Randolph-Macon College student Ryan Duncan ’17 is a music major, education minor, and athlete. This summer, he is adding the role of intern to his already impressive résumé.

Duncan, a Bailey Scholar, is doing an internship at Kenwood United Methodist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For students who sense a calling to full-time Christian ministry, RMC’s A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program offers encouragement through a vocational discernment group, internships and financial support.

Engaging the Community
Under the guidance of Pastor Rev. Dan Kim, Duncan is learning what it takes to engage a community in the life of one of its churches.

“I am performing many different duties,” explains Duncan, who secured the internship with the help of RMC Chaplain Kendra Grimes. “I shadow Rev. Kim, who shows me the daily ins and outs of being a pastor at a local church.” Duncan has office hours so that he is available to speak to members of the church and the greater community. In addition, he helps plan worship services, visits church members, and preaches on Sundays. General administrative tasks—preparing bulletins, for example—round out his busy internship schedule.

Mentorship
Kim considers himself Duncan’s partner in ministry.

“I wear various hats—supervisor, mentor, pastor—but primarily I think of myself as serving alongside Ryan,” he says. “Moreover, I’m a conversation partner. Ryan’s internship here is shaped and guided by the needs of this church. One of my roles is to provide a space where he can explore and meet those needs. As Ryan explores his calling, I hope that I can be someone he can turn to and discuss where God is leading him.”  Kim says Duncan’s internship is an invaluable opportunity.

“Every day of this internship is a chance for Ryan to partner with God and the church as the greatest force for transformation in the world,” he says. “On any given day, Ryan might be in a meeting to help guide the psycho-socio-spiritual direction of young people; visiting a World War II veteran; or helping offer the grace and forgiveness of God to an addict through prayer. I hope that Ryan will come away from this experience with a better articulation of his calling, appreciation of ministry, and application of pastoral skills in a small membership church.”

Athlete, Musician, Scholar
Duncan chose RMC for its football program and Bailey Scholarship program.

“I felt drawn to RMC from my first campus visit,” says Duncan. “After I was accepted to the college, and to the football team, I found out that I had received a Bailey Scholarship. Everything just seemed to fall into place.”

To say that he is passionate about music is an understatement.

“I enjoy music more than almost anything, so it just made sense for me to major in it,” he explains. “Music is such a big part of the ministry and the life of the church, and I know that it will serve me well in my career.” Duncan is an enthusiastic member of RMC’s Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, both of which are led by Music Professor Chris Ryder.

Future Plans
“My internship at Kenwood UMC is exactly what I need as I prepare for a career in ministry,” says Duncan. “Seeing firsthand the inner workings of a church will help steer me toward leading my own church one day.” His post-RMC plans include attending seminary, although he’s not yet sure which one.

“I’ve narrowed it down to my top three choices: Duke University, Wesley Theological Seminary or Asbury Theological Seminary,” he says.

The A. Purnell Bailey Pre-ministerial Program
Students accepted into the Bailey program are awarded half-tuition scholarships for their freshman and sophomore years and full tuition for the junior and senior years. In return, Scholars commit to completing at least one full-time year of theology school following college.

Bailey Scholars meet weekly as a group for personal support and vocational discernment. The group, under the guidance of a program director, regularly welcomes guests: seminary representatives, church leaders, and ministers working in a variety of settings.

Bailey Scholars complete two pre-ministerial internships during their undergraduate years: a one-month, January Term (J-term) internship for academic credit, and a summer internship, between the junior and senior years, which is supported with a $3,000 stipend.

Internships are completed in a wide range of settings, and have included placements in area churches, with non-profit charities and mission groups, and in international settings.

Bailey Scholars represent a wide range of academic majors and are active in a variety of campus student groups, athletic teams and organizations.