Ministry & missions
FORMED WHERE
YOU SERVE.
Discover what it means to serve people, contribute to a team, and grow as a leader while connecting practical ministry with your education.
Practical ministry
PUT LEARNING
INTO PRACTICE.
Learn alongside people who are doing ministry every day.
Practical ministry puts you alongside Realife pastors and leaders as you participate in the work of the church. It gives you a closer look at both the visible moments and the preparation, teamwork, and care that make ministry possible.
Explore opportunities in Youth, Kids, Production, Creative, Pastoral, and Events. Bring your interests and your willingness to learn. Placements, responsibilities, practicum requirements, and feedback arrangements vary by program and ministry area.
As you serve, you can develop communication, collaboration, preparation, and leadership skills. You’ll also have opportunities to consider how your gifts contribute to a team and how your learning connects with the people you serve.
Global missions
A WORLD
BEYOND
THE FAMILIAR.
Step beyond familiar surroundings. Consider your place in God’s mission.
Each year, students participate in an international missions-focused trip. It’s an opportunity to encounter another cultural context, share an experience with your fellow students, and explore what it means to serve beyond your own community.
You may be considering a future in missions, or you may be discovering how missions connects with your life and calling. Either way, the experience gives you a reason to ask bigger questions about faith, service, and the world around you.
The international trip fee is included in your site fee, and guided fundraising supports additional expenses. Destination, dates, preparation, and out-of-pocket costs are specific to each trip.
Business as ministry
PUT YOUR
FAITH TO WORK.
An interest in business can be part of how you serve people and share the gospel. Through The Stone Table partnership, SEU at Realife connects students with local businesses that serve their communities and engage people with the gospel.
Explore connections with business leaders, mentoring, projects, and internships. These opportunities help you consider how faith shapes everyday decisions: how people lead teams, build relationships, solve problems, and approach their work.
Your professional interests can be part of a life of service. Business connections and student opportunities vary, giving you different ways to explore that calling.
DISCOVER YOUR GIFTS.
THEN PUT THEM TO WORK.
Talk with SEU Staff about ministry, missions, and business opportunities.
Start a conversationFrequently asked questions
YOUR PRACTICAL
MINISTRY QUESTIONS.
What is practicum?
Practicum is the hands-on learning portion of your experience. It connects participation in ministry with your education, giving you opportunities to put learning into practice in real situations.
Which ministry areas can I explore?
Areas to explore include Youth, Kids, Production, Creative, Pastoral, and Events. Placement options and student responsibilities depend on current opportunities and program requirements.
Who will I learn from?
You’ll learn alongside Realife pastors and ministry leaders as you participate in the work of the church and contribute to a team.
What skills can I develop?
Serving gives you opportunities to develop communication, collaboration, preparation, and leadership skills. You also gain a closer look at the care and responsibility ministry requires.
How does practical ministry fit into my week?
Scheduled activities take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekend service attendance and ministry team participation are required, with additional time needed for coursework, assignments, and independent study.
Does practicum count toward my education?
Yes—through practicum credit. The hours, credit, and placement requirements depend on your program.
Is there an opportunity to serve internationally?
Yes. An annual international missions-focused trip is part of the experience. Its fee is included in the site fee; guided fundraising supports additional expenses. See the Global Missions section above for planning considerations.
Can I explore business as ministry?
Yes. The Stone Table partnership offers ways to explore faith and work through business connections, mentoring, projects, and internships. Specific opportunities vary.