assistants are “ministers in training” pursuing the calling the Lord has placed on their lives through practical, hands-on ministry.
- MAs are an integral part of our staff and are therefore held to the same standard as full-time staff members.
- The expectation for all of our staff to maintain a life of integrity is something we take very seriously.
- There are certain standards, such as refraining from the consumption of alcohol and use of tobacco, maintaining appropriate relationships, and using social media wisely, that our staff abides by.
- Bellevue is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention. You can view what we believe here.
- Aligning with the core theological beliefs of our church is non-negotiable.
- Our staff is expected to honor the position and leadership of our Senior Pastor when it comes to theological issues, as well.
Yes. Pay is dependent on which type of MA you are. MAs are salaried positions with a typical wage of around $10 an hour.
Yes. For those traveling from out of town and that do not reside in the Memphis area when not in college, mileage or airfare will be reimbursed. One round-trip for summer MAs and two round-trips for year-long/year-round MAs.
Yes, housing is available for those who move to Memphis from out of town and who do not have family who live in town. These are fully furnished apartments within ¼ of a mile from the church. Provided housing is not typically available for married couples.
These are families from our church who connect with MAs from out of town to help them gain a sense of belonging at Bellevue and in Memphis. These families serve as an encouragement and as a home-away-from-home; however, MAs do not live with their MA Family.
Cordova, Tennessee—a suburb of Memphis.
Yes, we have married MAs in our program, but provided housing is not typically available for married couples.
MA positions are designed for college and seminary/graduate school-aged students. If you are a high school senior, you are eligible to begin your internship the fall after your graduation.
MA positions are reserved for those who are pursuing a call to vocational ministry or wanting to gain experience in order to clarify whether or not vocational ministry is his/her calling.
Though it is possible to work another part-time job while being an MA, the expectation is for MAs to be primarily committed to their role at Bellevue.
Absolutely! This program is designed to work alongside a college or graduate school schedule, whether you are pursuing an online or residential degree here in Memphis.
Though bringing a vehicle is not required, it is highly recommended. For the summer months, it is doable to go without a car. Although it is not impossible, it is very difficult to go without a car over the course of a year.
You will have two primary teams that will develop and lead you while you are here. Your immediate supervisor will be from the ministry team you specifically serve on, and you will also have the Leadership Development Team walking alongside you in your spiritual and overall leadership growth.
For summer MAs, typically in May. For year-long MAs, typically in January or May. For year-round MAs, typically as opportunities become available throughout the year.
After your interest form is assessed, and it is determined that you are a potential candidate for the area of ministry in which you have shown interest, you will then have an interview with Bellevue’s Leadership Development Team.
From there, you will interview with the specific ministry supervisor.
After assessing the needs of the team and ministry being discussed, a final decision will be made, and final paperwork will be completed if you are selected.