Ministerial Assistants
Bellevue’s Ministerial Assistant Leadership Track is an internship program designed to raise up and send out trained leaders to serve the local church. ApplyDeveloping ministry leaders
Ministerial Assistants (MAs) gain valuable experience and are equipped for future ministry through spiritual and workplace development, monthly seminars from experienced church leaders, and hands-on ministry opportunities.
Leadership training
Each month MAs meet for training that is designed to equip them for ministry both now and in the future. Practical and philosophical topics will be covered as part of their ongoing development.
Topic examples include ministry budgeting, navigating change, preparing a message or lesson, recruiting and retaining volunteers, managing conflict, racial reconciliation in the Church, and more!
Discipleship
Growing in your walk with the Lord is just as important as helping others do the same. That’s why MAs regularly meet for discipleship—so they can be poured into as they are pouring out to others. MA discipleship includes prayer, sharing a meal, and a time of study and discussion to help them pursue intimacy with Jesus.
Hands-on experience
Alongside training and discipleship, MAs have the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience. MAs help 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 for a 12-week period during the summer months (May–August). This is a paid position, and housing is provided for MAs moving to Memphis from out of town. There is also a transportation and relocation stipend for MAs moving to Memphis from out of town.
Year-long MAs work in a way that is similar to a residency program. They serve for the duration of a year with designated start and end dates. This is a paid position. Housing is provided for MAs moving to Memphis from out of town. There is also a transportation and relocation stipend for MAs moving to Memphis from out of town.
Year-round MAs work in a way that is designed to come alongside their college or seminary education. Year-round MAs have no designated end date. This is a paid position.
Opportunities for everyone
Bellevue’s year-long internships run January through December OR May through April. Summer opportunities run May through August.
Learn more about MA families
What is an MA family?
A couple, family, or individual who provides the valuable gift of family and community to one or more MAs.
Many MAs are living in Memphis for the first time. Having an MA family can help as they transition to a new city, and it can encourage them as they pursue what God has called them to do at Bellevue.
What does an MA family do?
Provides intentional hospitality by helping their MA(s) feel welcomed to Memphis and encouraged as they serve at Bellevue. MA families invite their MA(s) to their home for meals, take walks with them at Shelby Farms, or include them in family activities such as ball games or pool days. MA families can also support their MA(s) by sending encouraging texts, giving them a goody bag, or sending them a note with a Bible verse.
Click here to learn more about becoming an MA family!
FAQs
What is an MA?
MA is short for Ministerial Assistant. We believe the title “MA” accurately represents the role interns have while serving here. MAs are ministers-in-training, pursuing the calling God has placed on their lives through practical, hands-on ministry.
What do I need to know about Bellevue’s standards for staff members?
All staff standards should be viewed through the lens of what is best for the ministry, for the church, and for God’s kingdom, not just how it affects the individual personally.
- MAs are an integral part of our staff and are therefore held to the same standards as full-time staff members.
- The expectation for all staff members to maintain a life of integrity is something we take very seriously.
- There are certain standards, such as refraining from tobacco use and the consumption of alcohol, maintaining appropriate relationships, and using social media wisely, by which all our staff members abide.
- 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. When it comes to additional theological issues, our staff is expected to honor the position and leadership of our Senior Pastor.
Are MAs paid?
Yes, all MA positions are salaried positions, and rate of pay is dependent on which type of MA you are (see above for types of MAs).
Is there financial assistance for travel when I begin and end my time at Bellevue?
Yes. For those who do not reside in the Memphis area when not in college, mileage or airfare will be reimbursed, not to exceed a specified dollar amount. We will reimburse one round trip for summer MAs and two round trips for year-long and year-round MAs.
Is housing available?
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 a quarter of a mile from the church. Housing is not typically provided for married couples.
What are MA families?
These are families from our church who connect with MAs who are 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.
What?
MAs from out of town are paired with a local family who will is intentional in encouraging them and providing them with a sense of home.
Why?
Spending time with an MA family can help MAs transition to a new city, connect at church, and make memories. We want our MAs to be encouraged as they pursue what God has called them to do at Bellevue.
Where is Bellevue located?
2000 Appling Rd.
Cordova, TN 38016
Cordova is a suburb of Memphis.
Is a married person eligible to be an MA?
Yes, we have married MAs in our program, but housing is not typically provided for married couples.
What are the qualifications to serve as an MA?
MA positions are designed for college-aged and students in seminary or graduate school. If you are a high school senior, you are eligible to begin your internship the fall after you graduate.
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 their calling.
Can I be an MA and work another job at the same time?
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.
Can I be an MA and go to school at the same time?
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.
Will I need a car?
Though bringing a vehicle is not required, it is highly recommended. For the summer months, it is doable to go without a car. However, for year-long or year-round MAs, it is very difficult to go without a car over the course of a year.
Whom will I be led by?
You will have two primary teams that will develop and lead you while you are at Bellevue. 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.
When is the typical starting time for MAs?
For summer MAs, the start date is typically in May. For year-long MAs, the start date is typically in either January or May. For year-round MAs, the start date is typically decided as opportunities become available throughout the year.
What is the hiring process?
After your interest form has been assessed and it is determined that you are a potential candidate for the area of ministry in which you have shown interest, you will have an interview with Bellevue’s Leadership Development team.
From there, you will interview with the specific ministry supervisor.
After that we will assess the needs of the ministry, and a final decision will be made. You will complete final paperwork if you are selected.
Apply today!
Fill out our application form to get started.