Nate Meyers, a junior at Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, South Dakota, serves as an Elisha intern at Mitchell Fusion Church in partnership with DWU Campus Ministry.  

The Elisha Project is a ministry internship program designed to help young adults discern more fully what God is calling them to do. Churches partner with the Dakotas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry to provide a learning experience and a stipend. 

Nate Meyers, Elisha intern at Fusion Church and DWU. Photos from Nate.

Nate grew up attending Risen Savior Catholic Church with his family in his hometown of Brandon, South Dakota. He was inspired to learn more about God and grow in his faith as he witnessed the joy that his priests and some of his mentors had.

“It was so inspiring seeing how they had so much joy in their life," Nate recalled. "I saw that, and I wanted it for myself. I realized that it was because of their faith in Christ that they could live so freely, and it inspired me to grow more in my faith.”

Now that Nate has developed his relationship with God, he shares joy with all those around him. Through his internship, he has been given the opportunity to mentor and co-teach the confirmation class at Mitchell Fusion UMC.

Nate reflected, “It’s been neat to notice that, as I mentor others, sometimes teaching others is the best way to learn. Even though I’m in the mentor spot, I’m learning so much from them, too”. 

Another way that Nate is sharing the joy and reassuring love of Christ is through his passion for baseball and athletics. Nate is a Dakota Wesleyan baseball team member and one of the athletic chaplains on campus. Nate and a team of other student-athletes have brought the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to campus. Not only that, but Nate also leads a small group of about 20 male athletes, where they can bond over their faith and share many similar struggles as student-athletes.  

Nate and his small group spent their Saturday raking leaves in the Mitchell community.

“Growing up, playing baseball was always a big deal for me. I would get super worried about if things didn’t go well, and it caused me a lot of anxiety. My faith really gave me a way to understand failure and struggles,” said Nate. “With my small group, it is a good opportunity to help others that are in the same shoes. It’s neat to hear how their faith is helping and working in the lives of people who are similar to me in many ways”. 

Nate’s favorite thing about his Elisha internship so far is learning about everything that goes into a successful ministry.

“There are so many different positions within ministry. It’s not just pastors; there’s a lot of different routes you can go.  I’m just thinking about how I can combine my passions– the things that I’m interested in, with ministry,” he said. 

Nate looks forward to finishing his internship and continuing to explore and discern his calling throughout the last few semesters of his college education. He would like to thank pastors Taryn Ragels and Anthony Purcell for guiding him during this experience and pushing him to learn and grow.  

If your church or someone you know would like to consider an Elisha internship, click here to learn more.