Episcopal Service Corps

Around this time last year I was not necessarily freaking out, but nonetheless concerned about what exactly I was going to do after completing my Master's in Southern Studies. At the time I did not particularly care for applying for my PhD and I didn't just want to do an office job and definitely did not consider working for a museum or as a public school teacher.

I knew, however, that I wanted to try and at least see if ministry in the Episcopal Church was something I could handle. I had heard about the Episcopal Service Corps and checked it out. I was also searching for youth ministry jobs within the Episcopal Church. I applied to some jobs and for whatever reasons, be it lack of experience or lack of schooling in ministry, I was denied the jobs. So I took a closer look at the Episcopal Service Corps, did some blanketed applications and tried my luck.

My luck landed me two offers. One in San Francisco and the other in Newark, New Jersey. I took some time to think on it and chose San Francisco. The Episcopal Service Corps, to me, is an opportunity to further explore the ways that lay and ordained or intentional ministry for twenty somethings who want more out of their lives than just a desk job. It is a way to see firsthand through working with non profits or local churches just what exactly ministry can look like.

What made the Episcopal Service Corps even better for me was the structure of it. The time taken to worship together and eat together, building a community of support and care was a big draw for me. As a 25 year old at the time, I found myself not entirely committed to a church, but longing to be a part of a community and the Episcopal Service Corps gave me that.

For those who are interested in a life of simplicity and service and ministry and worship, the Episcopal Service Corps is ideal. Through circumstances out of my control, I did not complete my year with the program and I miss that community, but that does not stop me from promoting that kind of dedication and intentional time.

There's something to be said in this consumer driven culture, for those who choose to buck against it. The young adults searching for something more to do with their lives, meaningful, not always financially profitable, but sustaining work for the soul. The closely linked monastic life coupled with work and continued participation in the world around us is something that few people get to experience.

I am better for the time I spent in San Francisco. I learned a lot from that experience and believe that the mission that is promoted through the Episcopal Service Corps is a good one, a necessary one, in this time of questioning and doubt.