EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University graduates Sophia Choat ‘24 and Justin Heintz ‘24 completed their spring internships at Westside Faith Center while completing their bachelor’s degrees in Christian ministry. These experiences offered them valuable insights into church ministry and a hands-on understanding of serving a faith community.
Heintz was drawn to the internship through his relationship with Gianna Raz ‘19, a Bushnell alumna and church staff member, as well as his eagerness to work under lead pastor Joshua Little, M.A., who is also the Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Formation at Bushnell. “There’s a lot of opportunities for youth ministry at Westside,” Heintz shared. “I fell in love with the community and all the opportunities. There’s just a lot I can do, and I learned a lot from this internship.”
His role involved setting up and tearing down the church at Prairie Mountain Middle School, preparing messages, planning games, and organizing youth group meetings. Reflecting on how the experience prepared him for his future, Heintz noted, “This internship has been really beneficial because I want to be in full-time youth ministry, and it’s given me a chance to learn in a supportive environment.”
Similarly, Choat followed Pastor Little to Westside Faith Center, where she noticed needs that aligned with her internship goals. “I asked [Pastor] Josh if he needed another intern, and he was all for it,” she recalled. Choat’s tasks included helping with the set-up and tear-down crew, leading a young women’s small group, and stepping in to assist with various church needs. “This internship provided a great experience of what it’s like to work in a church. I’ve learned what it means to exist in a healthy church environment that gives back as much as I give to it.”
Both Heintz and Choat highlighted the supportive community and the joy of working with the staff and youth as the most rewarding aspects of their internships. “Getting to know the youth has been the best part,” Heintz expressed, while Choat emphasized, “Everyone is so nice—Justin, [Pastor] Josh, Gianna, and the others. They’ve taught me so much, and it’s been so fun.”
As they move forward in their careers, both Heintz and Choat are eager to apply the lessons learned at Westside Faith Center. Heintz, who is now serving as a youth intern at the church, and Choat, who carries forward the insights gained as she explores her own path, are confident that the experiences and connections they’ve made will continue to influence and inspire their journey in ministry.
For more information about internship opportunities at Bushnell University, visit www.bushnell.edu.