The Women in Vocational Ministry Residency Fund has been established as the first one of its kind. The purpose of the fund is to provide support for a residency program at the church that gives opportunities to women aspiring to full time Christian ministry work. The new fund establishes financial support specifically for women to hold residency positions through Second’s strategic missional efforts to train participants through on-the-job ministry experiences, while seeking degrees that support their ministry aspirations.
This program will prepare and equip women to be sent out as ministry leaders into strategic opportunities, such as counseling, outreach, women’s ministry, missions, Christian non-profits, and other areas, in order to expand the kingdom of God. Residency components typically include seeking a Master’s degree; taking leadership responsibilities in Sunday School and/or community groups such as parishes or small groups; and focusing on identified areas of concentration.
Second Presbyterian Church has historically supported the professional development of residents in the areas of pastors, youth, and more recently the music ministry. The establishment of this fund continues in the tradition of this strategic mission of the church and Foundation. The initial goal is to equip a woman qualified for vocational ministry every 2-3 years.
Brett Wynne is the pastor that oversees the LAUNCH program. He states, “The LAUNCH program has been a strategic program for the life and mission of our church. We have been able to hire pastors to lead our congregation and send out pastors throughout the nation. The recent addition of a Women in Vocational Ministry component to the LAUNCH program will not only allow us to send out pastors but women who are called into ministry as well. We are excited at the opportunity to be able to train and send out women in a variety of fields, prepared for positions such as women in ministry directors; counselors; missionaries; ministry directors or leaders; or other influential roles in kingdom building life. The establishment of this specific fund ensures a commitment to this vitally important need.”
Jessica Uke is the first woman in this new role. Jessica is seeking a counseling degree and is using her skillset and training as she works within the church and specifically the young adult ministry. She receives ministry training alongside other LAUNCH participants as they grow into each of their respective residency positions. The Foundation is supporting the church through its Undesignated Fund with this initial position with a view of enabling these internships long term through the establishment of this new fund.
Jessica recently said, “I feel extremely privileged to be the first participant in the Women in Vocational Ministry component of the LAUNCH program here at Second. I am currently getting my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and before I started applying to schools, I felt two strong convictions that ultimately steered my decision-making process: I felt called to be in Memphis, and I felt called to remain an active member of Second Presbyterian Church. In His complete sovereignty, the Lord has continued to show me how He can use me with my specific skills and gifts. I feel called to serve by way of mental health counseling and through encouragement from my friends and family—many of whom are here at Second—I feel more affirmed each and every day. Through this support, my postgraduate education and vocational training has moved from just a dream to a reality, and I am so grateful. To think that there will be a permanent fund that will help other women receive training in vocational ministry brings me joy.”
The Foundation welcomes the receipt of funds from members of Second and the community at large for the purpose of providing support for this effort. Debbie Perkins and a team of volunteers have engaged in making the congregation aware of this opportunity.
If you would like to make a contribution, simply direct your gift to the attention of Second Presbyterian Church Foundation: Women in Vocational Ministry Residency Fund or donate here. Donations made prior to December 31, 2023 will be matched at 100% up to $500,000.
If you would like to learn more about the Fund or discuss ways in which you can participate, contact Debbie Perkins at dbperkins57@gmail.com or Vicki Simmons at (901) 507-7898 or vicki.simmons@2pc.org.