Many persons prepare for full-time Christian service through studies at Emory & Henry. Career opportunities in the local church include service as a pastor, director of Christian education, or minister of music, all of which require graduate study in seminary. With study beyond the B.A. degree, a person may also serve as a chaplain in a hospital or in the military, a pastoral counselor, a campus minister, or a religion teacher. Seminaries and graduate schools of theology encourage persons to seek a good liberal arts education, with the balance of general studies and concentration which Emory & Henry offers. Other fields may provide vocational possibilities immediately after graduation from college, including service as a director of Christian education or youth ministry in a local church.
Students interested in church vocations are encouraged to discuss their plans with any member of the Department of Religion as early as possible during their program. A church vocations group, Kerygma, provides possibilities for discussions with other students planning similar careers, and internships give first-hand experience which also may be valuable preparation.