Nov 2, 2016 By Greg Finley for The Yellow Jacket 3 min read

Waynesburg University senior Matt McDermott joined Rev. Jim Tinnemeyer, vice president for Student Services and university chaplain, and Josh Sumpter, instructor of biblical and ministry studies and assistant chaplain, on the Campus Ministry team as an intern in the fall of 2016. McDermott, a biblical studies and ministry major, is familiar with Campus Ministry through his faith and his major.

After being told that he needed to do an internship for his church leadership practicum course, McDermott reached out to Tinnemeyer about an opportunity on campus.

“I was in a situation where I studied abroad this summer, so I was going to be gone in the middle of summer,” said McDermott.

McDermott was offered a position on campus helping with the Campus Ministry team. His duties include helping out with the chapel services, attending weekly meetings with the Campus Ministry team where they talk about the different events happening on campus, managing social media accounts and updating photos.

McDermott has seen his faith grow through this internship with Campus Ministry. 

“As I learn about how ministry works specifically in a college setting it helps pull me closer in my relationship with God,” said McDermott. “I kind of get to understand what goes on behind the scenes in a practical sense, ‘what is ministry and how does it work?’ 

Sumpter said that McDermott has talents that he can utilize for the good of the university. 

“We want Matt to use his gifts and strengths to be a blessing to Waynesburg University, he has gifts in regards to design and communications so we have asked Matt to come along side our Campus Ministry to help communicate through social media and print materials,” said Sumpter.

All BMS students must complete 210 hours of work through an internship for the course requirement.  Most students get this done during the summer, but because McDermott studied abroad over the summer, he was able to obtain an internship at Waynesburg University. 

“He is getting experience going to all of the campus ministries and being exposed to them and spending a lot of time knowing how they work and the strengths and weaknesses,” said Sumpter.

McDermott has been seeking opportunities at weekly chapel services. He will be on stage leading the chapel service on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Sumpter enjoys having McDermott on his team because he can relate to other students on campus.

“He has some really good feedback and insights on how we can be more effective on Waynesburg University,” said Sumpter.

After McDermott graduates from Waynesburg, he is planning on going to Seminary School.  

“I would like to pursue a degree so I could be a pastor at a church or to pursue the same kind of job that Rev. Tinnemeyer or Josh Sumpter have,” said McDermott.

As McDermott continues his internship this semester, he will be able to see if this is truly what he wishes to pursue as a career.