Responding to the call

Harding has always been a place where local ministers and global missionaries are prepared for service. Many have made significant sacrifices to send their children to Bible colleges where they would not simply earn degrees but be shaped into church leaders and kingdom servants. 

Our students are passionate about education and health care and business and government, but they also have a heart for the church, evangelism and service. Harding’s theological studies program seeks to address the minister shortage so many churches are facing while preparing students for Christian service in their careers. These students learn to see themselves as ministers with unique gifts to offer. They seek opportunities to lead, teach, serve and share alongside communities of God’s people across the globe. 

The program is growing rapidly as students respond to the call to something greater than themselves and their own passions. They realize God’s gifts are not meant to be used only for their own ambition and success but ultimately for the good of the kingdom, and they are eager to take on that challenge. 

In addition to academic training, students gain real-world experience through internships with churches and parachurch organizations. These experiences solidify their ministry identity, increase their confidence and clarify their callings. 

Ava Clark, a cognitive neuroscience and theological studies major from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, interned at Uplift Christian summer camp this summer. 

“My internship taught me that the community aspect of ministry and worship is so important because you cannot follow Christ all by yourself,” Clark said. “The fellowship we shared with the kids left such an impact on us as counselors.”

Andrew Smith, Luke Smith and Carmen Starck chose to complete their internship together, developing deep friendships through kingdom service. They spent the summer learning from and serving alongside missionaries in Pemba, Mozambique.

“I saw God through the interactions between my fellow interns and the people of Mozambique,” said Luke Smith, a film and theological studies major from Little Rock, Arkansas. “It seemed as if a light was shining for us as well as for the people we were coming to see. It was so encouraging to be mentored by the missionaries, and I thank them for their constant support.”

Is your church, business or organization interested in hosting an intern? Connect with us at theologicalstudies@harding.edu, and let’s work together to equip the next generation of church leaders.