Advocates for Ministry

The Advocates for Ministry Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is an effort to encourage outstanding college students to consider pastoral ministry in a church among their vocation options or a trial year at a seminary of their choice. The program invites students to a dinner to hear young, local pastors share the joys of ministry and to engage in a discussion with students. The program is ecumenical, but gives a priority to Presbyterian Church (USA) students. All expenses are paid by the program. Doug Oldenburg attends and hosts the event usually in early spring and usually on campus.

Faculty, work crew leaders and staff are asked to help identify promising students to invite to the dinner as measured by academic ability, people skills, leadership skills, emotional maturity, and moral character. It is anticipated that most of these students will not have previously decided to enter seminary or ordained ministry, but are not closed to it as a possibility for their future. The conversation is casual, and no pressure is applied. The evening is just for planting seeds and exploring the option of pastoral ministry, usually among third and fourth year students.