Bluffton University

Ministry internship

10/22/2024

Drew Snipes hopes to be a guide for teens and tweens in a “rough phase of life.”

Middle childhood education major interns outside of the classroom

Drew Snipes ’27, a middle childhood education major, completed a ministry internship this summer. Snipes worked with his hometown church, Grace Fellowship in Pickerington, Ohio, to gain hands-on experience planning, setting up, advertising and coordinating events with the ministry team at the church. 

“I was able to see how much attention to detail goes into planning a church event,” said Snipes. “Getting to see the kids enjoy the events I put on at the church was really rewarding.” 

Since he was in middle school, Snipes knew he wanted to become a teacher. 

“I feel I have an ability to deal with kids who are going through rough phases of life,” said Snipes. “Some people don’t really know who they are and that change from being a kid to an adult can be very difficult. I want to be a light for those kids.”

Snipes was able to refine his education skills as well as try out his interest in ministry through this internship. Snipes was able discern his calling to ministry and plans to add a ministry minor to his courseload in hopes to be a teacher and a minister in the future.  

Snipes credits Bluffton’s education program for preparing him for this internship.

“My classes at Bluffton have set me up for success and put me into several field experiences early,” said Snipes. “These experiences at Bluffton allowed me to know how to interact with kids, which significantly helped me with this internship.”
Being from a larger city, Snipes knew he wanted to come to a smaller university like Bluffton. 

“From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt at home,” said Snipes. “I love the nature and community which surround campus.” 

Despite being a sophomore, Snipes made it a point of emphasis to be involved on campus. Snipes is a member of the baseball team as well as a Hall Chaplain, President’s Ambassador and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Through Snipes experience being a hall chaplain, he has started a Bible study for male student-athletes on campus. 

“Everyone around me here makes it feel like home,” said Snipes. “Coaches and professors continuously check in on you and ask how you are doing. You wouldn’t get that at any other institution.”