MDiv student Precious Chikunguru T’26 shares her global internship experience
November 2024 – Drew Theological School Master of Divinity student Precious Chikunguru T’26, an online student from Zimbabwe residing in Dubai, has an online ministerial internship at the United Methodist Church in Ireland.
“Indeed it’s a global experience,” said Chikunguru. “l would want to minister in all continents of the world.”
Chikunguru’s online education and experiential learning showcases the Theological School’s commitment to providing a global education. With in-person, synchronous, asynchronous, and blended learning options, Drew’s student-centered programs allow students to earn a Theological School degree beyond geographic boundaries.
Read on to learn more about Chikunguru’s decision to attend Drew remotely, and her ministerial internship experience in Ireland.
Why did you choose Drew Theological School for seminary?
I chose Drew Theological School because l was initially looking for a school affiliated with the United Methodist Church. When comparing curriculums for the Master of Divinity program, I fell in love with Drew’s program. The fact that I could do the program online and graduate from my home country—that was the catch for me.
Drew Theological School is blessed with lecturers whom I trusted would walk with me through this journey of ministry training.
Tell us about your internship experience.
My internship experience has been a blessed one. I love ministry so much and I wanted tp grow my career worldwide. This is why I decided to do my internship remotely at a church in Europe.
I am an intern at the United Methodist Church located in the Republic of Ireland. I must say I have learnt a lot from the European way of worship. I help the pastor with the midweek service proceedings. If the pastor is preaching, then I lead the service together with the lay leader.
When it’s my turn to preach, the senior pastor will help me with proceedings—it has been a wonderful time. Most midweek church events take place on Zoom, which provides me with greater flexibility to attend.
Combining the knowledge I have from an American university like Drew, my internship being in a European church, and being from Africa, I have faced some issues with cultural differences, but with time we get to learn new ways of life as we venture into this journey of ministry.
Why is this work so important?
I find myself compelled to pursue God’s calling. Attending seminary prepares me with the foundational education necessary to become a Christian leader living my God-given purpose. As a little girl from Africa, I did not know my purpose in life until God spoke to me to work for him. The work is important because we get to change people’s lives. Now, whenever we are preaching, be it in Africa or America, or Europe, we have the capability to properly teach the word of God. It provides me with the opportunity to deepen my community impact through ministry. I am able to work for the United Methodist Church and also for God to help his people in the journey of spirituality.
