Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern Program

The Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern Program is designed to provide the opportunity for three interns (GAMIs) to engage in full-time campus ministry at Whitworth University while simultaneously pursuing a master's degree over the course of two years. Each intern is mentored and supervised by a member of the chapel staff. They participate in regular meetings of the chapel staff, including ministry planning as well as personal support/prayer gatherings.

One intern works with Associate Professor of Music Ben Brody in the coordination of all weekly chapel worship services. The university carries on a vibrant rhythm of worship, with community chapels each Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11-11:30 a.m. during fall and spring semesters. In addition, Hosanna, our student-led worship service on Tuesday evenings, provides an opportunity for contemporary worship. One intern works directly with Dean of Spiritual Life Terry McGonigal and Director of Athletics Aaron Leech in the coordination of ministry services to intercollegiate athletes. Whitworth averages 350-400 athletes each year who compete on our NCAA Division III teams. 

One of the interns works directly with Campus Pastor for Small-Group Ministry Mindy Smith. The Small-Group Program coordinates a weekly two-unit class in campus ministry for the approximately 75 student volunteers who lead small-group Bible studies on campus. Murdock Foundation has been very supportive of the GAMI program through its “Vision and Call” program.

As a Graduate Ministry Intern, I am privileged to work within the campus ministry program and be in a couple of different roles throughout the week. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share and participate in the development of student worship leaders. I am so passionate about the experience that is worship, and am excited about working with students and campus ministry staff to create and execute a service that is creative and beautiful in its own unique way each week. It is a chance to get to know the students, and it is my hope, that as we wrestle with the texts and music, together we will grow into stronger and more capable leaders in music ministry. 
Aly Quatier

As a GAMI I look forward to the opportunity to become a better leader, and deepen my spiritual life. I am also looking forward to developing relationships with students and others throughout the Spokane community. My hope here at Whitworth is to establish a movement that is bold and unashamed to stand for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Time for Spokane to Awake. Let’s go. “Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Austin Rovazzini

The GAMI position is unique. I am thankful for the opportunity to mentor and encourage Small Group Coordinators as they live out their college experience. "Doing life together" in this way often reveals my own weaknesses and reminds me that Christ's love must be my source of hope. People often ask me what I want to do with a Master's in Theology when I complete the program. I tell them I don't have to wait, I am already using it every day. I am able to take what I am learning in classes and apply it directly to my work with students and to my own spiritual growth. I hope that through this program I gain a deeper knowledge of the Christian tradition, an ability to share the Gospel as a grand narrative and not "steps to salvation", and grow in compassion for my fellow brothers and sisters who bear Christ's image. 

Kelsey Lantz